A milestone achieved

Recently, my friend Kari helped me complete one of my collecting goals: acquiring a vintage Fiesta figure 8 tray in turquoise.  She attended an auction where one was to be sold, and agreed to bid on it for me!  Usually the vintage figure 8 tray was dipped in cobalt, and both cream and sugar bowls and lid were yellow, and they are fairly easy to find,  but there was also a more unusual color combination:  turquoise tray, red creamer, and yellow sugar bowl and lid.

I really loved the more unusual set, of course.  I knew from the beginning that it would be somewhat difficult to assemble, but that was part of the appeal for me.  I love the hunt! I didn't have much trouble at all finding the cream and sugar bowl in great condition, but the figure 8 tray proved elusive.  I've seen them sell for quite a bit more than my budget allows.  I've seen damaged pieces out there, but I wanted to wait for the right piece.  When Kari called to tell me that we had won it in the auction, I was delighted!  Best of all, she delivered it in person when we got together at the Homer Laughlin tent sale this past week.  Thanks, Kari!  Dish friends really ARE the best!

Here's a peek at my treasure: