Trade with Play at the Plate

A real easy trade with Brian at Play at the Plate. He was after the Diamond Giveaway codes which unlock unique codes. I unsuccessfully tried to participate in last years giveaway but only US residents (and members of the armed forces stationed overseas) could have the cards delivered. Always remember to read the fine print.
So Brian was collecting these to unlock special diamond digs. From this post it appears he is well on his way to achieving his goal.
I received some super Red Sox cards in my part of the deal.
Thanks Brian.

Trade with Brian from Play at the Plate

I took my two daughters to the Roman Museum in Canterbury today. They are studying the Romans at school, so I was being a good father and giving them some hands on experience. There is a whole section of 'hands on' being an archaeologist and handling Roman objects. Every time someone digs in Canterbury they discover artifacts related to the Romans and the Iron Age. Most of this museum is underground and the centrepiece is the intact remains of the hypocaust room and patterned mosaic floor. They loved it. When you leave the museum, to your right is Canterbury Cathedral looming above you.
While we were walking the quiet corridors I met Doug. I usually keep pretty much to myself but my wife says whenever I hear an American or Canadian accent I am like a bee to honey. I introduced myself with the usual politeness of 'Where are you from?' This is always a good opener for me as I can then say 'So are you a Phillies/Yankees/Braves/insert team here fan?' Doug is from Austin, Texas, or close enough to, he said. However he is the first person from the Americas that I have met that had no interest in any sport. He finally seceded that he should be a Rangers fan. We chatted a little while about sports, Barrack Obama, why he was travelling; the usual sort of stuff you discuss with strangers.
So it is fitting that I share this large brick of Red Sox cards sent from Dallas in Texas from Brian at Play at the Plate. He is a Texas Rangers fan and immensely proud of the fact. Brian sent along roughly 70 Red Sox cards from a variety of years. The pick for me was these Dick Perez cards inserted in 2008 Topps Chrome. I had yet to add the Jacoby to my collection.

Another highlight was these three numbered cards.

2001 Fleer Focus #235 Paxton Crawford 0933/4999

2002 Donruss Elite #151 Jorge De La Rosa 0254/1500

2002 Fleer Diamond Standouts #10/10 Nomar Garciaparra 0623/1200

And finally, 13 2009 Topps Chrome cards. This not only took a large bite out of the wants list but, oh how I love shiny...

Thank you Brain. The pile of Rangers grows gradually and I will send it when it is worthy of the selection you have sent me.

Trade with Derek from Hey That's Mine

Many of us have returned to card collecting after a break. For me it was getting married and having children. Less time, less disposable income and just being plain knackered. Now my children are at an age where collecting can be a shared experience, there is a little left over at the end of the month and well frankly sleep is overrated.
So it was great to find the blog Hey That's Mine. Derek returned to card collecting after a 25 year break and made up for lost time by arranging many trades. Like Derek I started blogging not just to keep a record of my collecting but to meet fellow collectors and arrange a few trades. A quick e-mail and a positive response set the wheels in motion.
I sent Hey That's Mine these and now for me to share the return.
Derek sent these Red Sox from Grand Prairie Texas but the package was postmarked Dallas, which is so cool;
2001 Donruss #23 Manny Ramirez
2001 Upper Deck #34 Carlton Fisk
2002 Donruss #9 Manny Ramirez
2002 Donruss #12 Nomar Garciaparra
2002 Fleer Tradition #312 Jason Varitek
2003 Fleer Hot Prospects #28 Manny Ramirez
2004 Donruss World Series #24 Curt Schilling
2004 Donruss World Series #25 Dwight Evans
2004 Donruss World Series #27 Jason Varitek
2004 Donruss World Series #28 Jim Rice
2004 Donruss World Series #29 Johnny Damon
2004 Donruss World Series #31 Manny Ramirez
2004 Donruss World Series #33 Pedro Martinez
2004 Topps Bazooka #154 Johnny Damon
2005 Leaf #30 Curt Schilling
2005 Leaf #32 Doug Mientkiewicz
2005 Leaf #34 Johnny Damon
2005 Leaf #35 Manny Ramirez
2005 Leaf #36 Pedro Martinez
2005 Leaf #37 Trot Nixon
2005 Leaf #64 Victor Martinez
2009 Upper Deck X #10 Jonathan Papelbon
2009 Upper Deck X #11 Jacoby Ellsbury
2009 Upper Deck X #13 David Ortiz
2009 Upper Deck X #14 Daisuke Matsuzaka
2009 Upper Deck X #X-KY Kevin Youkilis

Thank you Big D for the trade and yes I did like them.

Trade with Rob from Texas Rangers Cards

Thank again to Rob from Texas Rangers Cards who sent these packs in response to these cards I sent his way. It's a shame that he only needed 11 of the cards out of 38. That is a pretty poor showing even for a blind trade.

I will open the packs on Pursuit of Red Sox.