I love this story of yours, somehow we are alike, I also scour kitchen wares from the thrift shop and sometime I got lucky to have bought a chef´s frying pan from a series made by famous austrian chef, it was almost not used as I saw the bottom still so new, I got it for 4 USD. I guess a lucky find. The most important thing in your kitchen is the food you make which look so delish everytime you post your recipes. I love your way of being so practical in so many ways! Thank you my friend for the best wishes!