It was no ordinary cowbell.

For starters, there was fringe.

Plus an embellished farmer and cow. And a thick strap (for very aggressive shaking, I presume.)

Turned out it was my first Scandinavian cowbell.

Had you pressed Bag Lady just the day before on where to find doilies for a dollar, field-worn sickles, a Scandinavian bell and an antique typewriter so ancient it had a wooden space bar, she would have been at a loss.

Enter Past 2 Present.

A reader recommended the shop on Minot Avenue in Auburn a few months back. We adore reader recommendations, particularly when they pan out. (See below.)

The shop is a mix of mostly-1900s and 2013 offerings, with pieces that look at least 100 years old inexplicably next to a like-new maple table and chairs kitchen set. A sign says they buy and sell. It’s full without being crowded, very random and, should you find yourself with time to while away, worth a look.

* Antique meat grinder, $12

With adjustable counter clamp that I’m guessing back in 1904 might have made it a deluxe model. There is, unfortunately, a limit to my meat-grinder knowledge and prowess. I wasn’t able to turn the hand-crank to give it a test twirl, but perhaps that’s a pre-emptive safety measure?

* Doilies, $1

Doilies for all! Grandma would be so impressed to visit your house and find one under every lamp and tissue box. Make the ol’ gal happy.

* Trunks, $15 to $65

Various sizes, ages and pirate-ness, from “probably not” to “practically see the barnacles.”

* Maple table with six chairs, $225

Looked brand-new, sensible.

* Scandinavian cowbell, $18

Dare I say the only one in the entirety of the Twin Cities? Yes. I dare say it.

* Grandfather clock, $125

Stately and red. “Made with real grandfather!” *

(* To be clear, that appears nowhere. But it should.)

* Antique, blue-velvet sofa, $250

A pretty, light blue with engraved grapes and vines. For taking off your shoes in the foyer very classily.

* Admiral vintage radio, $150

Unbelievably cool. Waist-high with clear glass, knobs galore and what might be a phonograph inside, either restored or very gently used for decades.

* Framed original drawing of Eeyore, $45

Looked like it was signed by Caroline Lavelle Egan, a children’s book illustrator. According to Amazon.com, it looks like she’s been part of a number of Disney books.

Best find: Remington typewriter, $35

A little rusty, but in overall good condition with round, old keys and the aforementioned amazing space bar. Write a poem. Write an ode. Write “Breaking Bad” fan fic.

Think twice: Bordello-style lamp, $55

Sorry, but with a giant cream shade, gold and red swirl base and dangling, red teardrops, Bag Lady could only picture this being home in a 1920s cathouse.

However, typing that forced me to look up the word “cathouse,” only to discover it’s one word, which means I’ve broadened my cowbell knowledge and bordello slang in one 20-minute excursion!

Shopping is a learning experience.

The one that got away

So Bag Lady and Shopping Siren have tried twice to visit RMJ Collections Boutique, the new shoe and lingerie shop beside Papa John’s and a bait shop on the corner of Lisbon Street and East Avenue, both times to be thwarted by weird hours. Sure, it was open on the Friday we looked. From 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The hours were longer on Saturday and Sunday but equally skimpy on Wednesday and Thursday. (A sign says it’s closed Monday and Tuesday.)

From the window the sparkly nothings glitter and beckon, with the shoes just out of sight (sizes 5 to 12, so we’re definitely intrigued.) Hopefully, another reader will let us know when and if they’re open during the day again.

Bag Lady’s true identity is protected by a pair of stylish, sweater-wearing Doberman pinschers (who would not be trusted around the wooden space bar) and the Customer Service counter at the Sun Journal. You can reach her at baglady@sunjournal.com.