Yep, that’s a gigantic teak root – 6 ft. by 7 ft. – reclaimed from an old house that was torn down in Indonesia. We wanted it for a wall in Bag End, Bilbo Baggins’ underground house soon to be built below the Spence Diamond Pavilion at Wizard Academy. BUT they wanted an opening bid of $3,000. Everything else that importer brought to auction here in Austin sold right away, but this 600-pound monster remained. A couple of weeks later, it was offered for an opening bid of just $1,500. Again, no takers. On Saturday, the auctioneer asked for a bid of $800 and Wizzo flashed his bid card because he knew you’d want him to. The 15% buyer’s premium added by the auction house brings the total to $920. Can you swing it? Call Becke if you can. (512) 295-5700.

And yes, we promise you can have Bag End the first time you come to a class after that marvelous house is completed in the Shire. We’re hoping to have it finished by spring.

THIS WONDERFUL TEAK ROOT WALL HAS BEEN FUNDED BY DAN AND CAROLINA ROITMAN.  THANKS, DAN AND CAROLINA!