If I was a collector, I would never have worn it. The hoodie would have went instantly into careful storage.

But I pulled it on this morning without much of a thought, other than a general gratefulness for a morning cool enough for a hoodie.

Back in May of 2009, I covered the first IHSA bass fishing championship for high school kids at Carlyle Lake.

I worked my ass off and didn't have time to do anything or spend money, so on the final day, I had a couple $20 bills not doing anything in my right pants pocket.

Running back after the final weigh-in, I bought an Illinois High School Association Bass Fishing State Finals hoodie.

At $35, it was a bit overpriced, but it was quality work, a well-designed hoodie.

Back home the next week, I threw it on one evening and grabbed some groceries at Kroger, only to have a kid ask me about it.

The kid, well a strapping young man, was Nate Bass, first high schooler to weigh in a bass in the state championship.

I understand the value of collecting.

But I like using things even more.

On the back side of the town pond, I found the third hedge apple of the week. I picked it up and brought it home.

I am building a collection for my wife, who believes in the magical powers of hedge apples.