Who Put the Rage in Garage?

After a wee second birthday party we drove home, with a detour following some fluoro signs that blasted GARAGE SALE. It was an instruction we could not ignore. It was a command. Where there is a garage sale we must follow.

I got a little perturbed when the trail to the garage sale turned thin. I started to do a U-turn, and Matt piped up that we should keep going. So we did. Thankgoodnessforthat.

What we discovered was a garage sale on the brink of closing down. Ten minutes to go. I got a few choice linens (the cross-stitch, though silverfish fodder, is unfinished, perhaps I should help it realise its full potential). The frog hidden in the depths of an ugly vase.

And a big box full of linens. Which some (un)charming woman told me she had just purchased so I could not look. Thangsverymuchcowabunga.

However I did snaffle these two delightful angels, perfect for Christmas decs, a wooden elephant reminiscent of the ones my grandmother had (minus the tusks - did someone use those for toothpicks?!), and that cool Corningware dish (minus its lid, but I am ok with that).

Matt scored a wooden bowl which was thrown in as a freebie..

And almost my favourite thing, I do believe, how fortuitous. I had just taken out my knitting last night. I spied this stool/table thing and asked the lady what it was. A knitting stool. You put your knitting in the middle, and sit on it. Sit and knit baby. The fabric has definitely seen better days, but will be easy to replace. And she told me it's almost 100 years old. For $10 it was mine.

Perhaps tomorrow I will share my spoils from my mid-week op-shopping adventure. Tiny and I. We wike shopping! Actually, we both hate it. But op shopping calls, and it's a duty that we must obey.

Sunshine Blogging

I'm sitting by the window with the sunlight streaming through. The windows may be dirty but the sun knows it's way by rote. Some asked for proof that Spring is coming. Packing its bags from one part of the world, to wing into our part of the world. If this sunshine isn't enough, I don't know what is. But here you have a list that I am busy compiling:

- the birds are singing

- the cherry blossoms are starting
- the camellias are still blooming
- the magnolias are on their way in
- shy jonquils and daffodils are making an entrance
- I can stand to be oustide for longer, even hanging the clothes out is becoming more bearable
- the sun is hanging out with us longer

I found these books on my recent sojourn. They were 20 cents a pop, part of that haul. I didn't take them all, I didn't want to be greedy, but the illos are so very good. And the content? Timeless.

Let's Find Out About Spring - Martha & Charles Sharp, illustrated by Laszlo Roth (published 1963).

Here, let's take a peek together, shall we?

'When is spring? Spring is when it's warm enough to put away winter coats and hats and ...go out in lighter clothes.

Spring is when you can ride bicycles, go skating and play ball.'

Hey - it sounds pretty good to me.

Have you noticed any seasonal changes in your 'hood? What are they?

Careful (He Might Hear You)

One of my great secret joys. Spying on my smalls. I love watching them when they think they are going unwatched. I love listening to their conversations. I love seeing them interact. Discover. What joy!

Lately I seem to be sitting at my desk and the Doctor is immersed in some TV show or another. No Mummy of the year awards here, but when work has to be done, there are some small concessions. It's not like I'm letting him watch Boogie Nights.

It gives me a sweet thrill to creep up on my smalls (in a very uncreepy manner) and watch from afar. I love these stolen moments. But one must be careful one is not caught (please say that last line in your very best English-speak).

Want to experience more care?