Lucky find

Tuesday on the way home from the weekly grocery shopping, I drove past a local op shop and something bright hanging on an outside display caught my eye.  From  distance I was fairly certain what is was.  Closer inspection revealed I was correct.  I paid the grand sum of $8.00 for these two blankets and after a soak, good wash and dry on the line, they have come up looking lovely.  Worn but very acceptable.  I couldn't leave them there in the shop knowing how much work had gone into them.

You can never have too many crocheted blankets.

Have a lovely day everyone,

Anne  xx

Op-portunities

Today I had to visit the nurse to get a fresh dressing on my thumb, which fortunately is healing really well.  Hopefully steri strips and bandage will be coming off in a week.  While I was out and about, I had a few other bits and pieces to do, return books to the library, post some letters and return a DVD.  Guess what happens to be right next door to the DVD store?   An op. shop.  :)  Of course I just had to go in and have a peek and look what I came home with for $7.00.

The lamp was $2.00 and although it needs some work, I think it was a steal.  A good vacuum and clean and it will look lovely.  The enamel container will be used as a pot plant holder and the two photo frames will be painted off white.  The photo frame with the funiture pictures is for Miss G. as she is decorating her room in a French theme and I/she thinks this will suit that theme.

 The little silver pieces and cut glass pieces will be put away until I find the perfect place/decorating idea for them.  I might use them to hold candles.  Does anyone have any suggestions?

What was your last bargain?  I love hearing bargain hunting stories.

Anne xx

Beach break

Beach air stills smells good, the sound of waves relaxing and sand is still gritty and manages to get in your sandwiches, scratch your sunglasses and get incredibly hot in the sun.  Miss G. and I had a lovely few days at the beach and although the weather wasn't particularly kind, we were able to spend 4 hours one day relaxing on the sand.  

 Two pairs of feet in the sunshine.  I fear something is terribly wrong with the horizon.

Isn't nice to know that 17 year old daughters aren't too old to make a sand castle.

Yours truly sheltering from the wind and the sun.  My fair freckly skin can't take too much sun and sunscreen is a must for me in the middle of the day.

 Miss G. is into taking interesting photos.  I didn't know she took this shot of me reading behind her great mountains of sand.

 Looking north up the bay.

Looking towards Rye pier.

One day was raining with thunderstorms so we opted to stay indoors and read books and watch DVD's.  We also managed to go thrift shopping and Miss G. found 4 photo frames she is going to redecorate for her bedroom.  We also found time for a gelato.  Miss G. sensibly chose chocolate while I thought I would try something different, pistachio.  It was horrible and tasted like fake almond flavouring.  Next time I'll play it safe too.

I made a discovery while we were away, sleeping bags and me do not get along.  I was borrowing Miss C.'s sleeping bag and I couldn't move around properly as it is quite a narrow bag.  Can you picture me in the middle of the night all trussed up and suddenly having a hot flush?  There I was trying desperately to find the zip on the side to open up the bag and cool off.  I couldn't move my arms properly, the zip had moved under me and of course it was dark so I couldn't begin to see what was going on.  It must have been a funny sight.

Well back to reality now and the pre-Christmas preparations.

Anne  xx

My family of owls

The love affair I have with owls started about 15 years ago when I was at a particularly low point in my life.  One cold wintery night found me going for a very brisk walk in my neighbourhood and something compelled me to look up.  On top of a light pole was a beautiful owl sitting watching me.  I was enthralled with this beautiful bird and it seemed we silently communed for about ten minutes until the cold persuaded me to head home.

Walking home found me in a completely different frame of mind, a peaceful one for which I was very grateful.  Since this time I have noticed owls seem to be around in times of stress and uncertainty which I find very comforting.  I don't often see them but I hear them calling at night sometimes from one of the big trees in our front yard.

So for everyone who loves owls, I would like to share my family of owls with you. 

 

 Miss G drew this picture for me when she found out I loved owls and it has been on my wall for years.

Mr White owl was the first owl I bought and he came from an op. (thrift) shop to a very good home.  Little carved wooden owl came to me as a gift from a very dear friend who knows how much I love owls.  Studious/book owl was bought when I was doing some university study.  I think he is attempting to say study is fun!!!

This is a photo of a Southern Boobook owl and was given to me as a mothers day present from my family.

Garden owl sits silently day after day watching over my garden.  He's lost his beak...oh dear!!

Dangly owl came from a lovely little gift shop.

Miss G painted this lovely brown owl for me, you can see how her artistic skills have developed.

Gold charm owl was a Christmas gift from D.H. and has since been joined by a dragonfly (did I mention how much I love dragonflies) and a letter A.

Fierce owl was a gift from another friend.

 

Tarnished owl is angry because he can't compete with BLING OWL.

White tea light owl seems to have grown a beard and he looks a bit cross eyed too.

We will reach the end of this post but not quite yet, I've more owls to share! 

 Proud metallic tea light owl has to share space with a dove.  Metallic owl came home with me after a girls weekend away.

 Look at all these gorgeous owls on my calender.

Night light owl lives in the ensuite and at night he really comes into his own!!!

I painted this owl on a fence post with barbed wire a couple of months ago.  He is done in oils and I had the best time painting one of my favourite animals

I hope you've enjoyed seeing  my family of owls.

Anne  :-)