And about time too! (A surprise in the post, Canada and other things..)

Hello folks!  Hope all is well with everyone.

Little by little 'things' are getting bearable and sorted here.

I MUST sincerely thank everyone who has either commented or emailed me recently, you have lifted my heart and spirits, your words have been appreciated more than you could ever know.

I've also been amazed/pleased to see some more new followers, thank you for joining in, hope to 'see' you again soon :o)

As you know I've been missing for a while, and most of today I've been having a play about with my layout hoping to trim and improve.  I've finally managed to magic up a blog button, so feel free to use it if you wish - I think it all works correctly!)  Let me know if it all looks okay please.
I've also added a side-bar link to my lovely, talented daughter's new craft blog 

Now, to finally get back to 'normal'.  Just before (the dreaded) Christmas I received a surprise parcel from sweet Mary the U.S.  I was amazed to find inside these dear...

Porcelain hedgehog measuring cups!
(I meant to say that Mary got them from Anthropologie)
Mary had treated herself to a set and decided to share them with me as she knows how much I love the little critters :o)  Thank you so much Mary, sorry it's taken so long to post them.  They are sitting happily on the bookcase in the kitchen, I can see them from here and they make me smile.

As you can imagine, for the sake of my sanity (!) I have been popping into the charity shop as I've been passing and found one or two little bits and bobs that I can now share with you all.
Bronze figures are amongst the MANY things I collect, though you probably didn't know that ;o)
and last week I found this sweet pair of bears.  They stand 1.25" tall, and cost the princely sum of £1.

Now, you KNOW I LOVE blue and white, so it will come as no great surprise to this addition.

An 1960's vintage Enoch Wedgwood Schweppes Willow Pattern advertising 4" dish (75p)

My fascination with glass continues (despite myself!) so when I saw this perfume decanter that stands around 6" tall for £3.50 you just knew I'd find it a home.

(It has a little condensation in the base as it's not properly dry yet.)

When I 'popped' in yesterday I was taken by this unusual owl, it stands 5" tall

I just love the expression in his eyes.  Another one at 75p.

In the 80's Hubs and I visited relatives in Ontario.  We had a wonderful, memorable holiday and travelled throughout Ontario.  I fell in love Canada, and said if I ever went again it would be on a one way ticket!  So, occasionally I see something beautiful that reminds me of our holiday.  In the last few days I've been in seventh heaven with the following three true works of art.

The wood duck and Canada goose were made in places we'd visited on our travels, which makes them special to me :o) and they only cost £3 each.
  But, by a sheer fluke I happened to be in the shop as the manager was putting out the following item, a TRUE antique.

A small, delicate wall hanging, hand painted with an Indian chief on leather.

Hard to photograph, but it says 'Vancouver 1912'

and on the back (it is attached to card)

The message reads

'To Tom

From Loll

Xmas 1913'

And the cost?  £2.50!

It is now wrapped in acid free tissue paper and safely stored in a beautiful box :o)

I admit to being totally flummoxed that people can discard such old family 'treasures'?

Well, that all for now.  I shall hope to be posting as a blogger should, but please forgive me if it's still a little sporadic at times.

Wishing you all well.  Stay warm!

Best wishes

xx