Not many purchases...

Hello folks, hope all is well with you.

Nearly a month since my last post and lots of things been happening around here keeping me busy (especially Mom) who's been loosing lots of things, even her false teeth!  They haven't been found and we are convinced  they have been 'flushed' away...four weeks later the good old NHS had made her a replacement set and her bank balance is £209 pounds lighter (the dentist has given her the moulds to keep though - just in case....  

Keys are moving around the flat at an alarming rate, and that flippin' TV remote is still giving me grief too.  

I've actually managed to get into the gardens and have been sorting out, though still seeds sit in the packets awaiting planting.  I finally risked taking over-wintering plants out of the green house this week.  I shall have to take a few photos now the daffs are out.

I'm certainly cutting back on finds too, but have just a few to show you.

Spode Blue Italian coasters x 6 for £2.50 :o)

Old Willow pattern ginger jar minus lid

that I'll use as a pen jar in the study

50p

Pretty 30's cruet  75p

Little Tortoise (Calico) cat to add to the collection

£1

* * *

Though it seems an AGE since the snow and ice was around here I never got around to posting an amazing thing.  Driving down one of the lanes as the snow was melting during the day and then freezing temperatures at night I found this sight..

Puddles in the road, but in the hedge a wall of..

ICICLES!

There was only this one patch running for around 12 feet along where the cars had sprayed through the puddles.  (The hedge is around 4 feet high)

I've never seen anything like it before, have you?

* * *

Now, you knew that my dear little hedgehogs would be getting a mention!

I had a call from Joan at the rescue centre on Sunday afternoon, one of the remaining two hogs I'd rescued as an Autumn Juvenile was ready for release, could I collect him?  You betcha!

It was around 27th October last year that I took Otto in, he was very wee and weighed in at 354gms.  Well things have certainly changed...

Meet BIG BEEFY OTTO now, drum roll please.

Weighing in at 1040gms!  (Still as spiky)

I painted the obligatory white marking on him before release to ensure I can identify him.

He was snuggled into one of my hog boxes, all snugly lined with hay and left to his own devices.  Within around 2 minutes he sped off and hasn't been seen since :o(  I'm confident he's okay though and know he'll return eventually if only to fill up on the free meal worms!

Then, yesterday Joan rang again - Olivia is out of her (short) hibernation and raring to go!  So she was collected last night.  She was 238gms when I Joan took her for the Winter.  Just look at the  my little sweetheart now :o)

756gms, and still tame and not nearly as spiky as Otto!
She too had her spines marked for ID and was snuggled into a hog box, but surprise, surprise she's done a bunk too....

Joan had quite a few other hogs needing new, safe homes after being overwintered and as I had another spare box - yes, you've guessed I bought Archie home too :o))

Now, he's a REAL big boy weighing in at 1059gms.  Also marked for ID and has also done a bunk!

I do have one resident hedgehog though, and there are at least two others visiting each night.  I shall keep my eyes peeled for these three, and although it's sad that they haven't decided to stay in my garden I'm happy that they have a darn good start and have an excellent chance of living a happy hoggie life, and you never know some hedgehog babies (now I'd LOVE that!)  If I do have any sighting of them I will of course tell you!

Sending my very best wishes to you all.

Thank you and a rescue.

I had a package arrive for me from dear Julie, the Celtic Lady in the U.S.

I loved the sweet roses :o)

she had emailed me out of the blue and said she had a porcelain cat for me.  (How nice was that!)  This is what was in the package:

two sweet blue and white kitties!  I love them :o)  They have found a home on my bedroom window cill, where they'll be one of the first things I see each day.  Thank you so much Julie they're gorgeous.

The Rescue (I Hope)

Yesterday afternoon I spent a few hours getting my Hedgehog page up and running, and I tried explaining about finding a hedgehog out in daylight and how to deal with it.  Then, later on I had to go out, and on my return heard something rustling about in the back garden border, when I looked it was a hog (we never get hogs in the backgarden).  It was still full daylight though about 6.30pm.  I dashed into the house grabbed my gloves and my ever ready hog carrier, then back into the garden hoping it was still there.  I managed to get it and on first inspection all seemed well as it had curled up (I knew there would be SOMETHING WRONG though).  I placed it on a wrapped hot water bottle and lightly covered it in shredded paper in the carrier along with a little food and water.  I then got in touch with Joan at my local hog rescue centre who said to bring it along to her.  The hog by this time had uncurled, but made no offer to curl again as I spoke quietly to it and stroked it's dear little face.

(Attempting a little food)

On arrival Joan immediately took it and charmed it into opening up, (believe me she really does charm them) and gave it a thorough examination.  It is a female and by the look is very probably pregnant, though she (happily) was not lactating (awful thoughts of starving babies somewhere).  She was very docile and despite having no injuries, obviously something is wrong with her.  Joan asked me to hold her while she gave hoggie a dose of anti-biotics Joan took her back, and continued to hold  her giving her needed heat, and gently stroking her.  By the time I left she had lifted her head and had a good look around.  Joan placed her on a heated mat for the night with a supply of food and water. 

When I rang this morning she said that the little one was still very subdued and hadn't eaten, but sometimes this happens as they are still a little shocked.

I had a text message later this afternoon to say that the little dear had eaten a dish of mealworm and looked a little happier.  The jury is out, and I hope that this time it will be a happy ending - fingers crossed (again). 

Best wishes

xx

Welcome Home Winifred! (And a few finds)

Hello all, I hope everyone is well and the weather not too cold.

I'd like to welcome my new followers, it's lovely to see you here!

Firstly,  and update on Winifrid Prickles, Joan, the dear lady who runs the West Midland Hedgehog Rescue Centre rang me on Wednesday and told me that Winifrid was up to weight (600g) and ready to be returned to the hoggie house in the garden :o) ready to hibernate safely. 

I met up with Joan and and after passing on a HUGE thank you took Winifrid from her and bought her home.  Joan suggested it would be better to release her back into the hoggie house when it was dark. Before I placed her back in her 'house' I marked some of the spines on her back with a little white water based paint so that I could positively identify her.  This will be harmless as it was only on the tips and didn't penetrate down to the skin.  I'm sorry I didn't take any photos as I didn't want to alarm her any more than necessary.  I have kept a fresh supply of drinking water and food available in the garden as before, but haven't seen any further sign of movement so far - this could well be that in my excitement I forgot to put a couple of twigs across the entrance tunnel :o(  However, there was some food taken the first night and I suspect she has moved into the second house as it hadn't had any disturbance by me .  I'll update with any more news.

x x x

I've had some finds - this will be quite a long post from here, you have been warned!

Firstly, I apologise the photos were taken during the evening in artificial light and are not quite as I would like.

I've found three more pieces of cloisonne enamel, this black 5.5" high vase £1.50

An apple trinket box 3.5" high, also £1.50

and this dear 2.5" high owl for 50p

the back view

A carved wooden cat which stands 5" £1.50

An acorn stoneware trinket box standing 4.5"

these are the markings on the base - does anyone know anything about them please?

Old, but a bit costly I thought at £4.95

A lovely Ringtons/Sadler teapot standing 6" high for £2.25

a Burleigh blue Calico 10" dinner plate 35p (!) One of my favourite designs.

2 little blue and white birds 2.5" long,  50p each.

Two small Portmeirion parian jugs £5 each approx 4.5" high

A 'tulip' table runner, brand new in it's packaging £2.25

When I was a child my favourite game was Cluedo, so when I came across this beautifully presented in a wooden 'book' case in an unused condition I just HAD to have it!  And it was only £5.50 :o)

and the 'bound' edge (sorry, awful photo)

Then ther was a few Christmassy things :O)

six gold napkin ties £1

a 13" wooden Xmas tree £1

I think this will make a great table centre.

seven large red/gold pine cones 10p each

and finally...for this post anyway, a red metal bucket 75p.  I thought this could be filled with sweets :o)

x x x

I'll close this post here.

I have more finds and photos to show - but  I thought I'd make another post with that though - it will be self explanatory why!

Hope you stayed the course ;o) as it's been a photo heavy post this time.  Let me know what you would have grabbed.  Look forward to reading your comments.

Best wishes to all, have a great Sunday!

Quick post.

Hello all,
 
Sorry but I'm not keeping my promise to show my shortbread moulds as I am expecting visitors and needed to clear the dining table!  So here's a few bargains found during the last week before I put them away.

I've seen this Wedgwood drawer in the charity shop for over a week and at £2.50 I decided to give it a home!  It's approx 12" square and has a lined drawer, I have no idea what was in it originally though - does anyone have any ideas?  I'm sure I'll find some small treasures to keep in it.

The next day I found this Marks & Spencer footed bowl (approx 10"diameter) for £1.50.  Now you know I have a weakness for anything gold, and I thought it would look so nice at Christmas.....so home it came.

On Saturday I went for a 'girls day out' to Dagfields (near Nantwich in Cheshire).  I found a glass wash board which someone had chalk painted for £12 - the cheapest I've ever seen one!

I want to attach it to my laundry door :o)

While we were there I spotted this:

Babacombe Pottery string holder at £5.  As you know I collect cats and already have another Babacombe cat string holder but it's painted as a tabby.  The string comes out of the mouth and the scissors nestle in the nose.

Lastly, for many years I have scoured Cannock Chase in the hope of finding some deer antlers without success but, while out on Saturday I spotted a single Roe Deer antler one of the dealers had.  I asked how much, they said £15 - I went away to think about it......

Then I went back after a while (and near closing) and offered £10.  After a little discussion we finally agreed on £12.  I'm DELIGHTED!

It has an overall length of two feet.  It must be naturally shed as it isn't sawn off and it's a single antler.  At the moment it's placed on the coffee table :o)

I must dash as I still have plenty of jobs to do.

I'd like to welcome another follower to the fold :o)  Hope you enjoy my posts and leave feedback as I love to read it!  On which subject, I hope I've got around to everyone who has left your sweet comments on my last post.

Have a great week all - promise I'll show the shortbread moulds next time - honest!

Very best wishes

Faces and a few flowers from around the back garden.

I'm just not finding so many bargains lately - not such a bad thing as space is getting scarce!  I was watering the garden last night and realised just how many faces there in the back garden, so I thought I'd share them with you - oh, and a sprinkling of flowers too...

I see these faces from the kitchen window.

You'll discover I like 'The Green Man' in his many guises.

This King has been with me for over 20 years.

His 'crown' of flowers has gone over a little now.

Well it IS a face of sorts!

Such a happy face to greet me each day :o)

This poor chap was rescued and moved to here after the ivy completely covered him on another wall in the garden.

What can I say about this one?  Only that strangely,  I like him!

This serene soul sits at the back of the pebble pool.

And a flower or two...

The hydrangea brought from my Mom's previous home

The David Austin 'Wisley' rose...I'm disappointed with this I've asked many folk and NONE of us can detect ANY perfume at all :o(

One of the bay trees and pots at the side of the back door.

The pebble pool is just off to the right.

And the other side of the door...Sid's cat flap even has a covering of flowers!

(This shows part of my kitchen window too)

A few more faces..

This sweet little face is watching ...

This sweet little face, who in turn is looking after one of these*

Sweet little faces (three of them!)

And then there's..

and

Who were rescued from my Aunt's garden when the house was cleared.

The now snuggle together at the base of the 'whirly-gig' washing line!

This big Bhudda is unloved by all except me :o)

Then there's this little fella,

With his lady wife who abide next to the side door of the garage -

rescued from a box of junk and re-homed by me years ago.

Finally, a few more flowers...

A new this year double lily, sorry no variety.

Pretty, delicate looking Corydalis, that self seeds and fills my borders with colour for at least nine months of the year.

As you can see my garden is as eclectic as my home!

* Back to the three baby blackbirds..

They've had a lucky escape this week.  I popped out to the shops on Tuesday morning and they were being fed by Mom and Dad.  When I returned the nest had tipped over and one baby still clung on but two of the babies were in mortal danger lying, breathing, in the border.  I cannot touch birds, I love them but couldn't touch them - so I made a mercy dash to my kind new neighbour Sarah and asked if she could put the babies back.  She didn't hesitate.  I lifted the nest back into the crook of the branches and Sarah placed the babes gently back in.  (Phew, Sid was still asleep on the bench - missing all of the exitement)  Later on after making sure Mom and Dad had returned to feed the young 'uns I wired the nest into the crook of the kiwi, hence the green garden wire zig-zagging across the side of the nest!

Hope you all have a great weekend!

Best wishes