Here is clever-clogs Lulu with her favourite toy, a pingpong ball covered in string. She LOVES to have it thrown for her, and is very deft with her paws - she could play for the Man. City Cats! As you can see she carries her trophy with her too!
I have kept their favourite box - they love it because the sides have holes in them for them to stick their paws through and they can still just squeeze through the narrow opening at the far end. Pippi loves to have my attention. In her mind, the best way to get it is to Be Naughty and she has taken to going behind the tv where she sits solemnly and then pretends she is going to chomp through one of the wires (that makes me react!) or she jumps up on the tv stand and heaven knows what she plots there, but worst of all she climbs onto the joint stool beside the tv, which has a couple of photos and one of a pair of Imari Ginger Jar lamps, puts her paws up ON the land and insists there are spiders there . . . That REALLY gets me up and running! She is a devil for plotting mischief and far too clever by half.
Today Keith and I went to the Fleamarket on Carmarthen Showground, where we used to regularly stand back in pre-Covid times. Here are a few of the stands and what was on offer.
Welsh blankets and quilts are fetching crazy prices these days - some would say deservedly so given all the work and heritage. It's been a lovely weekend hasn't it - we went o Cardigan yesterday, and pleased to see that it is very much 'on the up' - a while since I've been to Carmarthen show ground though. Perhaps one day we will cross paths.
ReplyDeleteI've sold several good narrow loom blankets to the States (chap in New York was buying them). He paid me good money, plus the cost of shipping etc - so goodness knows what price they went for out there!
DeleteWe always have a soft spot for Cardigan - it has the quiet feel that Carmarthen used to have, back when we first moved there. We had a Unit there for a while, but it didn't work out for us - clearly we didn't have the right stock.
Indeed, perhaps we will be in the same place at the same time - you never know!
Your kittens are indeed gorgeous! Lulu looks like she's now closer to adult, while Pipi still looks a kitten. She's got spunk! I had to Google carthen. Yours is lovely. I have something similar, though in browns and not as pretty. My parents bought it in Argentina back in the 1960s, while traveling in an area where Welsh immigrants settled in the early 20c. They always referred to it as a Welsh bed spread. I wonder if it's a carthen.? So good that Keith was out and about. Im sure that lifted his spirits.
ReplyDeleteLulu is chunkier and bigger than Pippi, who was the runt of the litter. Pippi got the brains though!
DeleteFancy you having a Welsh blanket - I know there is quite a community of Welsh descendents in Patagonia. If it has a fringe it's a carthen, without one it is a Welsh blanket. They have different designs and patterns depending on where they were made - different Woollen mills in Wales had particular weaving patterns they used, and different colour ranges too.
Keith was delighted to be out and about and talking to friends yesterday.
Gorgeous blanket, and that quilt is lovely (quite the price though). I am glad that people are noticing Keith is doing better. I hope he keeps right on improving.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
I think that quilt will be hanging around a long time - you just get a short window to sell on a Fair day, and people are careful with money right now. Perhaps they have a Unit somewhere as we used to.
DeleteWe have our fingers crossed that Keith's Thyroid medication can be tweaked to keep him mobile. There really is SUCH a difference.
Those kittens are getting to the 'catten' stage! It doesn't decrease the propensity for making mischief, only increases their strength and reach! No wonder they keep you amused - and alert! I'd love to see a photo of Keith's new dagger, please. I had to Google "Damascus Blade" and was intrigued with the description. Nothing nearly as exciting happening here - but it's Waitangi Day (commemorating the signing of a Treaty between the British monarch and the Maori chiefs in 1840) so much fanfare and speeches in Te Reo (Maori language) which I don't understand, but many young NZers are now fluent in. I hope Keith's appointment goes well - after such an effort to get there win time, you want PROGRESS!!
ReplyDeleteHaha - definitely "cattens" now Virginia. They are avidly watching what goes on outside the house, with teef-chatterings at the sight of birds flying by! I will take a photo of Keith's new dagger - I think you will be impressed by the craftsmanship. Enjoy Waitangi Day. I was interested to hear that many young New Zealanders now speak the Maori language fluently. That's a positive.
DeleteWe'll be interested on the Consultant's take on where Keith "is" with the Parkinsons, as so much is masked/altered by the imbalance in the Thyroid levels.
P.S. Our son Danny spent most of his year in NZ working in Wellington. He said it was a lovely place to live and work.
DeleteSo glad to know Keith has got things going again and therefore you will be glad.
ReplyDeleteThe relief I am feeling today is wonderful. I will transfer it to gardening shortly!
DeleteSo good to read that Keith was up to the outing. It must make you feel better as well.
ReplyDeleteWe both felt really good last night. Long may it last.
DeleteThis post has made me so happy for you AND Keith! And yes, that blanket is lovely. Amish quilts here go for well over $500. They are gorgeous and the time spent making them is what drives the price, but ah me! It would take me some self talk to put something that expensive on my bed.
ReplyDeleteI am feeling incredibly relieved this morning as Keith walked well across the kitchen to his chair. Knowing how he was even a month ago this is like a minor miracle believe me.
DeleteI bet the Amish quilts are hugely desirable, and beautifully made. A friend used to get an Amish neighbour to hand-quilt some of her quilts for her. Oh, how I would love a holiday in America and see it all for myself, let alone hitting a few quilt shops! Never going to happen, so I will just have to cherish my memories of the American Museum at Bath, with its fabulous display of American quilts.
Lady, if you ever get here, I will meet the plane, and take you to some Amish Communities.
DeleteLulu and Pippi are growing up so fast, aren't they? They are utterly adorable. No wonder they bring you such pleasure.
ReplyDeleteThe antiques fair looks a lot like my attic If I laid it all out on the table. I really must do something about these things while I'm still able to. I think a phone call to Peter Francis of Camarthan might be in order.
The pink whole cloth Welsh quilt is absolutely beautiful, isn't it? I am a sucker for blankets too, although I don't think any of mine are antique or valuable in any way. I have quite a few tapestry bedspreads and throws of different sorts. And three floor rugs. All of which could go in the effort to try and downsize and make the cottage safer for me.
Glad to hear you both had such a lovely day out.
They are little cats now, with distinct personalities. They are currently up and along the settle with a rolled up piece of paper, fighting over it!
DeleteWell, by the time Peter Francis have charged you to a) appraise your goods; b) collect them from you; c) enter them in their sale with a seller's premium of 18% plus VAT, plus lotting fee, unsold fee, cheque surcharge etc, you would be better off putting them on Ebay, or even giving them to a charity shop,believe me! https://www.peterfrancis.co.uk/about/selling/ Your Welsh blankets should sell well - advertise those privately - check on Ebay and Etsy for current prices. Much depends on condition - how well used (if very used, they end up "felted" and any moth damage or worse, stains, really depreciate the value. The tapestry blankets are the most desirable. If you want advice on t'other stuff, drop me an email and I will try and help with value.
Lovely to hear what a good time you had at the fair and how much better Keith is.
ReplyDeleteI love the look of the huge glass boat floats, although goodness knows what I would do with one if I had it!
I've looked up Carthen too!
A carthen is basically a Welsh blanket with fringes either end, or sometimes on all sides, as mine is. Then they were used as bedspreads.
DeleteThe glass floats are nice if you have a seaside cottage. Wouldn't look right here. I didn't mention I treated myself to another (very) old horse brass did I? Must take a photo.
Happy news both for Keith and those kittens. Handwork is always expensive as it should be of course.
ReplyDeleteHandwork and age - that was the answer to the price of that quilt!
DeleteKittens still bringing great joy but how I wish Pippi didn't go into tease mode just when I am finally relaxing! She was up by the lamps looking for cobwebs again last night. I tell her off and she then hides behind the tv where I can't reach her!
We've had several cats who love to fetch and carry a little ball--most have given it up after a year or two, as if they've lost interest. I suspect that a certain attitude of naughtiness is part of feline DNA. They seem to invent fresh ways of disruption. We usually have a cardboard carton in the corner for the cats--its there for a few days until a different one comes in. Remember paper bags? Those were always a treat for the cats on grocery days.
ReplyDeleteThe Welsh quilt is beautiful--hours of meticulous hand stitching.
One thing I've noticed about Amish /Mennonite quilts offered locally for sale: The piecing and hand quilting is so carefully done, but the fabrics are 'Wal Mart' quality rather than the finer cottons from a quilt shop.
Wonderful that you and Keith are getting 'out and about' a bit now!
Paper bags, when of sufficient size, of great interest here too! They have to be Killed!
DeleteThe quilt was lovely - a pretty Paisley pattern too.
What a shame that the Amish/Mennonite quilts are made from the cheaper fabrics. With such beautiful stitching, they deserve the finer fabrics.
It is SO good to get out and about and when it warms up a bit we can go out and about along the lanes - me walking and Keith on his mob. scooter. Not to mention going to Fairs regularly.
Oh I d have snapped up that orange quilt, we call that color ''cheddar'' and it is my fave, Wonderful in the fall w my blue and white rooms. How much was it!? Other treasures, the wall cabinet w the heart window, fishing floats w nets, sewing baskets, on and on. I'd need a truck.
ReplyDeleteSo wonderful that you Keith could attend and have fun too.
The ktties are precious, naughty or not. I can tell you really love and enjoy them and their antics.
love
lizzy
PS I am reading a new to me crime series set in Wales. It's by Rhys David, I think is the author. Some of the place names seem familiar from your blog, so that is fun. I must look on Google Map and streetviews for details.
What a shame you weren't with me! I think it was £50 or £60, so cheap, because an undesirable colour here!! I have a lovely hand-pieced Laura Ashley blue and white hexagon quilt. It's a strong royal blue from 1984 and no-one wants it because it doesn't "go" with their colour schemes (whatever they are!)
DeleteI adore my kittens, just love them to bits and get in a stew if I lose one! (They are often in the kitty hammocks inside the sofa base!)
Enjoy your crime series set in Wales. I can't find him listed here. I can recommend a trilogy by Alis Hawkins. They are set around Newcastle Emlyn and Cardigan (so the Carmarthenshire border and into Cardiganshire) and are very good. Oh, just noticed there's a 4th so I've just ordered it! https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=alis+hawkins+books&crid=2HWNPWKZXKCX1&sprefix=alis+hawkins%2Caps%2C347&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_1_12 That's the link to her books. You'll love them I'm sure.
Lovely to read this and hear the relief in your words - those kittens - adorable!
ReplyDeleteWe've been in west Wales for nearly 4 years but because of covid haven't explored much. I will try to take my mum in law to that event in Carmarthen show ground she would love it.
Alison in Wales x
Ah, now this summer it's time to go out exploring. I can recommend lots of places. Castles of course - been to most of those, though Manorbier is a favourite, and Carew too. Our local ones were in the Towy valley at Dinefwr and closest was Dryslwyn. The Fleamarket at the Showground in Carmarthen is a shadow of its former self, when it was privately run. If you like antiques, the next BIG Fair at the Botanic Gardens is in October, and I will be standing (stall already booked) in the Dome. If you like gardens, the Botanic Gardens is fabulous. On Fair Day you get the Fair and to roam the gardens for £10 a head.
DeleteThank you for this, very useful information x
DeleteAlison x
Those kittens are growing fast and looking lovely.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like a good day out for you both, and it's so good that Keith has improved at last, it's been a scary time for both of you. That pink quilt would have really tempted my purse for sure, it's absolutely beautiful.