A shock in the attic

 

 My tea tonight.  I was very surprised I had the energy to make the cheese scone topping for the Beef Cobbler.  It was scrummy, and several big chunks of Cauliflower kept it company.  There is enough for two more meals.  That little stoneware storage jar was one I used to put my Chia Seeds in at Ynyswen, and was in a box with a much bigger storage jar of the same construction.  I used to have about 8 or so of them on shelving in the kitchen, for all my dry storage - flour, pasta, lentils, rice etc.

I had completely forgotten about this beautiful chair.  It dates from around 1800 - 1840 I think, and was once probably a nursing chair - and could still be used for the same today, or else for a hall chair to sit on to put walking boots on and off.  The rush seat has been professionally replaced.  It's going to the Fair with me on Saturday and I hope will find a new home as I don't have room for it in the house.

I had forgotten about these too.  On the left a lovely old copper ship's lamp, with the initials of a maker from England.  I have tried to polish it up but I think the salt has done a thorough job on it.  Part of its history.  Beside it is a Swedish crispbread pricker (very rusty nails, so not exactly usable any more!)  I had totally forgotten this.

As I had forgotten these lovely antique copper moulds - the brioche mould at the top is probably French.  You can guess I will be polishing them later on . . .

This is a stoneware jug from Stoney Down pottery in Dorset (we used to live next door).  Adrian Lewis-Evans was the potter and had some lovely glazes.  He used to lecture at Bournemouth College.  We bought this around 1982 I think.  Sadly, A. L-E died in 2021.

This little piece came from a china shop in Manchester, and Keith bought it for my birthday one year.  I can remember my late m-in-law getting very uppity about it and saying that Sid (her husband) never bought her birthday presents . . .  I don't have a china display case any more, so I will pass it on for someone else to enjoy.  Just after we came out of the shop after buying it, I was delighted to see several Manchester police horses nearby.  Gosh, they were beautifully turned out.

There was sunshine this afternoon, so Alfie and I sat outside for a bit and enjoyed it.  I had a cup of tea and read my Elly Griffiths book.  Alfie is managing some small kitten biscuits now.

I need to sort out what is in boxes in the Library tomorrow, as I know I put my valuable Verwood Pottery Dorset "Owl" cider costrel somewhere very safe.  So safe I will have to go through every blardy box to find it now!  

Well, I have had a busy day and am glad to say I didn't fall down the attic stairs.  I have found other boxes up there I had forgotten about, so need to try and clear my old stock.  

I have managed to give away the most of a brand new pine bed base which was delivered minus the two rather vital side rails.  I have given them to my neighbour, who can soon whip up the side rails.  When that's out of the way it will make moving round up there a lot easier.  He gave me 4 home-grown Blackcurrants in return - they were taken as cuttings last autumn and have established well.

Happy Easter to Everyone.