Boot Sale at Memorial Court

Slim pickin's at the indoor boot sale this morning with Hazel and Beth. I didn't find anything but Hazel found a few bits n bobs including a tiny torch thingy projector which projects fuzzy slides of prehistoric animals ( four discs of images ) , three files, a protractor and an old sepia photo of a dapper gent. Then a windy walk to Lidl and some shopping.

Middlewich Boot / Alsager Lunch

Pleasant wander around the boot sale at Middlewich - in the town hall. Bob was there and sold Hazel some Cherry B glasses, a poultry book and a ladies razor in box. She also got some badges including a blood donor enamel badge for Archie. I didn't get anything. The rain came down heavier so we abandoned our walk and pub lunch and went instead to Alsager ( after phoning our friends first ) to have lunch with Tony and Pene, who kindly gave a demonstration of their cooking skills and vegetables juggling while we sat in their cozy kitchen and drank wine, beer and tea ( not nessacelery in that order!) Yummy delicious roast aubergine and mushrooms and other roasted stuff followed by apple bake with ice cream and superior custard. Slurp! And then a walk to local walking pit and around the lake and the ducks and teal etc. Back for some tea and cake and look at the slideshow of their holiday in Oz over the festive period. I was falling asleep on the sofa so we said our goodbyes and trundled home. Hazel had stuff to sort for college. I had yawns to yawn and slump in front of the telly box.

Freezin' Friday

Brrrrr! A bit nippy but managed to go into town for a wander with Hazel. She went off to shop in Bratt's Sale - got herself a dress she's had her eye on - reduced half price. I contented myself with two silly games for £1 each from the Age UK shop. Took a big bag ( two bags actually - Hazel took one ) of DVD's to the cancer charity shop. Popped in the Icelandic shop for some onions, toms and £1 Linda McCartney mozzarella burgers. These ATC's are from a while back and not really icy looking enough to accompany this post. Later back to some collaging - a new mini 'zine . Tidying up the loose ends and tweaking it a bit. Nearly done.

First Indoor Boot Of 2019

First indoor boot of 2019 - lots of cheap bargains. Hazel got an old "junk" tin, lamp with a story attached, Swiss chalet weather station, bee meter ( another one!) cigarette cards, four candles etc etc. I got some old battered cowboy comics, cigarette cards, etc. A good old rummage. Then to Lidl to buy some bits and bobs.

Marbury Walk

Pleasant walk around Marbury Woods and along the mere back to the garden centre. Saw lots of mad squirrels, two jays, crazy dogs in clothes, lots of blue tits, great tits, tree hoppers etc. Hazel bought two plants for the garden - shade lovers. Surprised the garden centre was open as they didn't have much stock. Then got some fish 'n' chips, mushy peas, from the Codfather to take over to Granma's for lunch. We took down their decorations and tree etc. What a palaver! Hazel sorted out the wardrobe so they could get more in it. Took some boxes home to recycle.

Pitsea Primary School

Pitsea School opened as a Council school in 1909. I went there from 1953- 54, maybe a bit longer. Well, until Greenstead School opened around 54/5 which wasa lot closer - 10 minutes walk away from our house in Luncies Road in Basildon. I remember walking to Pitsea School on my own when I was 5 or 6, quite a walk for a young child barely out of toddling stage! I remember staying for lunch , the school dinners were horrible so my mother used to make weird Shipham's fish paste, Bloater paste sandwiches which were slightly better. Sometimes jam sandwiches if money was tight. Mrs. Ramsbottom was my teacher and from what I remember she was very nice and gave out prizes for good work or sitting up straight in class. I once got a lead soldier or a crossing keeper ? for something I had done.She read stories too and exciting ones by Enid Blyton about the Famous Five etc. It wouldn't happen today with what we now know of lead and it's poison content! What innocent times we used to live in. Pitsea wasa small village on the outskirts of Basildon back then but soon got engulfed in the new builds and road schemes and mostly obliterated. Just realised I have written about Pitsea School several times on this blog and descriptions all fairly similar so sorry for that. This photo is new though.

Happy New Year!

Hazel in the light sparkly garden waiting for midnight.