Too much time on my hands

Its been an eventful two weeks, what with one thing and another.

I had a week off, too sick to do much more than trawl the internet and lurk on Facebook games from my sick-bed. Nasty virus, almost too sick to appreciate being unable to go to work. Far too ill to do housework. Possibly worse than man-flu.
But in my trawling of the interweb, I came across these little gems via a friend's "like" page on Facebook - note to teenagers, there is a use for that button other than random clicking.

The California State Button Society was formed in 1941 as a non-profit organization, dedicated to the hobby of [clothing] button study and preservation through collecting. To quote a friend, banal but strangely compelling.

Habadash from Castlemaine in Victoria, is a purveyor of vintage and antique buttons, lace, and bits and bobs, all highly desirable. A note for those who are susceptible to attacks of want, remember to breathe. It may be safer to pass the credit card to a responsible adult before looking. You know who you are.


The other thing which came under the heading of keeping warm was completing my son's 18th birthday quilt, just finishing off the quilting and binding it off - all done with the aid of a backlog of series of House. In retrospect, probably not the best viewing when one is unwell, but I can participate in the differential quite well from the couch.
Luckily, I recovered enough for some serious garage saling with friends from Perth, and Albany did not disappoint. The car was already full-ish (although loosely packed) when we came across an estate sale.



One table went home on the roof racks, and there were beautiful old books going back to 1897, well loved editions of the major cookbooks (CWA and Golden Wattle), handmade aprons, old silverware,a fabulous feather comforter (in renovation as I type)and all sorts of gorgeous old things.

We had a great chat, paused to re-pack the car, and staggered off for lunch at the Squid Shack followed by a spot of whale watching, arvo tea at Liberte, home for dinner. A gin and tonic on the front verandah overlooking the harbour, all very civilised.

I regret not getting the hand crocheted doilies in a deep teal - couldn't think what I would use them for. Of course, I have thought of several things since.

Next morning off to the Bargain Bonanza, the two monthly trash and treasure/car boot sale - the vibe somewhat spoilt by the car park having few functioning lights. Never mind, the serious shopaholic can shop by torchlight or indeed touch. Three dear old suitcases, which luckily fitted inside each other, russian doll style, for ease of transport. Beautiful daffodils, first of the season for me, and even a couple of tiny bits of jewellery.

I probably have enough suitcases now. Maybe.