Kinda wobbly aint'ya!

Well - this is the view from our back door yesterday - a new born lamb! Bit of a shock really - just looked out and there he was - we had let the sheep into the garden to mow the grass for us - much less work than a hover mower...and hey presto!

However - this wasn't meant to happen as we didn't have the ram in last autumn...So, it's either a miracle - and isn't all new life a miracle - or, could it be one of Bleat's nephews, now residing in the freezer wot did the deed?

Sorry he doesn't look very pretty yet - he is only about 10 minutes old, and still covered in yellow gunge and very wobbly, but I am pleased to say that he is now dried off and has a warm cosy place to cuddle down in the old turkey hut. His mother Bleat is a very good Mum but she is getting on a bit and keeps forgetting where she left him, so for safety's sake, they have their own enclosure for a day or two.

Ain't nature wonderful?

A few nice old books

Sorry but this book is sold
This lovely little French book is just perfect if you want to become a lady artist...full of instructions on oil painting, still life, making picture frames. With many sweet black and white illustrations. To read more about it, click here.





sorry but this book is sold
This pretty pink-silk covered book is about the Ile-de-France and the wonderful Chateaux, parks, churches and countryside in the area - you can see my listing on ebay here. Don't you just love the picture of Fragonard's 'The Swing' on the front?







This is a rare, numbered & signed 1st edition vellum covered book, in English, containing the sermons and teachings of Saint Bernadino of Siena. Not at all stuffy, his amusing stories date from 14th century Renaissance Italy and have been beautifully illustrated by the man who designed the bank notes for the Bank of England! See more details here.

Wedding Belles - that time of the year again...some little bridal items spanning the years...

Sorry, but the wedding photo is sold
This is a beautifully framed wedding photo from La Belle Epoque - the French Edwardian era - see all those gorgeous hats! The wedding was in the Charente, in a village close to Angouleme.

I think they came from good farming stock, but prosperous - everyone is so well dressed. The ladies are either in mourning black, with little lace bonnets, or white gowns and large picture hats decorated in roses. The men, most sporting handlebar moustaches, look very handsome. You can see a few young boys with large bows at the neck, and on the right is a carriage.

In front of the bride are two musical instruments - perhaps a shared hobby?

Original glazing, frame and mount £25
Not yet listed







Sorry, this bag is sold
A beautiful antique purse or bag, made around 1890-1900, from cream silk, handmade with ribbons and cord stitched to the front, and a brass hook to loop it on a waist sash. Used either for a bride - her hands would be free to hold her bouquet - and her new husband :) - or a guest to hold petals, hankie etc. £15
Not yet listed.




sorry but this bow is sold
A beautiful silken arm bow for a boy's solemn communion - his first being in private - and then sometimes worn at the neck for family weddings etc. Dating from around 1900, this is in palest mint green, with white embroidery and tassels. £15
Not yet listed.



Sweet little vintage 1960s headress to wear hair up in a bun, adjustable, in good condition (just a little dusty inside the ring) £4





A vintage headress with palest peach roses and white net - I thought from 1970s - matching the bouquet below. In good condition, £6




A vintage bouquet of palest peach roses, satin leaves and ribbons, and white net £10




20 blank Menu cards from 1960s £6 - see my Etsy listing here




Or, these 60 blank Menu cards for £16 - more in my Etsy listing here.


I thought it would be nice to dig out some vintage wedding things I have had for a while - a mix of 1960s pretties and rather lovely silk purse, plus a boy's communion bow which he might have worn (or forced to wear!) at a family wedding...

If you would like to know more, just sent me a comment or email.

My Mum

I haven't been blogging for a while now, and it's because my lovely Mum has been very ill and I haven't had the time nor heart. Sadly, she died last weekend and we had a beautiful service for her in Limoges, with our friends and neighbours. Her ashes will go back to Surrey, England to be with my father and brother.

For 18 months, I have been with her every day, and we grew very close after a lifetime of, well, a mutually spirited relationship...I now feel lost. I wanted to thank my friends - you know who you are - for giving us so much support and love.

RIP Gloria Jessup Buchanan 1929 - 2011