In memory of Phyllis

Before moving house, Rod's Mum had these terracotta tiles in her garden. Prior to this the tiles were in her grandmother's garden. When I commented on them, Phyllis said that if I liked them she would like me to have them. I was thrilled to be the new custodian of these century old tiles, some quite weathered.  

Crooks & Brooker Adelaide XPort Terracotta Tiles

This is the second version of the placement of the tiles. The first version used
 the tiles to edge  lawn . The corners  were not at 90 degrees like they are now,
but instead had tiles set at 45 degrees across the corners.

Orange music

Alex's eye for detail and presentation is exciting to see evolve. He recently bought this Orange Amplifier and Speaker set. Now he has just finished modifying one of his guitars by painting it orange, polishing the chrome and applying a funky timber veneer to the head. 

This guitar originally belonged to Clyde and has already had one other artistic makeover .
Alex designed and painted camouflage  over the body of the guitar for a Design
project when he was undertaking his Advanced Diploma in Graphic Design .

Funky timber veneer nicely chosen to coordinate
with the original timber veneer on the neck.

Silk Tassel

This shrub holds very strong and fond childhood memories for me. The first house I lived in from new born to about 6 years of age had one of these plants which was a great source of pretend food for 3 young girls to cook and serve in their outdoor play kitchen. Our bush was planted in 1989 and was given to me by Rod and Alex. It seems that every second year yields the most tassels.  

Garrya eliptica

Our 24 year old specimen is not particularly shapely but I have been working
towards shaping it into a more impressive form.

Smashing.......

I was rather upset to discover this beautiful antique cast iron book stand in many pieces on the kitchen floor one morning towards the end of summer. I had left a rather large cookbook open on the stand  which was on top of the servery near the window which was left open overnight. A gust of wind must have caught the surface of the book and made the stand topple to the floor. Amazingly no one heard what must have been quite a loud smashing sound. Thanks to Rod for his patient and skillful work in glueing it back together. 

Cast iron and enamel cookbook stand purchased on holiday in Kempton Tasmania.

Jaffa Lantern

                           

                                                      This newly purchased plant has been the most wonderful discovery. 

The seed inside is the colour of a Jaffa

I love the framework encasing the seed.

Nature is truely wonderful.

Physalis alkekengi, is a relative of P. peruviana, easily identifiable by the larger, bright orange to red papery covering over its fruit, which resemble paper lanterns. It is native from southern Europe east across southern Asia to Japan. Wikipedia

More favourite items

Then on to the Mantel Piece, all before lunch.

This is just a weathered piece of wood found outside, but it is rather interesting.

Brass bowl given to us by Phyllis

Either Alex or Aly's egg cup. 

Taddy & Co. Jar from Clyde.

Painted resin steam loco - one of my better gifts to Rod.

Ditto

Brass Bell, repaired by Rod.

Royal Winton 'Gateway' cup and saucer - a keep sake from my Grandmother Gladys

 Knight & Gibbon's reproduction wall clock.

Green glazed terracotta bowls.

Bye gone days

More dusting today was the inspiration for this post. 

Copper kettle, was in daily use until we purchased the electric kettle.

Not an antique but treasured as this was give to us by Fiona.

Antique Copper Jug

Easter Egg mould.

Mincer was used by us until we got our food processor.

Extra large wine bottle.

Antique Copper preserving pan.

Reproduction Nautical Lantern.

Bakerlite Speaker

Antique scales, we had the bowl gold plated. Metric and Imperial weights.

Drop scone pan made of cast iron.