Wednesday 22 July 2020

It never rains but it pours

Now that the sun has decided to stop playing hooky and the rain clouds have been put in the naughty corner for now, it is starting to feel a bit more like proper Summer. If the weather forecast is to be believed, however - and annoyingly, they are usually right when bad weather is around the corner - it won't last and there'll be more rain coming our way later this week.

Meanwhile, waking up to sunshine is a great mood booster, so I'd better make the most of it.

It was a totally different story on Tuesday's day off last week, when it rained on and off all day, only stopping now and again for a short breather.


In fact, the weather was so horrendous that we didn't get to take outfit photos in the garden as we're used to. But as - shock, horror! - I wore the same outfit to the office the next day, we remedied this by making use of our garage's "photo studio" after work.

I was wearing a pale blue Diolen dress with a trellis and roses print, a deadstock find at an outdoor flea market back in May 2018. It came with its own belt, but as usual I decided to replace it with a contrasting one from my stash, picking up the darker shade of the roses in the dress's print. I kept to the same ruby red colour for my necklace and cat brooch.


On my feet, my trusty pair of biscuit coloured ankle boots. OK, they are Summer boots, with decorative woven panels, but boots nonetheless, while by rights I should be wearing sandals this time of year. Most of the latter are still wasting away inside their boxes.

The navy jacket with its posies of tulips and lily of the valley are originally from Zara, but found in a charity shop in Welshpool last Summer.


But back to that grey and wet Tuesday! Briefly venturing into the garden between showers, I was delighted to see that, finally, the first of the buds in our long-suffering Hollyhock had burst into life. It's a pink Charter's Double (top left), and aren't those blowsy blooms magnificent?

On the bottom left is a close up of one of the flowers of our new Coreopsis, which is blooming away happily after we rescued it from the plant nursery the week before.

I was also pleased to notice that one by one, the pincushion-y flowers in our Scabiosa 'Barocca' (bottom right) were showing their pretty little faces. 


And speaking of faces, what do you think of these? They were watching us imploringly through the kitchen window, so I went outside to snap them and post them on Instagram. Angry flower fairies fed up with rain!


As it was clear by now that any gardening or other outdoor activities would have to be put on the back burner, I thought I'd make a start with a cleaning and decluttering session in our spare room.

This room, which doubles as a dressing room and study, is quite large at 4 by 4 metres and due its seemingly endless size has been used as a glorified dumping ground for anything we haven't got space for elsewhere. Seriously cluttered, it was time to bring some order to the chaos.

So, armed with cleaning cloths and polishes, which live in the large reproduction washing powder tin above, I made my way upstairs. 



The first thing that caught my eye was the antique wooden carpet sweeper which was gathering dust in a corner. A lucky find in a consignment store, it has been living with us for at least 15 years. It's a 1920's Ewbank Progress No. 3, although at the time of purchase Ewbank themselves, whom we emailed asking for information, wasn't able to date it accurately.

It was on display in a corner in our kitchen for many years but after it had to make way for a cabinet for our Boch dinner services, it was moved several times, eventually ending up in the spare room, where sadly it had to share its limelight with Phoebe's upstairs litter tray.



Feeling sorry for this magnificent piece of bygone household equipment, not to mention more than just a tad guilty at neglecting it, we brought it downstairs and gave it a thorough clean and polish.

With room in our kitchen still at a premium, it is now taking pride of place in our sitting room, where it is enjoying its retirement, as there are no carpets to sweep here!


Typically, Wednesday's office day was a dry and sunny one, and while I was slogging away at the office, Jos packed some sandwiches and enjoyed them at the water tower's picnic area. Lucky him!

I was adamant we do the same on Thursday, but as luck would have it, it was another dark and rainy day. I even dug out my burgundy ankle boots, which I'd put into hibernation at the end of May.



I was wearing a layering t-shirt under my gauzy peacock feather print pussy bow blouse, found at our local flea market. I added an iridescent peacock feather brooch, charity shopped in Llangollen last Summer, to keep it company.

The skirt, whose blue swirls linked with the blue in my blouse, was a Think Twice find. More blues appeared in the belt buckle and beaded necklace.


The garden was looking a bit drowned with all that rain, so wouldn't require any watering that day.

Instead, we thought we'd try out another charity shop, a large two-floored one on the outskirts of the nearby town of Mechelen. 

Big mistake! First we ended up in a queue on the way up, were then seriously thwarted by the heavy traffic on the industrial estate the shop is situated on and, when we'd finally found a parking space and were waiting for a sanitized trolley, I had to admonish the man behind me who was coming too close for my liking.



And although it wasn't overly busy in the shop itself, the confusing layout was seriously putting us off.  It was slightly better in the clothing department on the second floor, but then there was a man with a coughing fit, so we beat a hasty retreat. 

I still managed to find two shirts and two skirts, but we've definitely scrapped this particular shop from our list for now.



Feeling more than just a bit disgruntled, we returned home where we decided to continue with project spare room.

Hidden away in the same corner as the carpet sweeper was an old IKEA CD storage unit, which we were using to display our collection of View-Masters, most of which we picked up at charity shops and flea markets over the years.



Perfect to fill the gap between the pine cabinet and our vintage radiogram doubling as a TV stand, we moved it to the sitting room where its contents will finally get the attention they deserve.



Jos's 1950s Bakelite model E View-Master, still in its original box, is on the left, while next to it, you can see the same model with a battery operated light attachment, enabling you to watch your viewmaster reels without having to take into account your environment's light conditions.



The View-Master Model C, which came in both brown and black Bakelite,was produced between 1946 and 1955 and was the first viewer to have a slot into which the reels were placed for viewing.

The older models opened up like a clam shell and I expect they are quite rare.



On the top right is Model F, a lighted viewer which was produced between 1959 and 1966 and the the last of the View-Masters to be made from Bakelite. 

Bottom right and top left is a Lourdes souvenir viewer still in its original box and, finally, on the bottom right, you can see my very own childhood viewer. The Model G was produced between 1959 and 1977, and was made from a lightweight plastic. Although it came in many different colours over the years, mine was the original boring beige. The reels are also my original childhood ones.



Sitting on top of the CD unit is a boxed View-Master projector, the Sawyers Deluxe - the envy of many at the time - dating from the late 1950s, early 1960s.

Found at a charity shop retro event, we had quite forgotten that the box still contained a spare bulb as well as some sets of reels, including one about Antwerp.

As we haven't finished decluttering in a long time, who knows what treasures will see the light of day.

I hope to see you again for my next episodes of adventures in a couple of days.

As always, do stay safe and fabulous!




43 comments:

  1. Loving the outfits and the peacock blouse and brooch is amazing. I loved your charity shop finds even though it sounds as it was a bit of an ordeal! Imagine if you'd gone through that and came out empty handed!

    Lovely flower pics. I have never seen a hollyhock like that before; how lovely!

    Your spare room declutter sounds as if it will keep you busy for a while yet!

    Take care
    xxx

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    1. Thank you Vronni! I hope you've arrived safe and sound at your caravan by now, by the way. We had a double yellow hollyhock a couple of years ago. I must admit I prefer the single variety though. They are quintessentially English in my book! xxx

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  2. Carpet sweepers were great when you didn't want to bother with hauling out the Hoover. I wish we still had the one I grew up with which likely dated to the same era.

    Your outfits are so very cheerful, and as always you've found the best accessories.

    I'm guessing I look every bit as cheerful as the woman on your Persil tin when doing laundry ;)

    Have a great, safe week.

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    1. They are! I remember my Mum had one too, but a more recent version. Aren't we all looking like that when doing laundry then? One of the joys of life :-) xxx

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  3. I like that floral and striped skirt you bought, even if the shopping experience was a bit stressful! I've so been enjoying that the opshops are reopened here! A few of them have changed layouts and rules for shopping like wearing gloves which takes a little getting used to but I'm just so pleased they are open again! :)

    I really like that blue dress with the red accessories too!

    Hope that your week is going well :) It's a cold and wintery one here!

    Away From Blue

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    1. Thank you Mica. I've been wearing that particular skirt in the meantime, and it's just lovely. Shop layouts have generally been changed here too - which I don't mind and totally understand - but this one was particularly confusing and unpleasant. Oh well, never mind, there are much nicer shops out there anyway! xxx

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  4. We've had some sunny days and a heavy rain last night. Gladly, it looks like the sun hasn't given up on us ... :-) What a difference the sun can make! I wish you sunny summer days to lift your spirit.

    After a while charity shops often "fringe out" a bit. A change of personel mostly helps. I went to a charity shop with a friend two days ago and was surprised in a good way. So don't give up!

    Regula

    Regula

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    1. Thank you Regula, sunny days well and truly received! I'm well aware of the improvements a change of personnel can make, but this one was particularly unpleasant because of the way the handled the Covid-19 safety measurements! xxx

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  5. Loving the peacock blouse and the Zara blazer on you!
    The legendary Second To None has that same Ewbank in the changing room, its been there since I was a teenager. I grew up with the more modern 1960s version in mustard yellow, it used to do the job then tip upside down and deposit all the content back on the rug you'd just swept.
    Despite the challenging conditions you've found four lovely pieces.
    The garden looks wonderful and that spare room declutter is going to take ages especially when you keep unearthing such treasures! I can't wait to see what else you discover. xxx

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    1. I grew up with a 1960s version of the carpet sweeper too, in baby blue. Not a Ewbank I presume. I can see it in my mind's eye now! I'd totally forgotten about that peacock blouse, but it's certainly here to stay now! xxx

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  6. Oh yes sunny days are comming and they are good for your mood. I am thankful for cold nights when the days are sunny and hot.
    I love your charity shop finds.
    Your home is like a cute little museum ❤️
    Have a good time Ann. A huge hug Tina

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    1. Thank you Tina! Jos's children do call our house the Little Museum :-) xxx

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  7. Your antique carpet sweeper is stunning! What an elegant treasure from days past.

    Interestingly, my family often used one when I was little, especially during times when we didn't have a (working) vacuum cleaner.

    Our current house only has carpet in one area (some stairs), but we have rugs elsewhere in some rooms and I've been thinking for a few months now of possibly investing in a modern carpet sweeper. We have a wonderful vacuum, but for quick rug or carpet cleanings, it could really be handy (especially with a large dog in a small house! :D).

    Autumn Zenith 🧡 Witchcrafted Life

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    1. Thank you Autumn! I remember my Mum using a similar - but more modern - carpet sweeper when growing up. They are indeed easier to handle than a vacuum cleaner for those in between cleanings! xxx

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  8. There used to be an advert on tv for the Ewbank and the catchphrase was “It beats as it sweeps as it cleans”. I’m sure I’ve got that right.
    Your tale of the shop visit made me twitchy Ann. Think I’d have done a runner as well.
    Like you I’m sick of the rain, there’s hardly a day goes by without it. Not good for my newly coiffed hair haha.
    Take care you two xxx

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    1. I'll have to look it up on YouTube! We've finally got some sunshine now, but there's further rain on the horizon already! xxx

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  9. I do like that pale blue dress with red floral print. The red cat brooch, the red vintage belt and the red necklace as such nice accessories. Interesting how that dress looks like dark lilac in the photographs with less light. The tights and the summer boots make perfect sense, I almost wore boots the other day but opted for sneakers instead. I don't remember a summer this cool and rainy. It is not exactly cold but definitely less warm than usual.

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    1. Thank you Ivana! Sometimes the light does play tricks on certain colours. It hasn't exactly been cold here, just wet and gloomy! xxx

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  10. The peacock blouse is so pretty and it looks great with that skirt. Your antique floor sweeper from 1920s looks fabulous. I'm sure it deserved its retirement. 😃Who knows what else you'll find in that room.

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    1. Lovely vintage cameras btw. How do you always manage to find such great stuff? You must have a good eye.

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    2. Thank you Ivana! These View-Masters - not cameras, but 3D viewers - are generally easy to find here. Plus, we already had both of our childhood ones! xxx

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  11. I love your first outfit! You have worn several pale blue and red combinations in the past and I REEEEEALLY like them!
    The carpet sweeper is so cool! I love it.
    It's a shame about Think Twice being a bit crowded esp with Coughing man!x

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    1. Thank you Kezzie! This dress just seemed to be asking for that shade of red! I've only been to one Think Twice shop during all these months. It was OK, but not as fun as it was before! xxx

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  12. Hello Ann. Your trip into the charity shop made me giggle. Nothing like an episode of incessant coughing to make people flee fast - must try that trick myself next time I'm in an op-shop! Greedy little bugger me will be very happy having the place to myself!

    That's a very pretty blue Diolen dress you have, and am loving the Zara blazer. Your new shirts and skirts are lovely and colourful too.

    How well does the carpet sweeper work? Before I married I bought one for my mother-in-law and she used it all the time on her rugs. Don't know if it's still in their house. I haven't seen one in ages in the shops.

    Can't wait to see more of your forgotten treasures.

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    1. Now you've given me ideas, Suzy! Have to be careful not to be ordered out of the shop, though. One certainly has to play ones cards right ;-) The carpet sweeper is well and truly out of action, I'm afraid, missing a couple of parts! xxx

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  13. Oh my your home really is a museum! Magnificent! I will not go to any shops at all because I haven't met one person that considers the rules of distance. And now the world is starting to crimp again! We put out of our heads going to the UK. I miss it so much, tears come in my eyes when I think of my beloved England. The first year in that we will not go..... But we will make the best in own country. Love the cat brooche!

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    1. Oh, I can perfectly understand that, Nancy. The garden centre and the other charity shops we visited were OK with social distancing though. Plus, I've been to the local Kruidvat, which is very well organized! Oh, and I've cried many tears for not being able to go to England either. xxx

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  14. so much about *retail therapy*.
    your garden steels the show off your frocks - so many different colors and shapes. but the peacock blouse is extra pretty - especially with its bow and the perfectly matching brooch!!
    greetings from the sommersalon! xxxxx

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    1. I know! Well, how am I to compete against flowers and nature in general? I'm giving peacocks a run for their money, though :-)) xxx

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  15. I am also in love with your peacock feather blouse AND the matching brooch, sooo pretty! I love the polka dot and floral blouses as well. Oh Ann, I hear you - I so need an inspiration to organize my house - lots to do after the move.
    Lots of love!

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    1. Thank you Natalia! I don't envy you having to organize your house after your move! I've got many reorganization plans but I seem to have run out of steam! xxx

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  16. Nevermind the rain, you look fab in your outfit, Ann!

    The Viewmasters look interesting! I've never seen one before. X

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    1. Thank you Jess! I'm surprised you haven't heard of View-Masters. They were quite the thing when I was growing up. xxx

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  17. The rain may be here, but your outfit is so cute! Following now x

    x Natalie
    Lucy and the Runaways - Blog and Instagram

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    1. Thank you for your comment, Natalie. Lovely to meet you! xxx

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  18. Your declutter sounds very therapeutic and it's fun to share your treasure hunt with you!
    I don't blame you for not wanting to revisit that charity shop, despite finding some lovely things, it sounds a bit of a nightmare. I'm doing most of my clothes shopping on Ebay these days. I do love the massive choice.
    Your garden is still looking lovely, the rain helps...this is what I keep saying to console myself for this washout summer! It's a shame you didn't manage your picnic, fingers crossed for better weather this weekend. xxx

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  19. Your declutter sounds very therapeutic and it's fun to share your treasure hunt with you!
    I don't blame you for not wanting to revisit that charity shop, despite finding some lovely things, it sounds a bit of a nightmare. I'm doing most of my clothes shopping on Ebay these days. I do love the massive choice.
    Your garden is still looking lovely, the rain helps...this is what I keep saying to console myself for this washout summer! It's a shame you didn't manage your picnic, fingers crossed for better weather this weekend. xxx

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    1. Oops don't know how it posted twice?!

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    2. Blogger having a hick-up, I'm sure :-) With the new restrictions here in Belgium, it will be a while before I go charity shopping again, I'm afraid. Oh, never mind, I'll have to continue with the treasure hunt then! xxx

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  20. I just keep telling myself that the rain is good for the garden. Today looks like it might be a nice day, I might get to wear a summer dress!
    What a shame your charity shop outing was thwarted, but you did find some lovely items, I particularly like your floral shirt (see how I was sure not to miss out the ‘r’ this time? ;) ).
    I enjoy a bit of decluttering, but it must be all the more exciting when such treasures are to be found! I generally just find things that should’ve been given away or donated years ago!
    Take care
    xx

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    1. It's been nice and warm today, and I'm actually wearing a Summer dress. Yay! I've still to wear both shirts, but already wore both skirts! I do enjoy a bit of decluttering myself, but it's always such a dilemma what to keep and what not. And Jos is even worse than me! xxx

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  21. Sorry that the summer weather is being so reluctant to behave properly!. We're having another unusually hot summer, which makes me feel so tired (grrrr!).
    Your blue Diolen dress is such a fab piece, love its colors and its summery print, and love all the red accessorizing (the brooch is so cute!).
    Lovely that you've rediscovered some treasures in your spare room!. So many delightful ítems to display!. Our spare room is suffering of this same problem, too many things have been stored there 'provisionally'.
    Sorry to read that your charity shopping was not a pleasant experience, but your purchases look Fab anyway (polka dots!, florals!)
    We have a similar Cd storage unit but it contains just our Cds, nothing so Amazing as your View-Master collection!
    besos

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    1. I'm not a fan of really hot weather either, so I don't envy you. It tends to make me tired as well. I guess that's what spare rooms are for, but ours really needed sorting out. I didn't even dare post a picture of all the accumulated clutter! Ha, and we have some of those storage units holding actual CDs too ;-) xxx

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