Glorious Guelph

One of the best outings on my recent trip to Canada was a visit to the beautiful city of Guelph, Ontario with my brother.

 

 

My main reason for visiting Guelph was its connection with my home town of Greenock.  The founder of Guelph, John Galt actually lived in Greenock and is buried here.  Here is his statue in Guelph.

 

There were some beautiful old buildings and shops in Guelph.  There is a bookshop called Macondo Books (visit their fabulous Facebook page) which I could have spent hours in.  Will tell you about the books I bought in another post.

 

 

 

This building particularly intrigued me - from a distance the top looks like a thistle.  Wonder what it was and why it is so dilapidated?

 

My brother and I had a lovely meal in the Albion Hotel - fabulous. 

 

A great day out and some lovely memories.  Would really like to spend a few days there next time!  Thanks for taking me there, Bro!

Love, Liz

Filling A Vintage Suitcase

Once again I have been given a fabulous gift from a lovely friend!  Knowing my love for all things vintage, she brought me a vintage suitcase which belonged to her parents.  Now the big question - what to put in it?

 

 

I decided that it could live in my guest bedroom so - how about some soft toys that I love.

Or what about showing off my crochet baby blankets - great if I ever get to sell at a vintage or craft fair.

 

 

 

But perhaps best of all - an cosy extra blanket and some magazines.  It is perfect for my latest copies of Vintage Life.

 

 

Not sure whether I should replace the lining - will have to give that some thought.  Have a great weekend.

Love, Liz

Got the Knitting Bug Back!

Got some lovely knitting yarn at the weekend and started on a little cardigan (for a very special boy).

 

The yarn has subtle flecks and is great to knit with.

 

Thank goodness I've got the knitting bug back!

Love, Liz

Jolly Old Sailors!

I thought you might find these wedding announcements of navy men from 1800 /1805 amusing.

The groom was 74 and his bride, his grand niece was just 21!

None of the others in the lists mentioned the bride or groom's age!  Haven't yet found any where the bride is older than the groom, though.

Hyde Parker ... in his youth!

 

Admiral Sir Hyde Parker was born in 1738, so if the age difference was 43 years, then Frances Onslow was only 19 at the time of her marriage while her groom was 62.  They went on to have three children, only one of whom survived, a son - General Richard Parker who was born in 1804.  Hyde Parker died in 1807, Frances died in 1844.

Groom - aged 80 and the bride, a mere 13!

 

The writer has even added a cheeky wee poem in this one!  Doesn't say much for the blushing bride!

Love, Liz

Weekend Bargains!

I do love a bargain and I had a bit of luck at the weekend.  Not charity shopping, this time, but sale bargains!  Got this gorgeous Cath Kidston bag in the sale.  Really need a bag that's showerproof - its also very roomy.  I can get my umbrella and camera in it with plenty of space to spare.  With my other bag, I have to choose either umbrella or camera!

 

Went to Ayr (down the coast from Greenock) on Saturday and got this pretty little frame which was reduced.  Love the little vintage photo that came with it, but will have to find a family photo to replace it.

 

Hope you had a bargain filled weekend.

Love, Liz

Beautiful Gift

I've got some beautiful vintage china to show you today and for once its not from a charity shop.

This lovely set once belonged to hubby's grandmother.  It was passed onto my sister in law who, knowing how much I loved this sort of thing, decided to give me half.  Wasn't that very kind of her!  I will pass it onto one of my sons ... one day.

 

I wonder if it may be a coffee set rather than a tea set - the cups are straight sided and so delicate.

 

There's a beautiful little flower inside the cup.

 

It is marked "Burns Bros".  Anyone know anything about them?

Love, Liz

A Post About Nothing Much

I had a wander round the local charity shops this morning and bought absolutely nothing!  Everything on offer was absolute tat, either that or I'm losing my eye for a bargain!

 

I did see a book that had been on my "to read" list for a while in one charity shop.  I looked for prices and saw that it was

4 books for £1.99

Didn't see any other books that I fancied, so I asked the woman behind the counter how much it would be for just one book.  Her reply amazed me.  She told me that it was £1.99 whether you bought one book or four!!!!  Is it me?????

I had been prepared to offer £1, but I walked away empty handed.  Hope your day was more successful.

Love, Liz

Food Glorious Food

One of the most interesting places I saw on my recent visit to Toronto was the St Lawrence Market on Front Street.

 

There are lots of vendors selling just about every type of food you can imagine.  The sights and smells inside will make you very hungry - so be prepared.  There are live lobsters (and some already cooked) on the seafood stalls as well as just about every species of seafood you can imagine.!  Another stall had just about every cheese you have heard of, and many you might not have!  Herbs and spices, baked goods, speciality foods, foods from all over the world and the biggest steaks I've ever seen - just some of what's on offer.

 

There are also a few little craft stalls too.  The building itself is old and inside there are lots of photographs of its use in previous times.  There's a cafe on the veranda where you can sit and enjoy the surroundings.  If you are ever in Toronto, you must pay a visit to the St Lawrence Market!

 

Love, Liz

Can I ask a little favour, please?

I've started a separate blog called "The Greenockian" which, as you have probably guessed, it all about my hometown of Greenock. 

Would you mind popping over and having a wee look.

I'll be writing about its history and people.  If you have liked my posts about Greenock on this blog, then I'm sure you will enjoy The Greenockian.  I feel a bit lonely just having one follower!

Thanks, Liz

Canada Vacation

Just got back from a fabulous holiday in Canada.  I was staying near Toronto with my brother and the weather was fantastic - temperature reached 24 degrees on a couple of days.  Loved just sitting in the sunshine reading and relaxing!  Here are a few photos of some of the little creatures I spotted.

 

This little chipmunk enjoyed some berries.

 

On my last day (Tuesday) I manage to photograph this huge butterfly - gorgeous colours.

 

So now its back to reality - washing, ironing, cleaning etc!!!  Never mind - I've had a marvellous break.  Canada is a wonderful country.  Hope to visit again soon.

 

Love, Liz