As I was going to Ikea.....

As my husband and I were driving to Ikea on Saturday I spied something very interesting beside a stall at a very small fruit and veg market. I shouted 'STOP' to husband who wasn't too keen to do so. Going to Ikea ( a four letter word in his vocabulary) was bad enough but he wanted to get there and home in the shortest time possible. A detour was not on the cards. Well I insisted so he parked and I walked back along the road. There were only three stalls, two selling greengrocery and the other selling guitars and the item I had spied. I hardly dare ask whether it was still for sale (it was lunchtime) and when the man said yes and told me the price I didn't bargain, said. 'Yes, I'll give you that' and carried her back to the car with a big grin on my face. I have named her Lily and she will accompany Loveday who already stands on my landing.

She was made by Kennett & Lindsell Ltd and is a size 14 (though I think her waist looks quite tiny to be this size).

If you hate shopping at Ikea this may make you laugh http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNcaaehKaC8

Books Old & New

Amazon have sent me two parcels this week. I just love receiving new books. The first, 'Howard's End is on the Landing' is by Susan Hill and I read about it on dovegreyreader's blog. Susan writes about her year-long voyage through her books, forsaking new purchases in order to get to know her own collection again.

Two of the next three books have been bought after reading about them on other people's blogs too. Several bloggers have raved about 'Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day' and Overdue's comments about 'The Post Office Girl' inspired me to order this too.

One book I treasure is an 1896 edition of 'Pride and Prejudice' which my mother gave me many years ago. The illustrations are delightful and the pages have originally been 'uncut' - the reader would have had to cut them open before the book could be read.

On a completely different note, this sign has recently been erected near where my daughter lives. How could Southampton City Council not have noticed their mistake?!

Lavender Girl

I fell in love with this statue when I first saw her at a garden show earlier in the year but didn't buy her so imagine my delight when I emailed the seller and found out she was still for sale! We bought her at the weekend and here she is in the dining room which is where she will live. The walls are white so I will paint an alcove a darker colour to show her off. She is gently weathered and has lichen growing on her which I love! One day she may move to the garden but for now I want her indoors!

If you are interested in similar items or any gardenalia do visit the seller's website at www.thevintagegardenco.co.uk as they have some lovely items at very reasonable prices.