The strangest things rise to the surface when parents start clearing out spaces. I spied a pair of these glass domes on a shelf in Dad's garage. At first he though they might be old valve domes, but closer inspection and splashes of white paint suggest they were outdoor light bulb covers. With $2 of thrifted decorations, they look grand.
The kids are latching on to the idea of treasures under domes. I found a little match box house hiding under a crystal glass (you can see it if you squint). I just couldn't resist playing with lego trees and a sugar bowl.
Stir it up Sunday is something my grandmother introduced me to. Before launching into all the rush of Advent and associated Christmas preparations, we have Stir it up Sunday. It takes it's name from a 1549 prayer
"Stir up, we beseech thee, O Lord, the wills of thy faithful people;
that they, plenteously bringing forth the fruit of good works, may of
thee be plenteously rewarded;"
While this could trigger all manner of contemplation, this talk of stirring and fruit sounds suspiciously like pudding. Since the 1800's Stir it up Sunday, has been known as the perfect time to be making Christmas pudding.
Gran took great pride in sharing traditions with me. As she told me all about this day, she smiled conspiratorially, and told me she had already made her puddings.
Given the day and all it's traditions, it could only mean a trip to Grandma's, my mother, for the girls to Stir it Up.
I may be many things, but a bird fancier I am not. Instead I am content to admire these sweet and proper budgies. I picked up the books from the local church fair for their illustrations.
There's a certain poetry to the collective nouns of birds. A chatter of budgies or even a chattering. The canaries, I have been told, like to hang out in an aria or even an opera. It has me wondering what names I would choose if given a chance to name, say, a group of collectors, sewers or thrifters? Given a weakness for simple alliteration I'm thinking perhaps a clutter of collectors, skein of sewers, and throng of thrifters.
