I've been having a tidy up in the shop ... though only the regular visitor would be able to tell the difference!

The 'big tidy' started with this corner ...

... and progressed around the shop ...

... however ... it will never be finished ... a bit like my own small version of painting the Forth Bridge if you see what I mean?

Small characters of great importance to the life of the shop .....

There are cards featuring Noddy, Rupert, Paddington, Fuzzy Felt, Kermit & Miss Piggy, Thunderbirds, Morph, Peter Rabbit, Rhubarb and Custard, Ronald Searle's cats and more!!
Most sell for grown up 'children' but that's just fine... as I am always saying ... "We should never forget to nourish the inner child."

Vintage Noddy egg cup complete with rather battered box and original hat with bell ... such joy!!

Time to browse around the shop .....

There's always a selection of gifts for gardeners. At the moment they range from the small spools of Nutscene coloured twine at 60p to oak, acorn, cane toppers at £1.50 and upwards to trugs buckets etc.
From time to time there's also vintage tools as well as the Joseph Bentley tools for young gardeners. They are the "Apprentice" range and bear a 5 year guarantee with the promise of survivning to become the next generation's hand me downs:)
The lovely Carters' seed images are on hold alls and gardeners' aprons. More due soon - will post pics.
The current best seller amongst the garden gift range is the 'paper potter' for making your own plant pots for seedlings. I understand that the Telegraph is the favoured quality of newspaper for some customers!!

Leo, head of product testing ... "No, you've not got the hang of the red-eye prevention for that new camera yet!"

The things a boy has to put up with!!




"Here's hoping she gets it soon ... though maybe the red eyes might help to scare off the other toms on my territory. If I use this cool expression it's not too bad!"

Maybe a visit to Totnes Castle?

Above .... the This'n'Thatmobile parked by 'our' Norman castle. There's worse car parking in this world! On a clear evening, the skyline is just amazing with the castle silhouetted against the stars ... that's a future challenge for my new camera!

The castle grounds.

... and lots of wild garlic! I wonder if the Normans had wild garlic?

Perhaps Bank Holiday gardening or a trip to the beach?

For Friday :)

Yes, a bit more nostalgia. My favourite sort of illustration.

A spring day at Dartington Hall

The day started with a routine trip to the dentist in Ashburton. However, our next priority was to find somewhere for Mr. Fixit to train his new knee to 'do steps' (we live in a bungalow).
So, where else was there to go but to the grounds of Dartington Hall?
....Followed of course by coffee at The White Hart.

These photgraphs provide you with a bit of a treasure hunt ... explore the grounds to discover these engravings and sculptures ... and much more:)

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Below - Jacob's Pillow by Peter Randall-Page

Dartington Hall continued

Such an attractive mix of well manicured garden and wild areas. Wonderful colours even though it wasn't a 'blue sky' sort of day. Now is definitely the time to go .... up the steps, beyond the swans and into the place where the wild flowers grow .... orchids, primroses, celandines, wild garlic, daisies, bird's eye, and much, much more.......

Voluptuous ladies too ... in red or blue!

All shapes and sizes at This'n'That!!