buttons, stairs and stitches ...

Recent thrifting finds on our trip north. Kaitaia Salvation Army Store. Wooden needles, 50 cents a pair. Wee vintage tiled plate, $3. Shell, wood and metal buttons, $2. Kiwiana Cape Reinga and Far North CWI (Country Womens Institute) souvenior spoons, $1 each. Shells supplied in our room.

These funny overgrown unassuming stairs are where I spent hours of my childhood sorting out my collections of shells, reading books and playing by myself. The gardens were well tended back then. Being raised by my grandparents meant there was a lack of play companions but many adventures to be had with adults, walking the beach everyday, the dunes, the rocks around Shipwreck Bay. Fossicking at the rubbish tip and in the secondhand stores in town and fleamarkets.

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Finally back in Wellington after a week up north, I had the pleasure of spending a great day with my mother and my friend Betty-Ann. She knits like we breathe. Here is a wee glimpse of her latest project. A cushion cover made of bits and pieces of yarn.

My mother has never been conservative. Even at 57, she's unique and quirky. Have just said goodbye to her after four weeks together. She left me some handmade treasures which I will show soon.

Its a rainy, blustery classic Wellington winter day as I post this from my bed. I have a spine injury which hinders me from time to time for weeks on end. Painkillers, physio and rest. A little frustrating for this busy mum. So very thankful for my caring and considerate husband.