StarSparrow Goes Antiquing, and International

Hello! I'm sorry it's been so quiet around here this week. My internet went down again (on my computer only. The hubby's 2 wireless pc's were still getting internet) for three days this time. I called Dell, and it turns out that the coffeemaker on the other side of the wall was the culprit. The coffeemaker has now been relocated, and my internet is back!

This Thursday, my Mom and Nana came down to visit me. I get to see Mom pretty frequently, she lives an hour away, but Nana lives two hours away and dislikes driving, so seeing her here is a rare treat. We went out for lunch, and then antiquing at Angel's in Opelika, Alabama (something we can all enjoy!). I got the above swan planter there, it's perfect for holding all my makeup brushes!

I also picked up this robin's egg blue telephone while I was there. It works! However, I don't have it plugged in yet, we get too many calls from telemarketers! One day when I have my own separate studio, I'll use it in there to receive calls from prominent magazine editors and gallery owners (a girl can dream, right?).

This was my favorite treasure of the day: A full 45 piece set of Atomic Blue Heaven china! I've been eying this for weeks, I adore this pattern (reminds me of my childhood spent watching the Jetsons!) but it was out of my price range. Well, while discussing antiques with my neighbor, I mentioned it, how much I loved it, etc. She said "We owe you a belated wedding gift!" and she bought it for me! Don't I have the most awesome neighbors?

I also picked up this awesome Pyrex butter dish. I have a little collection of Pyrex in this pattern that was my Great-Great-Grandmother's, and I use it daily.

After we finished up at Angel's, we popped next door to the Salvation Army for a few minutes (you never know what you'll find) and I scored this awesome steamer trunk for $5! It's in great condition inside and out, and it's currently enjoying a second life as a bin for my fabric scraps.

In non-antiquing news, I've got all the Matroyshka doll mini quilts quilted, and once they've got their bindings they'll be in the shop!

In really really awesome non-antiquing news: I will be travelling to England, Ireland, and Scotland for 15 days this coming April. I went to Japan two years ago, but the fashion and lifestyle there were familiar to me before I went. The U.K., I know nothing about. I'm not sure how it is that I know more about an Asian country than I do about another English-speaking nation (being of Irish, Scottish, and English descent myself), but there you have it. Those of you living in the U.K., or having visited there: What do I pack for April weather? I've already heard: a collapsible umbrella, a mid-thigh length raincoat with a hood (because the rain comes down sideways), a heavy wool coat, scarves, comfortable shoes that are NOT sneakers/trainers. Anything else I need to pack/not pack? I'll be travelling through all three countries, and I know I'll be recognizable as an American due to my accent, posture, mannerisms, and whathaveyou, but I'd rather not have a blaring neon "TOURIST" sign above my head. 

Comments

[Jan]

I live in the South East of England. The UK in April is likely to be wet. Ireland in particular is famous for being a wet place. An umbrella would be a must and a rain/waterproof coat. To be honest it's a funny time of the year and you could get anything from warm sunshine to snow! What part of England are you visiting? You probably want lots of layers. Last April I visited the south west coast area and whilst there were still frosts in the morning it was warm and sunny in the day. So you could get lucky with the weather. For a small place compared to America the weather can drastically alter depending which part of the UK you visit.

[StarSparrow]

Hi Jan! Thank you for the advice. I'll be sure to pack for rainy days, and bring lots of layers!
During my trip we'll be travelling to London, Stonehenge, Bath, Cardiff, Rosslare Island, Waterford, Blarney Castle, Killarney, the Ring of Kerry, the Gap of Dunlow, Dublin, Wales, town in Wales with the longest name, England's Lake District, Edinborough, the home of Mary Queen of Scots, Hadrian's Wall, York, Coventry, Stratford-upon-Avon, and a few others I think I left out...
So we're basically visiting every country in the U.K., plus Ireland. I'm going to hope for unseasonably warm weather while we're there. I live in the South, so I'm used to 75 degree F. days at Christmas!

[april]

Wellies!!
And layers. Lots of layers. My mom-in-law goes to London a couple of times a year. I think you've listed all the right things.

I'm quite jealous of you. I dream of going there myself. Hopefully one day I can. But for now I will look forward to your future posts about the trip. :)

[Jan]

If you're used to 75 degree temps on Christmas Day you are going to find it cold over here in April! Although you might get lucky in London as London can often be a lot warmer than some of the other places you are visiting. On the plus side you are visiting some really interesting and inspiring places and if it is really cold most places have interesting things to do in doors. Bath, for example, has some really good museums including a fashion/costume one.

[StarSparrow]

Oh goodness! I'll be sure to pack a rain slicker, some wellies, and a thick wool coat in that case! I'm not sure yet what we'll be doing in each individual place, but no matter how cold I am, it will be worth it. Today it was very unseasonably cold, with a low of 55 degrees, so if it's this cold all Winter maybe I'll acclimate to it before we leave?
All I know is, April can't come soon enough!!!

[StarSparrow]

Thank you April! I'm sure you'll make it there one day. I think when we want something bad enough, we *make* it happen by sheer force of will!
I will be blogging daily while I'm there (as long as I have internet!) and I'll post lots of photos :)