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Bits and bobs about my life in my lovely home, Thatchwick Cottage, Pretoria, South Africa.

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

28 May, Wednesday: Cold cures



I have been sniffling around the house with my first (and definitely my last!) cold of the winter. Mega-doses of Vitamin C, gallons of wild berry juice and some homemade chicken soup to share with the dogs have cleared my very fuzzy head. I am now feeling perky and ready to go. Confined more to the house than usual, I again enjoyed some of my precious collections. Here are my Hummel figurines on their shelf above the piano. This collection was begun by a gift from my American 'mom' and 'dad' when I visited them in Rugby, North Dakota in 1995 after an absence of 25 years. (I was an American Field Service student in '69-'70). I only know of one Hummel stockist over here and the cost is exorbitant due to the exchange rate. My modest collection has been built up through bargain discoveries in antique shops. Some might call the little Hummel lads and lasses sentimental art, but I love the innocence of these little friends. And I am unashamedly a sentimentalist!

And to ponder, a pithy quote inscribed on a headstone in an English country churchyard:

Reverence God
Respect man.
Preserve property. (Anon)

8 comments:

Theresa @ Take A Sentimental Journey said...

Hi Eleanor , When we were in Germany 45 years ago, my mom only bought 1 Hummel. I can't believe she didn't buy them out ! Anyway I just love them , but they are so-o-o-o expensive ! I stil have the 1 she bought . Have a good day Eleanor and hope you are on the mend now.

Carrie said...

How nice to see your Hummels! That shelf with mirror unit is just the right display piece.
I used to have the few Hummels I own in the living room curio cabinet but currently they are stowed away in a box.
It was so good to have you visit recently. Do drop by again soon to see my rhododendrons in bloom.

sherry said...

I have 7 Hummels, 6 of which were gifts from my mother-in-love, and 1 from my mother. They're all very very old and so beautiful.

Tess Kincaid said...

Eleanor, I had THE worst cold a few weeks back, so I feel for you! Sounds like you are doing all the right things. Hope you feel better soon.

Love your Hummels! They are adorable! :) I have a Goebel navtivity set that I am crazy about.

Robin said...

Hi Eleanor,
I came over from Janet at Housepeepers. I'm in love with your cottage! I've never seen a thatched roof in person and I'm pretty sure it would take my breath away! You have a lovely home and blog. I'll be back to visit soon! I'm in the States- Virginia, about 30 minutes from Washington DC

kari and kijsa said...

Love the quote!
Have a blessed weekend!

smiles, kari & kijsa

Mary said...

I love the shelf where you display your Hummels - you have the start of a great collection. My neighbor's SIL just passed away and apparently left a HUGE collection (she was German)but I don't know what her children are planning to do with them - keep or sell!

Hope your cold is nothing but a memory by now dear Eleanor - stay well and be strong. When will the new thatching begin?

Just heard that Alexandra's blog is back - apparently she's moving.

Lavinia said...

These are so sweet, and what a unique and interesting way to display them.

They're all darling.