Countryside, chips and charity shops

Had another lovely day out recently, this time en famile.  We each discussed what we wanted to do on our day out.  Mr J and P wanted a walk in the countryside.  Little Miss J and P wanted to have lunch in a cafe and eat chips.  I, of course, wanted to charity shop.  So, Mr J and P got out his trusty "Walks in Hertfordshire" book and we walked from Ware to Hertford and back again - 6 miles in total.  We live in London, very close to both the Essex and Hertfordshire borders.  We're always popping over to Essex, but tend to forget about Hertfordshire. 

We successfully incorporated all three elements of countryside, chips and charity shops in the walk. 

Now, at this point in the post, more efficient bloggers would insert photos of their day out - some pretty countryside perhaps or maybe some interesting architectural features. 

Not me, dear readers, here's one of some eccentric old biddy wearing one of those noses for Red Nose Day

Joking!  That's little old me!

Here's one of Little Miss J and P sporting the same nose in the grounds of the former Hertford Castle.

Anyway, let's talk about important matters like what we bought.

Quite a lot of yellow ricrac for 10p:

Ladybird books at 59p each to add to my collection:


One charity shop had a basket full of crocheted granny blankies.  Well, you know I have a penchant for those, don't you?  They were at a decent price too (£1.50 to £1.99).  The only thing about them were that they were a little small for my purposes- lap blanket size I would say.  What happened next was something that one should never do if one can help it.......I hesitated.  And during that moment of hesitation, some old dear grabbed the whole damn lot and announced to no-one in particular "I'll have all of these!".   Grrrrr, that'll teach me to dither. 

Well, dear readers, I nearly sobbed into my Fortnum and Mason hamper:

Yes, dear readers, I did say Fortnum and Mason hamper. 

A rather large wicker chest hamper (empty) complete with handles and faux leather straps.I spied it outside one of the charity shops and thought it would be a genuinely useful item to have. 

It cost £7 but it is large and very practical.  Did you notice that I'm emphasising its practicality and its usefulness?  Between you and me, I'm trying to get into Mr J and P's good books, I wouldn't want him to think that I'm bringing "more useless tat" (his words, certainly not mine) into the house.

When I got home, I checked Ebay and, guess what.... Fortnum and Mason hampers go from about £40 upwards.  Huzzah!  Score!

TTFN and may your week be bargainful.