Sorting, Treasure Hunting in the Rain and Painting

I had a weekend that was busy but in a relaxing way. My brother visited which was nice. We had lovely food. He and Andy played scrabble. I tried to make caramel-went ok but has not set-I don't have a sugar thermometer and so I stopped too soon. What can I do with it? Any ideas gratefully received! We watched a film called 'Just Friends' which is silly but quite funny.

I did some sorting-existing treasures. I love seeing them all

arranged in their little compartments. Two new paintings. The one on the right had the pieces of china stuck on-as mentioned yesterday but all the pieces came off with only a little push. I tried again with superglue and it seems to have worked. I have put the clay round the pieces and will leave overnight.

The one on the left has a stamp of a little falling man that my friend Clare sent me.

Sorting the treasure made me want more. Not need but want!

So I dragged Andy down to the river this morning. It was freezing and raining

and so windy I couldn't see to pick up anything at first!

You can see in this photo that the barrier is up.

A perfectly lovely chair which I didn't attempt to take it home,

as I thought someone could happily use it at the beach on a more sunny day.

I found lots of interesting things. There were hundreds of iron nails-all deformed and rusty. (click to enlarge to see how many there were!) I wonder what they are from? I picked up some of them. I found something that I thought was an enormous bone but I am not sure. I will put a picture another time to see if anyone can enlighten me! I found an instrument dial from a boat I think-too dirty and full of water to pick up. I found lots of china to add to the collection. The best find though was Andy's. He has an eagle eye!

It is great to find something with so much information on it, so we looked it up. There are a few examples online though I didn't find out much information about Ellen. This is a genealogy website for people with the name Hale, and if you scroll down you can see the whole lid. I like the idea of a heal-all ointment. Most useful.

The shed door blew open and when I went up to shut it I saw these on the way back. I have been seeing other people's snowdrops online for a few weeks now so I am glad to see ours! There is only one little clump but it gets slightly bigger each year.

This painting is turning slightly nightmarish I think. The hat is based on a dressing up hat we have at school. The layered patterns on the dress are from the stamp and a plastic doily.

This one makes me think of Miss Havisham.

The pieces of china are from her unused tea service.

Her dress is also plastic doily stencilled.