Great British Summer at last!

We have had almost a week of summer here in Norfolk and the south of England.  It has been so hot and dry with temperatures as high as 30 celsius in London that it seems unreal that only last week, it bucketed down every day.  This mini heatwave is not expected to last so we are basking in it while we can.  Pete bought a fan for the conservatory as it was too hot to sit in it, even with all the windows and door open.  Every window and door in the house is open so we can get some ventilation.  I even made some iced green tea with elderflower cordial.  Delicious and so refreshing!  I worked on Monday and Tuesday and had the rest of the week off and feel like I am on holiday at home - I have brought out my sunglasses, sun hat, flip flops, skimpy top and shorts.  No need to wait in airport queues, change foreign currency or get stressed for a place in the Mediterranean sun.  It's here - our very own summer holiday at home. I hear a song coming on....bring back those lazy,crazy days of summer...can't remember how the rest goes...!

What is it about Yard Sales?

Yesterday I went to our annual village yard sale. There were over 80 yard sales dotted all over the village. I went twice! The first time was first thing in the morning after my early morning walk and people were just setting up and feeling generous and keen to sell. I picked up a twin set DVD of the film The Mission for 50 pence, a willow pattern ginger jar for 50 pence and an Ehrman tapestry for £2. The sellers were happy at their early sales and I was delighted. The second time I went with friends a couple of hours later when there were more buyers. I was more circumspect this time round and looked at the items more carefully and considered the seller's attitude and openess to bargaining. This time I bought a heater/fan for a £1. All were bargains and it was fun. Buying other people's unwanted items might appear cheap but as the saying goes, "other people's junk is another person's treasure".

The feeling of getting something cheap and a bargain gives one a thrill. I think yard sales say a lot about the climate we are living in at the moment. People feel the need to sell things and get ready cash. They sell things which they no longer need and buyers buy things which they feel they need. Buyers varied in their emotions about selling personal belongings and those that sold easily were people who wanted to share and sell their things cheaply and to de-clutter. Others who were out to make a profit appeared to be less generous of spirit. Capitalism is ingrained in all of us.... I think yard sales are great and a wonderful way of meeting your neighbours, re-cycling goods and a form of spreading our 'wealth'. In this throw away society that we live in, yard sales are the way to go!