Birthday Buffet

I don't know about you, but the stores around here have been gearing up for the Halloween season since the last weeks of August. Ever since his first glimpse of the orange and black display at Jo-Ann's, Jackson has been counting down the days until we can pick pumpkins and get the costumes ready. With the exception of stocking up on Halloween Oreos (which are generally sold out by September leaving you with a glass pumpkin cookie jar that is either empty or filled with the Christmas Oreos that have begun creeping onto the shelves) the wee lad has had to be very patient waiting for the ghoulish preparations to begin.

This week, with the arrival of the first of October, I figured it was time to start. First things first,however, I knew a bit of pre-decorating house "clearing" was in order. . . . . which leads me here to my pile of birthday gifts on display in the living room. Now considering more than two weeks have passed since my special day it was definitely time to relocate my goodies but not before I did a bit of show and tell.

A manicure coupon, a much loved CD, and some very friendly popsicle bookmarks from the kids. . . . .

and everything I need to become a French Chef from the hubby. Now you should know right up front that I cook about as well as he speaks french (did you notice his pink sticky notes?) Therefore, the chances of me going in the whole Julie and Julia direction are next to zero although I bet I could fit about ten cans of Campbell's French Onion Soup in that dutch oven and serve the whole family from one giant crock!

Almost every year, as a special birthday treat, I go to a doll show up in New Hampshire. This time while my mom searched for some tiny dolls to put in her Christmas dollhouse, Dale scoured every table for a doll that looked just like her, and I kept watch for any little wooden treasures to be had. As it turned out only the birthday girl had any luck on that day. A Raikes Hitty along with a companion book stuffed with an assortment of paper ephemera was found neglected amongst all the more glamorous Betsy McCalls and Madame Alexanders. Mass produced she may be, but how could I pass her up, especially with mom as a co-conspirator in the purchase.

As for the rest of the little wooden wonders pictured. . . . they were rescued from an "as is" junk box for a quarter a piece! One man's trash truly is another's treasure, and at a dollar for the lot my wallet still felt rich too.

And finally, from mom and dad. . . . .a whole stash of Hitty treats! My Gail Wilson kit as well as an extra wardrobe pattern had been stashed away since our visit to the Sunapee Fair. The braided rug and quit hoop were a completed surprise, however. They too started as Gail Wilson kits but my mom was sweet enough to complete them for me. Those along with a few little consignment finds added in have me thinking it won't be long before Hitty's going to need a house!

But first. . . it looks as if I've got my work cut out for me!