Disappointed

 I try not to set my heart on anything in the Swap Shop. If I find something to keep, then that is a little gift for the day; but usually most of the things disappear quickly, often before the official start. This morning I arrived about 9:30 a.m. 

Since there had been stacks of jigsaw puzzles (maybe 40), I thought I might at least get one of those. They were all gone. I admit I am disappointed. I ended up with a sweater, a music CD, and a beaded bracelet that is too big, but I plan to take apart and rework. 

I am listening to the CD as I type this. I am pretty sure I will be taking it back this afternoon. A lot of the music is performed by bands. Some applause included from concerts I guess. But there is a second disc; maybe I will like it better. I will listen as I wash dishes.

The sweater seems nice quality. The donor cut out the tag. I tried it on, and it fits OK. The main problem is that the fabric content and the care instructions must also have been on that tag. I suspect this is probably a man's sweater because of the brand (Oxford Shop). If it doesn't work out, I will donate it to the next Swap Shop or put it on Give 'n Take table. 

I remind myself to set my affections on things above. God has provided for my needs. 

Autumn Swap Shop

 Grace Village is finally able to hold its semi-annual swap shop again. It started Monday. I donated 4 items; I took 6, but the two clothing items will have to be returned. One was too small, one was too big despite the fact they are both marked the same size.

I am keeping the scarf.

I think it goes well with my purple sweater and OK with the pinkish one.

The fake bittersweet I will cut up to add to my jug of fall leaves. The real stems I cut last winter are shriveling up and the yellow leaves falling off. The real stuff is just so fragile.

The potpourri I will add to the jar I bought at the recent estate sale.

The potpourri in the jar now is more red and bluish green with a gingerbread? smell. This new batch is more orangish. I don't know how to describe the odor. Allspice? 

The CD is OK though I think the concept of having sea waves in the background of each hymn is a bit strange. I will probably add it to the spring swap shop after listening to it in the next few months. That is the nice thing about the swap shop. You pay nothing and you can always donate what you took at a future swap or put it on the give and take table. Buyer's remorse costs nothing but a bit of time.

I have my autumn decorating done except for adding the fake bittersweet. I will try to share some photos this week. 

Our trees are slowly getting some autumn color. Probably next week or the week after will be peak color. But we are in a weather pattern of scattered rain most days mixed with times of sunshine.

Roller Coaster

I took the thermal blanket off of my bed this morning. Too warm now that we have days in the 80's. I had it folded to the side the last several nights anyway. I put on a flannel sheet that serves as a light blanket if I need more than my regular sheet. We were in the low 60's several days, now a run of 80's until Thursday when we will be 30 degrees cooler. Then it will be time for the electric blanket at last. Maybe bake some zucchini bread, too. The ups and downs should be about over.

My colossal Costco mum is in full bloom now. 

With the cooler weather this weekend, it will be time to plant my winter aconite bulbs/corms. They look like large dried-up chocolate chips. I had to order these on the internet. They are the little yellow flowers I saw last March under an apartment window. I have given up on crocus.

This week is swap shop at Grace Village. I saw a purse, a necklace, and a shirt last Friday when I brought my contributions in, but they were all gone by 9:30 a.m. when I arrived this morning for the taking part.
I did take a couple of tops that aren't perfect fits, but they will serve my purpose of garden/house work. 

Almost every time I put my weekly pill minder in my purse when we eat out at restaurants, the lid has come open and I have to dig around in the bottom of my purse to find the pills. No more. I have a new pill minder with tight lids from swap shop. Easy to see color, too.

The other item I took to play around with is a container of curlers. I have been toying with the idea of curling my hair occasionally, especially as it grows out mid-way thru my haircut cycle.

These look unused and come in several sizes. I still have some ratty old ones from decades ago; these will replace them and be better.