Plot missing?

One thing I've noticed since I entered the land of blogs is how easily I can be influenced by different tastes. Apparently I've always been like this but it's only since I started this darned documenting that I have had to acknowledge it. Sadly the rest of the family have also had to acknowledge it - which is why Mr K arrived back from a short trip the other day with this

and I - rather more than I am comfortable to admit - was thrilled! No longer will I struggle to hold my drink and snacks at the same time - with 'Palatray' I can comfortably utilise my free hand for other things! Hair brushing, ping pong and waving at others will all be a breeze secure in the knowledge that my buffet is close to hand.

I'm so thrilled it's scrubbable and next time I am having an individual supper I'll know just where to turn!

I wonder if the patent was ever received - I can't seem to turn anything up on the internet - anyone else heard of it?

In the same week I found this little box of treasures.

Now I know that a while ago I would have had a quick peek inside and instantly recoiled. Why then did I part with three pounds of my hard earned money to pay for a set of these?

Yes - table mats with the most formal settings, a twentieth century take on some of the Dutch masters perhaps?

I wonder what Rembrandt would have made of a Toby Jug?

I can't decide whether I like them or not. They are hideous in so many ways yet I am still fascinated by the fact that somebody actually went to the trouble of sourcing, staging and then developing these little tableaus.

Perhaps it was the same element of fascination that made me (yes actually 'made' me) bring this home the other day.

I was initially attracted by the fair isle jumpers but when I examined it further I discovered this

Fancy that! A breakfast cereal giving away a knitting booklet! You want to see inside?

This wonderful lady is having a glorious time trying to work out exactly what she is looking it but the person behind is having none of it.

Then there's this sturdy chap. There's nothing he doesn't know about a wireless.

And here we have Delicate Deirdre - gazing wistfully at a bloom in a jug whilst trying to balance on one leg.

Oh yes. Who could resist these little blasts from the past. I think that might be the fascination. I don't just see these as decorative items (phew - that's a relief!) I see them as part of our social history. Reminders of a time when plastic was a miracle and knitted dresses were 'de rigeur'. At least that's what I'm telling myself. It's either that or I've totally lost the plot!

Ta ta now - I'm off for a silverskin onion

Jane

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