Halloween Mini Collection

Today is the day, so first off, wishing those who celebrate it a Happy Halloween!

I have quite a few collections, but would have to say that my most cherished one is my vintage paper collection, which includes greeting cards of all types, but only ones that have never been used. Also, included are seals (which are stickers with a gummed backing that has to be wet in order to stick), gift tags, valentines, letter-writing stationary, and gift wrap. I also have some post cards but collecting these is a whole genre unto itself.

I love the graphics on these items, and the fact that I could very well be the only person in the whole wide world to actually possess some of these original items in pristine condition. This is because the whole premise of these things was to use them; people normally wrote in greeting cards, on valentines and gift tags, as that was the purpose for which they were made! This being so, finding ones that have survived decades without ever having been written on, is a challenge in deed.

Another reason I like this particular collection so much is that it doesn't take up a ton of space! Nick kindly shared his mother's 'teak office-in-a-box' for the purpose of keeping my paper things (and unused vintage tea-towels, but that's another story waiting to be told!), which I'll have to show you pictures of soon because it's such a neat piece of furniture. Basically, it's a desk with shelves and a drawer that all closes up into a box, from the early 70s.

And as an avid collector of vintage things in general, I imagine I would have more Halloween related items if they were available, but I have found them scarce. This is probably because the holiday, while being a very old one, has not been traditionally celebrated in the same way around the world. I've read blog posts from writers in Australia, for example, who are experiencing it for the first time now. (Noting a highlight for me for reading blogs .. you get a fascinating look at what people are like in other lands!)

Eddie Gets Ready for Halloween

For this week's Caturday post Eddie gets into the Halloween vibe. It's true that boycat loves holidays in general; whenever he senses changes in normal routine, he gets very curious and interested.

And so it was that I didn't even have to invite him into the little fall-inspired photo-booth I set up for him and the scarecrow. I got the area ready and while gathering my camera and tripod, he just settled himself right in! In fact, he hung out and napped on the blanket all week long.

As for the cat-grass photos, there was no need to encourage him to dig-in there! He loves grass so was excited to get a brand new plant to enjoy. Now that the natural grass in the yard is no longer edible we will be providing him with such plants that we purchase fresh where we buy his food. (If you're in Toronto, we go to Helmutt's at 865 Queen Street West, just south east of Trinity-Bellwoods park.)

After taking the pictures outdoors I moved the plant inside, where it was partaken in as a snack during the photo-session featuring Eddie's Festive and Fancy Neck Decoration (DIY  here).

Food Friday : Onion Soup

Onion soup is one of our favourites so Nick made some last week. He uses mild Spanish onions, giving it a gentle smooth flavour. This recipe makes 8 servings. We usually have it the day he makes it and then divide the rest into freezer bags for later. It freezes beautifully. To use from the freezer, thaw out a package, gently heat in a saucepan and proceed to top and broil as per the recipe.

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