Martha's Attic

I found these beautiful dishes in a local antique shop.  I went back several times looking and longing.  So, I eventually went back and purchased them, (I have previously written about them).  But, I have decided, after much deliberation to put them up for sale.  I think I love them so much, I am afraid to use them.  What if someone broke one?  And company usually likes to help clean up after eating, I wouldn't want to get in a fight with someone for breaking my dishes.  So, I have decided to part with them and add to my Fiestaware collection. I love my Fiestaware, mixing the colors, so many choices.  I am listing the Stockholm in my Web Store this week, if you are interested take a peek. Available here

I went to an estate sale back in November.  It was the home of an elderly couple, and there were many wonderful antiques.  I was standing in line to pay for my things and the woman in front of me picked up this item, I had noticed it before, but I had no idea what it was.  She asked someone working there and they thought it was for a particular kind of pudding.  She thought about that for a few minutes, but questioned it due to the holes in the bottom.  I said to her if she was not interested in it I would like to have it.  So in the end I got it, and wondered, what have I got?  I showed it to my Mom, she had no idea.  I researched online, thank goodness for the internet.  It did take some time, actually that is where I spend a lot of my time -research.  But, it had nothing to do with pudding, or even the kitchen, it is a Turkish Soap Case.  I guess if you are going to the trouble to visit a public bath, you must go i...

Believe it or not, I have been lying awake at night worrying about taking Jack to the vet to be neutered.  He has become like a third child to us and the thought of leaving him there overnight, and the operation, have really been worrying me.  So in despair I googled "should I neuter my dog".  I was very surprised at what I found.  When I was growing up -you didn't worry about neutering.  But it has now become the proper thing, and I understand why.  There are too many animals being put to sleep by animal shelters, I understand that.  We were found by a stray female cat, the first thing I did was take her to be spayed.  But in looking up information about neutering, I am finding different stories.  If done before 1 year it increases the risk of bone cancer. Having the procedure done causes a higher risk of hypothyroidism, and it increases the risk of othopedic disorders and adverse reactions to vaccinations, and many other thin...

I was planning to go to the flea market today but the weather was damp and dreary.  I knew there was plenty at home to keep me busy so I decided to pull out some items that have been sitting around and get them listed.  I have some glassware that I have held back because I was not sure of the age.  That's a nice thing about having my own website, on etsy vintage items need to be twenty years old, on my website I can list what I like.  I have had these nice small glasses with a Dove etched on the side. I think of wedding when I see them. I have tried to find information, but they have no marks. I love these small cups, they are espresso Demi cups, made by Bormioli, Vitrosax Italy.  I have had them for some time but not sure of the age. And last, this wonderful vase.  It is a very thick glass with a beautiful neck and round body.  Not sure of the maker or any other information.  One of the items I have had a hard time deciding whether ...

 Have a safe and joyful Christmas! 

I have been spending a lot of time on my computer lately.  Trying to get items listed on my website is very time consuming and distracting.  So I thought I would look around online and see what kind of calendars for my computer I could find.  I checked a couple out, but found they really didn't do what I wanted.  I wanted to be reminded automatically if I had something going on that day.  I finally found one here , it's called the Pink Calendar and Day Planner.  You can list something for a specific time and a reminder will pop up at that time, and a bell rings, great if you're not at the computer.  The message stays open until you close it, or tell it to remind you again later.  It also has other features including a to do list, and you can change the fonts and colors.  A great addition to help keep me sane.

I think any child who watched TV enjoyed watching Captain Kangaroo.  I think my favorites were the rabbit and the moose, but I did love the grandfather clock as well. I watched in the 60's when it was black and white.  So I couldn't pass up this wonderful cup when I found it this weekend.  It's a plastic cup with the Captain's likeness on it, I just love it.  It even has the vari vue eyes that move!  I think they were only available to be ordered in some way, not sold in stores.  I've never seen one before, you never know what you will find at an estate sale.  I have listed him in my shop if anyone is interested.

I found this wonderful old book -it has a leather cover and is inscribed inside, presented to Virginia E. Stonesiffer by her husband F.H. Stonesiffer Dec 25/59.  It seems this book has been printed  since the 1830's, or before,  with stories and poems by different authors,  to be given to your loved one.  Sometimes Edgar Allan Poe is included (not in this book).  It also includes several engravings.  It would make a wonderful Christmas present for the book collector. Find this book here .

 He is just over three months now, he's really growing.  He loves everyone and is just a joy to have.  The mom's came for Thanksgiving and my mom just thinks he's wonderful.  She had to have her picture taken with him, I think he enjoyed it too.  We are spoiling him rotten, but you just can't help it with that face!

The Germans started making these wonderful blocks in the late 1800's. They are Richter's Anchor Blocks.  They are made of quartz sand, powdered chalk, and linseed oil. Imagine having a nice set of blocks made of stone rather than wood.  Many different sets were made, and new sets are being made today.  I recently found a very nice old set at an estate sale.  This set has two trays of blocks and all of the paperwork, it even comes in a nice wood box.  There are papers with trees and people to cut out and embellish your building or town.  The set comes with instructional books and even diagrams to fit the blocks back in the trays!  What a wonderful educational and fun toy for children and adults. Find this set of blocks in my shop