Shots and Silver..............

Last week, on leaving the International Travelers Health Clinic with arms like pin cushions and costly prescriptions written for formidable sounding drugs to combat Malaria and Typhoid Fever in Africa, I decided I needed to do something pleasant to take my mind off all the bad things that could happen on safari!

Nearby, the Thieves Market Antique Mall was calling my name so I headed there. I found some little shiny treasures, but was overwhelmed by the feeling that many people renting spaces to sell their antiques and vintage treasures are really hurting......financially. I overheard a couple of dealers saying how poor their sales are this month. Many booths were reducing items as much as 50%.......red sale stickers were rampant.

The sweet $4 mirror has a stained cardboard back and no way to hang it but I immediately saw as a stand for a container of flowers..................so I bought a bunch of white roses and placed them in a silver jug on the dining room table, which is also my desk!


On a shelf in a corner of the same booth, I noticed the pair of silver plated tea boxes hallmarked Cheltenham & Company. England, with a unicorn etched on each lid. I can see these holding much more than tea. Already slightly tarnished, with copper showing through, the cut corners and roped detail along the edges made these a great buy at just $21 the pair.

Also in the booth were some interesting silver flatware odds and ends. I found another fish knife for my collection, also the tiny demitasse spoon in the silver basket holding acorns, each just $1.

Later my arms really ached but my little treasures were not heavy to carry home.

Do you find shopping relaxing when you're having a stressful day? What do you shop for? Clothes, shoes, items for your home, gifts for others, food?