sharing my day with you

Since I was already in Toronto on Friday, I thought I would stop by the Stamp Show that was on last weekend on my way home. Things didn't quite turn out as planned.




I did have a lovely visit with my baby niece with whom I had several staring contests since we hadn't seen each other in a long time. Her days are filled with bouncing in a harness, grabbing things, gnawing on things, dancing with mummy, listening to music and silly talk, eating, staring... getting lessons on how to make a perfect cup of tea (it is never to early to learn the essentials)



When I left, it was a little later than planned. Then I had to find a bank machine which were not as prevalent in that particular area as I thought they might be. Then traffic became heavier than I expected at that hour. And when I finally got to the Exhibition grounds were the show was being held, I discovered the parking was a flat rate of $14. I thought that a bit excessive for the slightly more than an hour I would spend inside. I thought about finding some street parking and walking back, but in the end I decided I would just go find somewhere to have a coffee and something to eat while waiting for the traffic to ease. There was one hour parking on the side streets until 6pm, so I went for a short walk and came back promptly at 5 and moved my car around the block. I wandered up and down Ronscesvalles Ave and and in and out of shops smelling of fresh baking, old books, leather. I found a couple of very cute little vintage and vintage-inspired home decor and accessories shops. They were full of stuff I like. Like this tin box that I can use to stuff my stamps in.

Because, 
I may be thrifty on the one hour parking, but you know I had to go back the next day, which meant another 40 minute drive, and still paying the $14. But then I stayed for almost four hours which gave me plenty of time to check out the boxes of 10¢ and face value stamps as well as the postcards and the large displays the club members had put together and have (too many) conversations with people about what I collect and how they could be stored and where and when the next shows are (hint: this Friday, in Hamilton!) Every time I worry that this collection is getting out of hand, I have a look at the other people at these shows and realize I have a long way to go.