Tuesday, April 23, 2013

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.

17 comments:

  1. Your niece sure is a cute little girl. I can understand that you spent some time in her company.

    It seems to me that is you keep your stamp collection organized, there should be no problem, right? Just don't diversify too much.

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    1. the trick is keeping it all organized. I seem to be having a bit of trouble with that!

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  2. Your niece is adorable and rates her own stamp in your collection. Check out photo.stamps.com if you've never been.

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    1. that is a good idea. thanks for the reminder.

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  3. I think one can never be too young to learn how to make tea for Auntie Violet. Next time teach her how to mix a G&T.

    And I adore that box! I sooo want one! LOVE the writing on the top heh. I might collage myself one.

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    1. I bet she even got instructions on how to bake the banana bread that went with the tea :)
      (her mum gave her the tea instructions, I will sneak in the one for the G&T)

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  4. What a sweet little baby. Love the collectors tins.

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    1. she is much happier than she was a few months ago when she had colic!

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  5. How delightful to have a baby to dote on. I am shortly to visit my newest great-nephew. And as for stamps, my late husband said he collected stamps but when I opened the container, they turned out to be not worth anything, and there were instead hundreds of first day covers, and quite a few usable stamps. So I am using them, but they don't glue properly any more. The unfortunate lady at the post office had to stamp the ones I'd used for the great-nephew's parcel, and sticky tape them all to the parcel. Your stamps sound much more fun.

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    1. yes, it is lovely and I must take advantage of my free time and visit and dote more often.
      I have bought a glue stick for some of the older ones that have lost their stickiness. but I still try licking them and am ever so grateful for our newer peel and stick versions!

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  6. Did you also share with her how to set a perfect table? Ha
    She is adorable!
    Glad you enjoyed the show...and that tin box is fab!!
    Hugs
    SueAnn

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    1. that lesson will wait until she in her highchair!

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  7. Cute baby girl!!
    gee, $14. to park.. I agree that is excessive. Free is what I prefer. It would not do for me to go to Toronto as I could never afford the parking but then I'd probably use up more in gas just driving around looking for a cheaper spot.

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    1. yes, well, this was at the Ex. most parking lots are cheaper. though.... if you want to go to say, Harbourfront when there is something, on it will cost you $25-$30. It is cheaper to find a parking lot near a subway and take transit. I always go for free when I can. I don't mind walking.

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    2. oh yes exactly,it would be more at those spots for sure.
      I am usually a walker too. but from here to TO is too far for me... haha.

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    3. you drive yourself here then I'll take over and show you around!

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  8. I love having staring contest with babies!

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