on our way south.. or is that west?

we left Clematis Cottage bright and early. Early for here, anyway. 9.30am. The sun doesn't come up until around 7.30am and sets very early about 4.30pm.

On our way and we took a detour to St. Enoder Christmas Fayre.. something I had read about in the church bulletin.. and it was a quiet affair but we had some fun on a tombola and a cup of tea with some christmas cake, chatted to the Vicar who is a woman much like Vicar of Dibley and off we went to our next destination, Carnhell Green. In a converted farm barn.

but first of all, another detour into Redruth. the mining capital of Cornwall. A steep main street with all the usual shops, butchers and fruit shops.. a vibrant market town - with at least 3 vintage shops to browse. Full of curtains, clothes and bric-a-brac. I bought a plastic vintage Christmas wreath and an angel for my tree. They also had brocade curtains for 5 pounds a pair.. and they had about 6 pair for sale. I am tempted, let me say!! One gorgeous thing that caught my eye was a blue crocheted valance that would be perfect for my kitchen.. but not for sale... I plan on going back in the next week or so and having a long browse through all the vintage clothing. The furniture for sale here is to die for and vintage enamel ware just about dripping from the ceilings. plates, cups and other bits all stacked up on top of each other.

 Then we purchased a christmas tree. Just a small one but at least it will put the Christmas spirit into our homes away from home as we travel.

carol singers in the market place in Redruth.

vintage shops! oh such treasures to look at.. I wish I could buy more. but alas, we have a car full already.

then off to our next cottage for the next week........

PENBROATH MOWHAY

 

our cottage

we don't travel lightly! most of this is our food and also our purchases over the last week. sending most of it home by sea-mail. Joe owns the small case and mine is the big one.

 

both Joe and I spotted this heart shaped faery hole in the bottom of a tree!!

after a cup of tea, we unpacked and decorated our token tree..

will light some candles later and play some Christmas carols.. it is so different being away from home for Christmas.. no gifts to buy except for the few that I have sent home and no fruit cake to make and give away.. and no Christmas Day breakfast to organize. I didn't think I would miss all of this so much.. missing alot my rituals of door wreath blessing and gate decorating and sharing with friends and I realize that even though we have Christmas in summer, that is the way christmas is for us.. with the heat, the peaches and nectarines, the silly hats and people whom we know and love..