Rollerskates, power pants and vintage trunks

Catch It While You Can
Yesterday was an interesting day in Falmouth's Charity Shops. Not only were there two new wedding dresses in Pants and Cornwall Animal Hospital - each with an option for a peach coloured bridesmaid's dress - but there was a pair of rollerskates in my size. These were the type I had dreamed about in my childhood with white leather shoes attached. I never even saw those in my size in the 1970s or 80s. Very Noel Streatfield. Well...maybe not.

You Never Know
A lady was overheard talking about a book she wanted to read - Wolf Hall - and a friend had seen two copies, in Barnardo's and Cornwall Animal Hospital, so she went to buy a copy. It's worth the ask.

Wonder Pants
If you have been inspired to write in a superhero character by recent dramas exported from America, then maybe these types of pants might be of interest, found in Falmouth's Barnardo's charity shop.


Summer is Hurtling Towards Us
As Spring Flowers have already sprung up in Cornwall, while parts of England lie under snow, it seems timely to remind those over 40 with brothers of the type of swimming trunks boys wore in the 70s. These might be all the rage at a beach near you soonish.

You Had Me In Stitches!
There was also a children's nurses uniform for a mini me character for a hospital drama (yes, I'm kidding), or a good old fashioned game of doctors and nurses. Is that still allowed?

As mentioned, there are new wedding dresses on the wedding dress page, plus a very elegant dress, which is on sale in Posh Pants in Falmouth (where I bought my roller skates).

Roller Disco anyone?

Portable Picnics for Coastal Walks in Cornwall

Picnic set for 4 Posh Pants
Currently half price at £6

Warmer Winter
It's only the 11th January and, today, the sun is shining brightly all over Britain. If you aren't too worried about the future of the planet by this unseasonal warm weather - or, as this is England I should say 'mild' weather  - you may already be thinking 'picnic'. In case of snow, there is probably plenty of unsold, reduced ski wear on sale in the shops.

Unless you are the kind of person who hibernates in the winter, you can find a picnic rucksack in two of Falmouth's charity shops. I have recently spotted 3 varieties of portable picnic set (pictured). If these were unwanted Christmas presents, they are bound to be snapped up well before the first signs of spring.

Concept picnic set for 2
Barnados £5.99

You Can Try This At Home - I Did

I've tried and tested one of these ruck sack picnic sets - I wish I'd waited now and not bought mine from a London garden centre. They have a cool bag compartment that fits two decent sized, plastic food containers.

Small picnic set - Posh Pants

Or you could fit in a selection from the deli counter such as tongue, cheese, tomatoes, green salad, terrine, humus, pork pies, chicken drums sticks, baguettes etc. They provide carriers for two bottles, too.  The small one on the left is the one best suited to keen walkers, who aren't too bothered about bringing the entire deli counter with them.

Mullion - A Picnic Idea
As spring approaches, why not visit Mullion, a small harbour on the west side of the Lizard peninsula in Cornwall. It has a hill to climb, a cave for the explorer type and two harbour walls. The area is still used by fisherman, if the evidence of nets lining the wall are to be believed. The history of Mullion I have yet to discover, but the National Trust present an information board about it. There are secluded beaches nearby for keen swimmers and summer sunbathing.