Covid Journal, Day 290: Unpacked, and a Book Recommendation

Raining and 43 this morning. Rain showers off and on all day, with little spots of sunshine. This evening it's turning colder, but I believe more rain is expected tomorrow. Soggy weather.

We unloaded the van today and I've been sorting things out, deciding what to keep and what to take to the thrift. In most auctions, smaller things are sold in lots, and there always seem to be some items that I just have no use for. This time was no different.

I don't think there were any fabulous finds this time. No "paid a dollar and it's worth hundreds" kind of things, just some good booth fillers that will return a modest profit over time. 

As I said yesterday, this is different than what I usually buy. The real antiques went sky high, but there were a few reasonable lots. I have found that busts are a good seller in my booths, so I bought several of the ones available.

The dog plaque in the above photo is cast iron, as is the gofer doorstop. And the vase in the center is by Hull.

There's a McCoy cookie jar buried up in this photo, and on the right corner a wicker hand mirror and little wicker holder for something--maybe toothbrushes? 

I got several small white wicker items. Not pictured here are a wicker frog wastebasket and a couple other small things.

There were two of these plaster pedestals too. I suppose there were plants on them? or maybe the busts?

The hall tree was the only piece of furniture that was reasonable, so it came home with us.

There was quite a lot of other things I didn't photograph--Christmas items that Larry packed away with our stuff, a lot of nice, new bath towels and rugs I'll list on ebay, some braided rugs and chair pads, and more. Plenty to keep me busy listing for a few days.

One of the most interesting items I bought were these two compotes, both labeled Emch Glass. 

I'd never heard of this glass company, but apparently Emch Glass operated in Huntington, WV, in the 40's and 50's. According to what I read in the online article West Virginia Glass Towns: Huntington, the company was known as Bruce and Emch Glass and was located in Huntington, WV; but the labels on these pieces say only Emch Glass. I need to research further to clarify what little I have found so far about this manufacturer.

The job now is to get everything priced, wrapped and packed in totes for the booths. And to load the boxes of unwanted things into the van for drop-off. Stuff in, stuff out. The story of our lives sometimes.

There was a nice bright spot in the day: a call from granddaughter Allison, who is working on her masters in social work in Florida. It has been a while since I talked to her, and it was such a pleasure to catch up. I was delighted to hear that she is interested in permaculture and is planning on starting a permaculture garden with her boyfriend this year. She is also interested in canning and preserving--I always wondered if the grandchildren would pick up on this tradition, which as we know is slowly dying out. I am so happy that she wants to learn how to put up her own food, and hope we'll have a chance to get together this year, Covid permitting.

Isn't it odd how the virus is really dictating much of our lives these days? It used to be "weather permitting" or "job permitting" but now it's Covid that is the barrier to so many get-togethers and activities. One of my brothters is now sick with it, and possibly his wife as well; a nephew and his family are also ill with Covid now. The toll goes on, and we seem powerless to stop it. Right now there is yet another surge, probably brought on by holiday gatherings, shopping and related activities. Our governor plans to open schools no matter what come January 19th; is it a good idea, or a rash decision we will regret? My heart goes out to the teachers struggling to teach, and the children who don't have online access, or who live in crowded homes where it's almost impossible to hear, much less learn. The difficulties are deeper than most people realized when online school was implemented and so many children are being left behind. There doesn't seem to be any solution that is 100% acceptable.

Last night I finished one of the most intriguing books I've read in the past year, Blackbird House by Alice Hoffman. The story revolves around an old house and all the different people who have lived in it, and there are elements of magic and superstition woeven throughout. It's a strange read, cozy at times, and at others eerie, sad, funny, and touching. And totally memorable. I'm really considering re-reading it cover to cover because I feel that I've missed things in the first reading--it's like there are pages hidden within the pages, if that makes sense. If you have read it, I'd be interested in your opinion. 

One thing that delighted me in the book was the mention of a belief that witches wear red shoes. Now, when I was in England summer of 2019, I had to leave my red shoes behind to make room in my suitcase for the things I'd bought to bring home. I missed those shoes terribly, even though they really were worn out. So this summer I bought another pair onlne. I'm no witch, but I had to laugh when I read about the red shoes in the book and remembered my longing for another pair. Maybe my husband had better look out!

Copyright Susanna Holstein. All rights reserved. No Republication or Redistribution Allowed without attribution to Susanna Holstein.