Tuesday, January 11, 2022

Busy, Busy


I should have anticipated yesterday would be busy, but it wound up being even busier than I expected. Lots of classes coming in for new reading material and lots of books coming back after the break. I took a 15-minute lunch and otherwise it was go, go, go!

Consequently I have nothing much to say, because you don't want to hear about how many books I re-shelved. Trust me, it was a lot.

As Dave and I anticipated, there are quite a few people out for Covid-related illness, both students and staff. Either they tested positive and they're isolating or they're actively sick, though I haven't heard of anyone being seriously ill, knock on wood.


I found this very '60s-looking glass tray on the way home, sitting on a garden wall on Finchley Road next to a rubbish pile. How fantastic is that? I'm hesitant to even show it to you given my recent purchase of the zebra with a crown; I don't want you to think I have absolutely no taste. But of course I'm keeping it.

(Top photo: Croydon, a couple of weeks ago.)

50 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love the tray. What a find.

Frances said...

The tray is lovely. Beautiful colours.

crafty cat corner said...

No taste? it's gorgeous.
Briony
x

Steve Reed said...

I thought so too!

Steve Reed said...

I agree! Dave wasn't so sure. LOL

Steve Reed said...

I'm glad you think so! I like it too. It IS very retro but I don't think it's that old.

Yorkshire Pudding said...

Like the other three "Lou" Reed fans who have commented above, I also admire your latest find. It would be nice to learn more about it - such as where it was made.

Steve Reed said...

Yeah, it has no sticker or maker's mark that I can find, and I don't see anything exactly like it anywhere online. I found a similar item on eBay (same flowers, different color and shape) but it also had no ID. So it's a mystery!

VRP said...

Just think about packing when you have to move again 🤣🥺

Bob said...

The zebra gave me pause, but I love the tray. 60s retro methinks!

Ellen D. said...

Another good find! Looks like a scarf frozen in glass. Cool!
I like the colorful photo from Croydon. Is that how they decorate closed shops? Fancy!

Ms. Moon said...

You would have been remiss not to bring that tray home. It would look lovely with a few candles burning on it or small plants rooting or...
Anything!
That top picture is a good one. London shops are certainly more creative in their window decorating than the ones around here.

Debby said...

I actually like the glass tray. It would make a nice spoon rest. Jury's still out on Zach.

Sharon said...

I love that glass tray. It reminds me so much of one my mother had. Even the shape is the same although I think the pattern was a bit different. I also like the top photo. Fantastic composition.

Ed said...

Five out of thirteen kids in my youngest's class were out yesterday due to illness. I don't think any of them have been vaccinated except for my daughter who is also the only one that still wears a mask in class. I suspect at least some of them were Covid and so now I'm monitoring her for symptoms... again... so soon after the false alarm over Christmas.

Moving with Mitchell said...

The glass tray is a blast. I would have picked it up, too. I would also have picked up that shop front. I wish that would be done to all the closed shops around town. Great photo!

Anonymous said...

That glass tray is beautiful. It was out there just for you, Steve. The universe works in mysterious ways. Ask the crowned Zebra.

Boud said...

Does Dave look at you suspiciously when you come home -- now what's he found? The tray is good though. I expect it will grow on him.

ellen abbott said...

Of course you are! Keeping the tray I mean, not being busy at work but of course you were.

The Padre said...

I So Dig All Of Your Treasures - Keeping Busy Keeps Our Eyes Off The Clock - Hang Tough This Week As A Friday Martini Awaits You - Be Well

Cheers

Joni James said...

Inspiring! I finally got my camera out the other day and I'm dedicated to teaching myself how to use it. Have been waiting for a class to start but Covid interrupted that one.

The Bug said...

That tray is lovely! My life just got more complicated - I already knew that our director was retiring in May, but I just found out today that her #2 gave her two week notice yesterday. So there are about to be a LOT of changes and extra work around here. Which is why I'm reading blogs. Ha!

Edna B said...

I think your new glass tray is beautiful. You have a super day, hugs, Edna B.

Red said...

We have one those trays but ours has a different design. we got it for wedding present in 1966!

John Going Gently said...

That tray was too good to throw away, could it have been stolen

Vivian Swift said...

Exactly true. Robin knows.

Kelly said...

What are the dimensions on the tray? (I need something in the photo to give me some perspective!)

I'm really taken by the first photo. The composition with the person, the artwork in the background, and even the trashcan... it's all very satisfying to me.

Margaret said...

I'm seeing many former colleagues who are very careful and have been triple vaxxed getting Covid. I'm sure my time will come. Ugh.

Catalyst said...

You have impeccable taste! No matter what Dave says. 😁
Good luck with staying clean. (of Omicron)

Steve Reed said...

Yeah, that's the downside, for sure!

Steve Reed said...

Is it merely retro or is it authentic '60s? I can't tell. Probably too much to hope for that it's vintage.

Steve Reed said...

I think they're called handkerchief trays (or bowls or vases) for that exact reason.

I saw several shopfronts like that in Croydon, so it must be a local street beautification effort!

Steve Reed said...

We could definitely use the tray for serving hors d'oeuvres (like we do that a lot, LOL).

Steve Reed said...

I'll probably fill it up with random items collected on my walks! MY jury is in on Zack. :)

Steve Reed said...

They were definitely in style back in the '60s and maybe '70s.

Steve Reed said...

Ugh! We've had lots of kids out here, but sometimes they're just out for a day or two awaiting a confirming test which then shows them negative. It's all a mystery!

Steve Reed said...

It definitely livens up the streetscape! It's weirdly tropical for Croydon, though, which is hardly the type of environment where you'd find an orchid. LOL

Steve Reed said...

I love to think that's true, Robin! I can't imagine it was there long. Who would pass that up?!

Steve Reed said...

Oh yeah. I think he grimaces in anticipation every time I come through the door. LOL

Steve Reed said...

Yeah, I shouldn't be surprised by being busy, but I kind of was. It was just such a madhouse.

Steve Reed said...

That's true -- it's better to be busy than not. Who says I have to wait until Friday? LOL

Steve Reed said...

Excellent! Photography has kept me sane through all this crazy Covid. It really helps to have an activity I can do alone and outdoors with no mask.

Steve Reed said...

Wow! That will be a big change! Will you be in interim control?!

Steve Reed said...

Thanks, Edna!

Steve Reed said...

Well, exactly! I wonder if ours could be that old?!

Steve Reed said...

I mean, anything's possible, but why would someone steal it only to abandon it on the street? It was next to the bin bags, so I really think its owner just didn't want it but knew to leave it for someone else.

Steve Reed said...

I'll have to measure it when I get home. I'm thinking it's about a foot on the long side.

Steve Reed said...

Yeah, this new variant seems very contagious regardless of vaccine status. (Though the vaccines supposedly help prevent serious illness.)

Steve Reed said...

Thanks for the vote of confidence! If Dave gives me grief I'm going to tell him what you said. :)

The Bug said...

Oh no - I'm about third in line. Thank goodness!