Thumbs up for Sue Ryder.

I love charity shops. Partly for the bargains (hello £5 Gudrun Sjödén dress) and partly because it's so wonderful to see that at least some people would rather give away the stuff they don't need than sell or bin it.

But most of the time it leaves a lot to be desired in terms of presentation and atmosphere. Not always, but sometimes. And it's a shame.

I had a bit of time today to wander round the charity shops in York, and went into one I don't think I've been in before, Sue Ryder on Goodramgate. Upstairs there's a 'vintage & retro' section, and it's great. Not big, but full of gems. There's a nice atmosphere, the stuff is well presented and obviously there's a bit more of a customised selection, the stuff that will appeal to a wannabe 50s housewife born in the 80s or 90s.

A quick google tells me that Sue Ryder shops have had these sections for a while - well, a few of them have -  and the one in York has done since last year sometime (I think?). Goodness knows why it's taken me so long to find it...

I did buy a couple of things, gorgeous (late 50s?) house coat with blue roses that would make Betty Draper jealous (no, it won't stay a house coat for long) and some 70s curtains (that won't stay curtains for long...). Will show you another time, promise.

Spring.

It's spring now. And it's been sunny! Much better than rain. In case you weren't sure.

This is one of the best things about York. Well, about England. Spring comes really early. Everywhere is covered in daffodils! Everywhere.

Winter

A month ago today. Slight difference...

A couple of Minster photos.

Early 2010

Spring 2010

Dramatic skies...

Gym bunny.

Last night I dreamt I joined a gym in York and one in Stockholm. Rather pointless really. But is my subconscious trying to tell me something about moving back to Sweden..?

Photos of the new flat.

I've promised my dad some photos of our new flat - so varsagod!

Ponderings.

I'll fill you in on a little secret. I'm bored. I'm lazy. I've zero motivation. If things don't work the first time I tend to give up. If Mike didn't push me to keep trying I'd quite happily just not.

Actually, I don't know if that's true. But it sure feels like it.

Didn't get to sleep til very late again last night. This morning there was a massive spider in our bedroom. Not what you want! But I suppose it being alive and well in the morning means it didn't creep into my mouth overnight and I didn't chew on it.

3 weeks til the big ball & fair now. World Mental Health day is coming up! If you're in Nottingham on 10th October come check it out! Nottingham CVS on Mansfield Road, 11-3!

I've no idea what to wear to the ball. Not going to buy something new - if I manage to gather some motivation I might make something. If not, I'll wear the green dress I wore to Mike's cousin's wedding. Not very ball-y but it's a pretty dress!

In just over a week it's my great uncle's 90th. Amazing. Most of that side of my family have lived to be nearly - or around - that age. Some time I'll write about them. But for now I just have to remember to send a card. A nice one.

Today I'm sat in the lab again. It gets boring. Not so cold today though! The plan for the day is to look at voice quality. And figure out why my VSA&VAI results are so messed up. Stupid things.

On the bus this morning a little old man was studying his shopping list. I had a glance (as you do), and it said:

YORK

1. Pen refills
2. Matches

...

I just wanted to hug him. Things like that make me happy - I want to be that organised. I love lists.