Do you have any collections?

I used to collect t-shirts, but about 10-12 years ago I began collecting cups & mugs. For instance I’m more impressed with handmade cups than manufactured cups made in China.

I have a cup from Hollyrood in Scotland & it’s King Charles’ favorite motif on the porcelain cup I enjoy one of a kind designs & cups with a story. It makes it more fun to let guests use & hear a story behind the mug.

When I was in Brussels, Belgium a few years ago pre-pandemic I found a cup that is hand-printed with mushrooms. It’s my hot chocolate mug in the Fall & it’s one of my favorite mugs. It’s from Gien & it’s all handmade.

I have a few others but those are more private. It’s easier to get through the airport & it’s fun to take home & unpack. That’s my collection & I’m really happy with it. Do you have something you can share with friends & loved ones?

How do you feel about cold weather?

I found this question ironic as I lived above the Artic Circle for a year & after that I don’t find much else cold. I don’t like it in the Fall when we get freezing rain with wind making it go sideways. That’s hot chocolate weather & not even the dog likes it.

But cold weather in general doesn’t bother me, not when there’s wool in this world. However, as it nears Summer I get tired of wearing Winter socks & heavy jackets. It’s much more like to layer with a vest & sweater & bring a hat in my bag.

But I don’t think anything above 45 degrees is cold, 10C approximately. When you can wear a fleece & shirt it’s not cold. This past weekend I for once didn’t have wool as an under layer. That’s a sign that it’s Spring.

What’s the oldest things you’re wearing today?

My Farmor was great at knitting & she could make anything. I have inherited some things from her that I adore. A cardigan she made a Long time ago & a knitted dress she made me in high school.

I’m not into fast fashion so I appreciate how long my clothes last. For example I just bought a new bathing suit & I still have the last one that’s over 10 years old. I’m not into wearing what’s hip just what makes me look good.

Wearing older clothes is something I’ve always done. I began wearing vintage in high school & a little after college. Vintage means early 1980’s & 1970’s not the 1990’s. I love Eileen Fishers recycled boutiques where I can always find something & the price is great.

Buying new is something I rarely do, instead of buying new trendy prints I buy clothes in one tone that I can wear again & again. I rarely ever buy anything with a pattern, then I could never wear it after the quarter is over.

I really like Toadandco.com & Prana for their use of recycled materials. I don’t shop at stores like Zara or H&M or Lindex. Not anywhere where it’s dumped in landfills if it doesn’t move fast enough. That’s unacceptable & destroying the planet.