150-a-thon

Sylvia's school is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. So last week every child was assigned a decade. Sylvia came home and said, "Mom, I have the 1880's. I need a dress from the 1880's." None of the other parents seemed phased by this. Everyone is very can-do here. The costumes were to be worn at the 150-a-thon, a fundraising sport and game event.

What do you think of the bonnet? As you can see, Sylvia and I had a successful time shopping at two "op shops" - short for "opportunity shop" which is what they call second-hand shops here. Isn't it fascinating how language can subtly reframe a situation? "Second-hand" sounds rather worn and dull whereas "op shop" hints at an opportunity for bargains and treasure.

                                                                                            The 1960s meets the 1880s.

Sylvia brings a modern day dash to her dress.