There was an article by Emma Orlow in the NYTimes (although the miniatures convention has ended for this year.) Inside the Big World of Small Objects. “For over 40 years, Tom Bishop’s dollhouse miniatures show has been the gold standard for serious collectors and hobbyists alike.”
Made me think of this miniature tea set I have here in my house.
Found this Roller Toaster in Charlie’s car bin this afternoon and thought it was fun. We were building a block tower and an adjacent parking lot.
Turns out there’s a Fast Foodie Series of Hot Wheels Vehicles.
In 2020 it was $4.95. Listed at $19.95 today. Yikes! But on eBay a pre-owned one is $2.
I do love toast.
From my Grandmother’s Album. Durand, Illinois. Uncle Robert (b.1914) I’m the left. Uncle John (b.1910) on the right. my mother Marian (b.1912) next to Robert with the light trim on her dark hat. She looks about four to me but maybe it’s 1917.
Saturday afternoon on the way home, I saw this big snowman at the park entrance.
This is his Mom’s Popple from the eighties. They were the desired toy of 1987 when Laura was four. Of course, I’d saved it.
Charlie (4) Is enjoying playing with it. Getting some play time a second time around.
The arms and legs tuck up into a front pocket and it looks like a big fuzzycolorful ball. There’s a tail with a furry pompon at the end.
I asked Laura what she called it. “Popple” was her response
I found a commercial for this toy. Not sure how long they were the craze.
Charlie’s having fun throwing it around.
Wordless Wednesday
My grandson Charlie loves to play with his father’s childhood treasure box of toys. James’ mom brings them out when he visits. I took these last month when we stayed at the farm.
I took these shots in April when I visited Berlin. Playgrounds have permanent ping pong tables installed. Just bring paddle and balls. 
A brisk sunny March Sunday afternoon in the backyard. James was going work on converting the shed into a gardening greenhouse. The kids had fun playing together. Michael pulled the little blue sled with a delighted Charlie- back and forth, back and forth across the seeded lawn. 
Maura climbed around and swung upside down on Charlie’s climbing apparatus. She tried pulling Charlie but too heavy.
