BOY, is it hot. Has it been hot where you are? Roll on the summer holidays I say. I'd like a little lie down under a beach umbrella. There's almost to much to do before work closes for its Christmas shut-down and I can take things easy. There's the shopping to do, menus to think about, treats to bake and make - like the garland I want to string from my op-shopped readers - or not. Each reader was only 50c each from Vinnies but I still have problems cutting up books. You?


Op-shopped goodies are being collected for all kinds of things at the moment. Some just because I can't leave them on the shelf - a 1930s handbag for $12 and silver pencil for 50c - both from last month's beachside car boot sale.


Op-shopped Christmas cards - all lovely and kitsch - $1 for five.


Linen tea-towels, $2 each and destined for a Chritmas-themed sewing project, and edged handkerchiefs - $1 the lot.