Found Objects

Last week I was in Blighty for watch-related work. I extended my stay by a couple of extra days to visit the in-laws outside of London. I was on a very tight budget (always waiting for people to pay me) but luckily my favourite souvenirs are often free.

The pen pictured above was a gimme at the post office. The postcards and bookmark (from the Oxfam shop) were 10 pence each but financed by this one pound coin I found on the ground.

As always, interesting rocks are plentiful and free. I actually found two pretty examples of a flint-like stone from my ambles along and around the Thames, but I seem to have misplaced one.

I also found a little plastic Manta Ray on the sidewalk. Skates and rays are my favourite fish (I paid for — and ate — the chocolates).

My in-laws like in a suburb called Teddington. When I was out exploring its many charity shops, I came across this bouquet. It had a note tied around it that said they were free for the taking and they were meant to bring a smile to the finder’s face. It worked.

I was in Great Britain as a guest of Bremont to take in the Royal Henley regatta. It’s funny that when I got back to Toronto, I found this book of Currier & Ives illustrations in a box on the sidewalk and the first page I turned to had an etching of rowing crew from Harvard and Oxford competing in a race on the Thames. So I felt compelled to bring it home.