Great Auntie Ivy

Diana and Sue are gradually emptying Mags' house and in the process of doing so, are uncovering all sorts of treasures in the sentimental rather than valuable sense. These are two of them, a picture of Day's sister, Ivy who looks to be about 15 in this picture so that makes it 80 years old which leads me to believe that it is a B&W print that has been hand coloured. A very nice job they have done as well. It is a romantic notion to think that this is the camera that was used to take the original picture, but I very much doubt it although the age is about right. We estimate this picture to be 1935 and the Ensign name which is on the camera was introduced for this brand (Houghtons) in the 1930s. It's a nice thought even if only fantasy.

A more revealing find was a mink coat complete with it's original receipt dated 1964. It was Auntie Days and the cost new was £648. To put that into perspective, Diana's parent brought a newly built 2 bedroom bungalow in Luton in that year at a cost of £1,800, so Day spent 1/3 of the price of a new house on a coat. WTF? Oh, and for those familiar with the will incident, guess what? The solicitor received £10,000 lump sum and 1/3 of the estate. The stink grows stronger. 

Last ride before London to Brighton last night. Mick did well, but he was breathing hard and coughing on the hills. I've decided to but personal ambition aside and stick with him on the ride. I think the company will help see him through it and stop me killing myself trying to beat the clock. We're good for each other.