Joachim

J is for Joachim

Joachim was my dear father. He was Ukrainian, so I chose these few items to represent that.

He bought his mug when he was on holiday. He was used to having an unusual name for the UK, but when abroad he saw this mug and treated himself to it. I now treasure it.

The wooden box shows Taras Shevchenko. Dad loved his poetry and always had a book containing it with him.

The wooden vase was given to me by a Ukrainian cousin. It is decorated in the traditional way.

Decorated eggs or psanky are very popular in the Ukraine. I like this miniature set.

The little jar contains some charcoal from the burnt remains of my father's family home. Sadly he was never able to see it or his parents after leaving home. He left home during the terrible times on the Eastern Front during WWII.

The little broach is made of Ukrainian amber. I am very fond of amber and find it hard to resist.

The cloth was embroidered for me by my cousin. She is very skilled in the local designs for her region.

I hope you like this little collection of items.

I went outside to take the photograph. Would you believe the sun was too bright and cast shadows that were far too dark. I had to shade the whole thing!