white elephants?

the catalogues that show up in your mailbox at christmas time can be really curious. one i received recently offered me several old-fashioned mechanical banks, a wide assortment of (wooden, metal) brainteasers, and a bunch of jigsaw puzzles several of which had really neat pictures.

the items i really stopped and looked at however were clocks: the digital chimes clock was a lovely idea but eventually i wondered if it would, in reality, simply be 6 metal rods that made noise (and i don't wake-up to an alarm anyway). the time machine clock was kind of a cute idea, but how long would it last before something went awry and balls were everywhere? the time pyramid was a little bit interesting, but ultimately i easily turned the page.

the twelve nesting dolls reminded me of a set i had way back when, but sadly i lost it somewhere along the life path. oh well.

i got warm feelings when i looked at the stitch in time jigsaw puzzle, as well as the home is where the heart is puzzle, the antique stove puzzle, and the american sewing machines puzzle (my grandmother's machine was bottom right).

if you need a strange gift to give someone they also had a roll-up 49-key electric piano, a heart-shaped teacup, a knitting nancy, a wagging tail cat clock, a bobbing thirsty bird, and various kaleidoscopes.

knock yourselves out!

caveat -- this is NOT to be construed in any way, shape, or form as a hint to get me something for christmas. i do not want nor need anything. enough said.