August time

August was the time of school holidays, and from the age of 12 to 16 meant earning extra pocket money helping out in the shop with my Mum.
My job was to weigh, seal, pack and cellophane the boxes of fudge or boiled sweets ready for delivery. I was paid the princely sum of half a crown an hour, my pay packet being £5 a week. Working on my rule of thirds, £2 went to Mum, £2 in the post office, and £1 for me for bus fares and lunches.

In my adult life earning ‘real wages’ and not just a holiday job, August was the time for everyone to go on holiday abroad and come back with enviable tans.
Last year, Hubby and I made the mistake of making our second trip to Stratford in August.
It was the peak of the boating holiday season and we were almost sunk in a lock, crashed into on the river twice when we were moored and there were a lot more boats on the water compared to our leisurely journey to the river festival for the first weekend in July.

August had also been one of my busier months for birthdays, though March held the record until I left the Bath area in 1989. May is probably the most celebratory now.
I was always the kind of person who remembered birthdays and anniversaries, and would buy umpteen cards at once for The Box so that I was always ready.
I still have half a dozen or so bought cards in reserve, though as you know from previous posts I make them now.
It’s another rainy day and having seen a couple of ideas when we were walking round the Posh Market on Saturday last, I’ve made ten today.
These are the results

The only card I won’t make though is a Sympathy card.
At a time of great sorrow when losing a loved one, as a mark of respect for the Departed, I feel it is only right to take the time to find a card specifically for the family left behind.