A blast from the past

Those of you who read regularly (thank you :)) may remember this post about my aunt.
http://happeninguponhappiness.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/the-epitome-of-frugality.html

We went over to see my aunt before Christmas as we always do, to exchange presents. We had tea and cake - home made of course! I took a few photos to try and demonstrate how simply and frugally she lives. They're aren't great quality as they were snapped hastily on my phone and the light is always so dim, but in some ways they are even more evocative because of it. We were chatting about her mother, my grandmother, who was cared for by my aunt at home until she passed away peacefully at the age of 103. Her last brief visit to hospital was remarkable in that despite being over 100 and much the oldest on the ward, my grandmother took no medication other than something to 'keep her regular'! Right up to the end she had all of her faculties and despute being very frail (she was a tiny little thing anyway), was quite well really. My aunt is 92 at the end of January, so they must have strong genes. Amazing women!

Anyway here are the photos .....

No heat whatsoever in the bathroom

High flush original toilet

Landing - trip hazards everywhere! Under the cover is a very old dolls house, which I used to adore playing with as a child. 

Back parlour. No central heating, no fitted carpets, no modern double glazing, picture rail and heavy dark wood furniture. 

This is the trolley she uses to wheel items from the kitchen to the dining room. Proper China cups  and saucers, cake forks, proper loose leaf tea in a china pot, handmade tea cosy ;) 

About as 'fitted' as it gets in the kitchen - 1940s unit probably very 'in' right now! 

The kitchen sink looking out over the back garden. She still grows her own tomato and runner beans and harvests apples from the ancient trees to make chutney. 

It's like walking back in time, but to a simpler, less hectic life. Everything is mended or re used, very little money is spent and there are no luxuries. She doesn't want more than the basics, although she has accepted a small TV, a DVD player (although I suspect she has never used it!) and cordless phones to be able to take them in the  garden in case of a fall. 

The one thing the house isn't? Clutter free!! Oh my, when the time comes, this house may take me a while to clear, but I'm sure to find some treasures in there too :)