sometimes he approves (of my op-shop finds)

I have become so used to keeping some of my op-finds close to my chest, so as to keep them under the radar and away from his prying eyes, that it has just become second nature to me.

A clutch of plastic bags are ferried from the car to the house (or studio) as I nonchantly announce "op shop stuff". I find that this is sufficient enough an explanation to discourage any lines of enquiry until I'm ready to reveal my treasures when the time is right.

However, last week I was plesantly surprised. Drew 'discovered' the treasures in an old box in the studio kitchen. His discovery that was trumpted with a loud: Hey, these jars are COOL! Can we get some more?

The jars in question were large and medium-sized Fowler preserving jars, resplendent with dust and grime, and complete with metal lids. Now I don't preserve, so the jar purchase wasn't strictly necessary, so I was expecting they would receive a less than favourable reception.

But, husbands can surprise you. And this time he did. After he enthusiastically requested more jars, I half expected him to wash and dry them on the spot. And I reckon he would have sent me back for more if I hadn't informed him they had sold out. (I knew they were sold out because I had indeed gone back for more the next day, only to find that all the Fowler jars were gone – a bulk lot of 150 jars sold out in one day. And this is a little back street op shop in a sleepy coastal town people.) 

The moral of the story is maybe I don't need to keep my treasure hidden under a bushell anymore. AND, buy all the Fowler jars I find whenever I find them.