新年好 Xīnnián hǎo

Today was wetter than ever. Constant heavy rain all day. I had intended going for a walk but chickened out due to the weather. I spent the day pottering - busy doing nothing much at all.

Today's Forum challenge is still life. Today is Chinese New Year - the start of the year of the horse. 新年好 Xīnnián hǎo - Hopefully this translates into Happy New Year. So I looked around the house for all things Chinese and came up with this assortment.

Beijing pocket guide book - I won this in a competition

Large old plate at the back - belonged to my late husband Douglas' mother. It is Copeland and the design is called PEKIN.

Picture in a frame - a Chinese miniature panel called The Cat.

Grey pot with Chinese letters - this is a money pot. You put a coin in it and its supposed to bring you wealth ( this hasn't happened yet )

Wooden box - once contained China Jasmine Tea

Old yellow preserve pot with a cane handle and a Chinese dragon motif.

Two ties which belonged to Douglas. The one on the left has the pattern of a K'ang Hsi porcelain plate and the design on the one on the right is inspired by Imperial Treasures of China. Question - why have I kept these?. Answer - I have no idea!

White plate with a pattern around the edge of a dragon and Chinese lanterns.

On top of the plate are:~ 2 Chinese silver rings with carved dragons on each side and a pendant with 2 fat cats and Chinese writing.

Big day tomorrow - the local derby between Newcastle United and bitter rivals Sunderland. Last time Sunderland came to St James Park Newcastle lost 3 - 0. Please don't let that happen again.