Gone Bootin'

Sunday mornings for me usually mean a lie in and the potential of a crippling hangover. But now, things have changed. Yesterday, free from dry mouth and a fuzzy head, I delved into the mirky world of the car boot sale. And I liked it...

My brother and I are addicted to the History Channel (a post for another time) and one of its shows, American Pickers, where a pair of, would you believe it, American 'pickers', go round the Southern states hunting for old Americana for restoration. Though car bootin' might not be a little more Cash in the Attic than American Pickers, the thought of unearthing some treasures of my own was too strong to resist so we set our alarms early and headed over to a local 'booter'.

While my new flat will be treated to this great printed mirror (below), which at £3 was an absolute steal, I also came back with a stack of old LPs and the intention to buy a record player. With prices in my selection of vinyl goodies ranging from 10p to £5, I've managed to give my new collection a healthy start - in all, I spent just under £40 on 25 items and, bar one, they're all in good, playable condition.

I say playable because the haul led to us busting out my dad's old Kenwood system and amplifier and giving them all a whirl. To my dismay, he also pulled his old collection out of the loft, which is in immaculate condition and contains so many albums I wish I owned myself. What was supposed to be a causal Sunday rummage has led to what I think might be a new hobby. I just need to find that record player or convince Dad to let me take his with me when I move out...