Just as I accumulate books, I also accumulate toys.  But not just any toys, they have to be mechanical, with a wind up key.   How did I start this collection you may ask?   It all started when we were in college.   We were invited to a friend’s house for their child’s birthday.   I think she was going to be six.   So we went off in search for a present, knowing nothing about children, except from our own dim memories.  The thing that I found most exciting was a wind-up frog.  It had a lovely motion, was small and waterproof and could be used in the bathtub.   Well, how cool is that?   So after I bought one as a present, I had to get one as a present to myself, and another and another.    These toys are inexpensive and they keep making new ones, so it is a great hobby to collect them.

It was too hard to decide which color to pick of these cheery dinosaurs, so I got them all!

These holiday hoppers were on sale after Easter so of course I needed to add them to the collection.

This one was a late (I mean we are talking months late) birthday present from a friend.   A wind up and bubble gum, what a great combination.

This side walker looks like it could have been made for Easter as well, but perhaps not.

I’m not sure if this side walker is a dog or a polar bear, but I like it.

A hopping strawberry was definitely something I needed to have.   And unlike books or clothes, when I get a new one in I don’t have to send an old one out.  They are all mine forever.