Collections -- My secret hoard of

East German China. If it has a DDR or made in the German Democratic Republic stamped on the underside, I am sorely tempted.

I have coffee mugs, milk jugs, sugar dishes, a couple of cake plates and some dinner plate. I'm on the look out for a coffee pot.

I don't know why it appeals to me. Maybe because the DDR is gone forever? I remember when Woodwards used to sell it on $1.49 day. There I have really dated myself to Canadians.

Lately, I've been seeing patterns I've never seen before. I'm used to the flowers on a white background with a gold rim but bits and pieces of very different patterns have been showing up. I don't know if it's because this part of Alberta attracts immigrants from the East Bloc or what but I appreciate seeing the differences.

I also have a soft spot for Ian Rankin detective novels. If I wind up with a duplicate, I pass them on to my car pool buddy.

Now, when you see GDR/DDR dishes you'll think of me.