This Morning on Facebook

Wednesday is my day off, and usually I would have some plans to get something productive done around the homestead. Instead, I watched the weather, confirming that another miserably hot and humid day is on tap....and then I browsed Facebook.

Today, I saw that my youngest daughter had posted a New York Times article on the upcoming release of "Black Mass" on my page. We're both eagerly awaiting the release of the film, next week, so that was good. Next, I saw a posted article on where the best places for a burger and shake are in Rhode Island. I didn't read that. I shouldn't be even thinking about burgers, shakes, fries or the like. Following that, there were a few depressing posts about a poor starved dog that had to be euthanized and how we should basically all rally to stone the dog's owner.  Naturally, there was a horrifying picture to accompany the call to action.

Next up, some local news posts, all focused on some murder and mayhem....a missing couple in Connecticut and the arrest of their son on a gun-related charge...a poor child found dead on an island in Boston harbor....a local pol accusing another pol of being dishonest.

Now we have the Patriots and Tom Brady memes, but not being much of a sports fan, I only glance at those. The next news article posted by a local news station catches my eye: "Providence diocese says new annulment process emphasizes mercy". Under that, a post from a friend who is a feline aficionado entitled "This is what the workplace would be like if a cat were boss". I click on the link and get to read a series of vaguely amusing comic strips, "Adventures of Business Cat".

As I scroll down the page, I am quickly reminded that Friday is the anniversary of 9-11. While I do believe this should be observed as we observe Memorial Day, I cringe at the vivid images of the twin towers in flames, a plane flying into the second tower, and other trauma-inducing photographs. I wish these posts were less focused on the horrific, and more on patriotism and survival.

Happily, there are some photographs of friends' children, off to pre-school or college, camping, or driving a kid's motorized Jeep. Whew -- a pleasant interlude. But what is next? A post on Kim Davis, a fine example of a municipal employee, thanking her supporters. Next up: IKEA recalls crib mattresses due to concerns about flammability. And after that, Christie Brinkley, she's 61 and looks 31! What is her secret? (I don't know, didn't click to open this, I am going to be 60 and don't think there is much hope of looking like I'm 31.)

Now we have the admonitions: Don't live your life impressing others. People will judge you anyway. There only person you should try to be better than is the person you were yesterday. On a bad day there is always lipstick.

And next is an article on how much you need to save for retirement. I don't bother reading that either but have the gnawing feeling in my gut like I might have an ulcer.

Now my day is off to a wonderful start. I think I need to get outdoors and pick up dog poop.

A Few Antiquing Tips for Labor Day Weekend

I'm just about done with tomatoes. I've canned, frozen, made various sauces, eaten a lot of BLTs and Sungold cherries on salads. The garden is winding down and this drought hasn't helped, despite watering.  

Today I took a pile of San Marzano tomatoes and put them in a freezer bag and stuck them in the freezer, whole. My friend Sarah told me that when they thaw, the skins come right off. Perfect!

Instead of slaving in the kitchen, I thought maybe going to the beach for a swim would be great....until I realized my one bathing suit was on the boat, 40 miles away. Plan B: browsing at a few local antique stores just over the line in Rhode Island.

I started at The Town Trader in Chepachet, RI. I really like this store; there is a lot to look at in the warren of small rooms and hallways. My little house is chock full of stuff already, but I like looking at the prices on things that I already have. Sometimes I am pleasantly surprised although it doesn't really matter because I would have a tough time parting with some of the things I have. If it is in my house, I most likely love whatever it is and there is some story behind it. Today, I bought some autumn decorations, even though it was over 90 degrees outside. I was sorely tempted to buy a green and cream enameled flour container but I don't even know where I would put it so I managed to restrain myself....today.

From there, I cruised south on Route 102 toward Foster. I stopped at a roadside flower stand, just north of the intersection of Route 101. I bought two gorgeous bouquets of sunflowers, zinnias and herbs for $5.00 each. It's an honor system -- you leave the money in the box or you can write an IOU note and leave it. I've treated myself to flowers from there for many years now.

At Route 6, I headed west, crossed Route 94 and the only traffic light in Foster, and then pulled into A Bee's Buzz, on the left. This is a huge barn that has two floors of antique and vintage collectibles and furniture, as well as displays by local artists and merchants. You could spend hours here! Again, there is a lot to look at, from handcrafted soap to locally made jewelry, antique oil paintings, glassware.....you name it. I bought a few more fall motif items for the house. I'll probably go back for a 1960's era purse I saw, a purse that has the kind of old school clasp that will pinch you good if you're not careful.

So if you're an antique lover like myself, check out these stores. In Chepachet. there is also Old Post Office Antiques, across from The Town Trader. I always stop there, but they were closed today. This is another amazing store, with tiny rooms on two floors of the old post office, crammed full of treasures. The Brown and Hopkins General Store -- the longest continually operating general store in the country -- should also be on the list of must-see stops in this historic village. 

Take an afternoon or weekend cruise. You'll be delighted!