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!
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