A post in which I have a busy day off*

I had hoped to sleep in late today, but was up at 7am. I just got up. I had a ton of stuff to do today. I messed around online while I started working on mountains of laundry. I hadn’t really done anything last week because I was busy cooking and being dumped. I ended up having a buddy come over for a while.

I got my recycling together, did a check for Alan the handyman, and put together a grocery list. Then I went out for the afternoon. After doing the errands I went over to Red Ribbon Resale for a rummage, but as the last couple of times I have been over there, they had nothing I wanted. They did have a really cool retro sofa, but I didn't need that. I then went down to the friendly antique man off exit 39. I wanted to have a rummage, and I wanted to get Justin’s Christmas present. I’ve had a hard time finding what I want on line. They didn’t have what I wanted there either, but the women working today were so nice (as indeed, everyone at Antiques Plus is) that I ended up staying and talking to them for a while. When I mentioned that I had to come in and visit my bowl, they asked me which one I meant. They have a gorgeous Princess “hat bowl” in great condition, but its $55(!). I’ve been trying to talk myself into buying it, but I haven’t been able to justify it. When we went and looked at it, they told me that not only was everything in the store 20% off, but that they were having a special show next weekend in the shop, and they were sure it would be gone after that. Under that combined inducement, I just couldn’t say no.

Princess 9" deep round "hat" bowl in green by Anchor Hocking, circa 1931-1935

I shelled out. It really is a beautiful piece. But that doesn’t help much with my Christmas shopping now does it? I put my name on a ‘wish list’ in case what I want for Justin comes in, but I’m not holding my breath.

I headed up to Southern Estates after that. They actually did have the perfect thing for Justin, and something that I wasn’t comfortable buying online. I also found something else for myself that I just decided I had to have. Hmmm. Christmas shopping this way could get expensive. Unfortunately, as happy as I am with Justin’s present, it’s going to be tough to buy for Amanda. She’s collecting Jadeite. Ordinarily that isn’t a huge problem to find, but they told me at Antiques Plus today that a Japanese couple came through last weekend and bought every piece they had. There was one sad, chipped up, overpriced mixing bowl left, but that was it. There was a notable dearth of jadeite at Southern Estates too. That’s a toughie because it has been heavily re-produced, and I don’t know enough about it to buy online with confidence. I may have to enlist Justin’s help.

By the time I got out of Southern Estates the antique places were closing. I ran through the grocery store and called Jason on the way home. We arranged to go to dinner at Liberty Tap Room tonight since I had gotten the coupons the manager was sending in the mail today. We had a lovely meal with fantastic service; even though I hadn’t thought to call ahead the way I was supposed to before I came in.

During and after dinner, we talked about the situation between us. He doesn’t want to go, but feels that he doesn’t have a choice, which I understand. But he seems to kind of want to have it both ways. He says that he doesn’t want this to be the end of us, but long distance doesn’t work - especially for me. He has taken some kind of part-time color guard thing here though, so he’ll be in town from time to time. Of course I told him we could see each other when he’s here, and I could go up to visit him. By the time we got home and talked for a while, it was time to hit the hay. Work tomorrow. And after being off for a day too. I’m glad next week is Thanksgiving.