“Remoted – Hybrid” – Day 889 (Sunday) – shake up

This morning was a little rough around the edges. It felt like a hangover, but the drink of the prior day was nothing but several large (20 ounce) glasses of ice water. In light of the absence of alcohol, the next best guess was the ill effects of too much sugar, but only if consuming minimal “real food” and multiple wedges of birthday carrot cake with cream cheese icing is “too much sugar.” It felt like it was. 

Today saw slightly better dietary choices. There was cheese quiche for brunch, but then it was followed by cake.

The weather was comfortable. A new hanging piece with glass pieces that look like peacock feathers (a gift from my sister) was hung in the porch. Hung, in this case, meant set onto two nails already in the wood above the windows since before I lived here. It was the morning's sole accomplishment. 

After several hours of doing very little which included watching multiple episodes of  Indian Matchmaker on Netflix, the idea struck to visit Goodwill in Hudson, New Hampshire. Sometimes, when the idea strikes, great treasures are found. Other times, procrastination is enjoyed until it’s too late to go. 

Today, adventure was undertaken. Two frames with window matts and glass were found ($5 each), one brand new and still in the original shrink wrap. The other holds a piece of artwork that I have decided I like and may keep in the frame and hang it as is instead of swapping in a piece as initially intended.

Goodwill is across the street from Market Basket, the convenience was seized upon, and groceries were gotten. The home produce bins are now restocked with salad ingredients and cheeses. It’s always fun to visit a different Market Basket than the ones usually frequented, and he Hudson store launched itself to favorite status. 

Healthier than cake.

Hudson has a wine aisle and a beer section. There is a nook with a refrigerator and several short aisles stacked high with beer. Unlike Hannaford in Dracut, which has mostly major boring beers like Miller, Bud, and Coors, the Market Basket selection was a bit overwhelming. There were many local and regional breweries represented. I wandered in a bit of a daze. My initial criteria had been “something I haven’t tried yet,” but that was most of the selection. I almost left the section with nothing.

A guy shopping in the section said to me that this was “the biggest choice of the day.” I agreed, and it led to a chat about beers and which types we liked. When I said “dark” he suggested Pig’s Ear Brown Ale from Woodstock Inn Brewery (NH). When he mentioned IPAs, I suggested Wormtown Brewing’s Be Hoppy. 

Pig's Ear Brown Ale.

We talked about buying beer in grocery stores in New Hampshire versus Massachusetts. He was nice. And then it was over and he checked out with his one item, the four pack of Be Hoppy and that was the end of that. It was nice while it lasted. I may have to start shopping the Hudson store and lurking in the beer department. 

There was a lovely fresh salad with feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and homemade dressing of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, and pepper. It was followed by an ear of fresh corn. Then, the rest of the cake was finished, under the guise of getting the cake container into the trash for the Monday pickup.

And because it’s officially vacation, the usual routine has been abandoned. A beer was opened. On a Sunday night! It’s been a day for shaking things up a bit. The beer is okay. I suspect the remaining 11 cans will last in the fridge for a while.