random thoughts - Day 1,983 (Thursday) - leisurely day

In a Swanzey, NH
antiques shop.

It was another chilly overnight and morning and over coffee, Mom and I hatched a plan for the day. Later in the morning, under a cloudy sky, we headed north to Swanzey, New Hampshire to visit some antiques shops she knew about. In New Hampshire, the sky was bright blue with not a cloud in sight. 

There was a complex of buildings near the Cheshire Fair Grounds that let us park once and visit three antiques shops. The fourth shop on the site was closed for vacation. The shops were fun and interesting. There were lots of black lacquer and inlay pieces and some gorgeous woods. One shop had carefully curated displays that felt more like a museum than a store. 

On the way back home, we stopped at a thrift store we hadn't noticed on way up. It was cluttered with all manner of stuff. There were a couple old-timers in there, jeans hiked up under their armpits, aimlessly shuffling through the shop talking to themselves. It looked they were placed there by Central Casting and perfectly fit the quirky vibe of the shop of oddities.  

Hot dog and onion rings. 

Our next stop was for lunch at Little Anthony's in Winchendon. The place had a very casual, friendly vibe and it was crowded. Warm popcorn arrived at the table and the food was great. 

We ordered foot-long hotdogs on grilled buns with onion rings, which had an amazing light, crispy coating. The O rings were served with a horseradish sauce. I ate until it hurt and it felt like I needed a nap. Instead, I took a walk around the new 'hood and probably burned off one fried onion ring. But I didn't need to eat supper, so that was a bonus.