The New Sunday at Sandwich, Josie's and French Toast With the Old People

Our summer shows are looming, we have a giant antique space that empties rather fast these days and it's spring--- so Dear Husbola and I find jumping in the truck for buying to be on each week's calendar.

We headed out to the NEW Sunday at Sandwich antiques market to check out the newest buying venue on the northern Illinois scene.  The market is promoted by friends in the business--two couples-who are hard working and veteran antique sellers.  The market is held on the beautiful fairgrounds in Sandwich Illinois.  They are off to a good start as the line before opening was well over 150 people, the weather was chilly but sunny and I saw many smiles from eager dealers ready to get the 2013 selling season off to a good start.  June 9 is the next date-- $5 bucks at the gate--easy parking-- and I saw a wagon selling great looking coffee drinks.

After the market--Dear Husbola needed his usual reward of a hot cup of coffee and a good breakfast.  Fresh air and the hunt for treasure does  stoke our appetite--so we headed to the Star 34 Cafe on the west edge of Sandwich.  Clean and crowded--and crowded with retired folks--we knew it must be good.  Forty-five minutes later--after several cups of coffee and great eggs, (why do scrambled eggs always taste better out?) french toast, and bacon--we were back on the road.  Did I tell you that breakfast was $15.00 plus tip?  Across from a gas station at $3.75????  And the reason we don't live is Sandwich is?????????

We hit the area shops--Old TImers and the Sandwich Antique Mart.  I love the Mart as the dealers really take care in their displays and making the shop fresh each time we are there.  It is a small shop--and a real gem. They have been in business a long time.  They opened early on The New Sunday At Sandwich Day--which was great. The place was packed and had lots of sales going on.

Heading on--next stop--meat market in Elburn.  At $4.30 a gallon--I am consolidating trips these days--makes me nuts to put $100 bucks in my gas tank--so meat it was.  Great place--boneless short ribs and some pork tenderloin.

Then on to Josie's in Maple Park.  Everybody knows Josie.  At the end of a long flag driveway we were rewarded by a a very vintage apple tree in full incredible bloom.  It was so busy there was barely a place to park.  Josie and Sherrie work hard at keeping 6 vintage farm buildings stuffed with vintage treasures.  She is now open 5 days a week--Wednesday through Sunday 12-5.

All photos are of Josie's place.  A good day.