Where Everybody Knows Your Name

We had a fabulous late January selling period at Odana Antiques in Madison.  So much so, Dear Husbola and I had to make an unscheduled trip to restock.  The walls were bare, the floor was a jumble and this is a Very Good Thing.

February in the midwest is, well, February in the midwest.   So charming as a child, Not So Much as an adult.  At a recent lunch with A Collection of Interesting Women, we agreed cabin fever had a firm grip on us all.

Jumping in the car with a new load for the shop and a crisp sunshine filled day was just the ticket for the dead of winter.  Sometimes it is just wonderful to submerge yourself in the fluffy, superficial, escape world of selling  things that people don't need--things that just make them feel good.

And to be surrounded with nice people--who are genuinely glad to see us.  A few we have known since the 1980s.  Like Dear Brian.  I have learned so much from him over the years--in terms of display, the pulse of current buyers, and the general skuttle butt of the antiques scene.  He never fails to great me with a huge hug and take time to shoot the breeze.  Good man, good friend.  The store owners and staff were almost too busy to chat as the shop was filled with shoppers.  Thank heavens for cabin fever.

We hung this painting--an oil of a an old cafe--might be in Europe, might be in New Orleans.  The only thing missing was these.....

We did stop at a great little bakery nearby and brought home a couple of sweet little somethings and a bagette for supper.  Interesting people, putzing with antiques and a french carb.   A good day.