So Many Stores, So Little Time

On my last full day in NC, we all went about our independent lives. Rick, of course, took to the mountains on the seat of his bike.

Kathy had a full day at work and Skip was at the Y. I went shopping! My first destination was an antique store in Foscoe, halfway between Banner Elk and Boone.

Let me say that I could just crawl into this booth and live there.

See those Fiesta dishes? A couple came home with me.

And I was only stopped from buying kitchen implements because I'd already hit the booths in the front of the store.

One had many French things -- tapestries (so they said)...

...books, tins, and a splendid box which appeared old, or at least used (and at $40, out of my range).

And I really wanted to buy this china -- but I needed another set of china like a hole in the head. Eight -- or is it nine? -- is enough!

And see that blue pitcher? I wanted that, too. I'd like to think I was restrained. I wasn't that much... but no dishes (except for those Fiesta bowls!)

Then on to the Mast General Store. It opened in the 1880s in Valle Crucis, NC and while it carries contemporary merchandise, it is very authentic.

And very old!

It hosts a working post office...

A bottle-top checker board (when I was here when the kids were small, Kevin and Rick enjoyed a game of bottle-top checkers; it was a fond memory) and a porch idea for setting a spell...

...and a great candy selection.

Among the many things I bought there were lots of edibles, table linens, and this oil cloth (the cherries on turquoise) for my art table. Time to start using the cutting mat again...

They have taken great pains to make the exterior as genuine as the interior with its Esso sign and tank...

And clean white wood.

When we were here so long ago, the US had just invaded Iraq. The headlines were far less dramatic...

And yes, it was hot!

I would have felt I'd deprived myself without a beverage from a bottle!

Off to Boone. This is the home to Appalachian State University and a fun city in which to kick around.

There were so many art co-ops I can't begin to count them all. Jewelry, pottery, cute little gift things, you name it. No photos from those -- I have the merchandise to remember those by! But I did love the Boone Drug Company (1919) -- and enjoyed a snack at the soda fountain!

And no, I didn't eat this cake. But I wanted to!

Back home, we enjoyed our final dinner -- Rick and I made his caramelized onion pasta and yes, I will post the recipe one day when I get it in my hands, not his head! As we talked we enjoyed a four-star sunset over the mountains.

Alas, the next day we had to leave -- but not before I spent a little time "shooting" birds -- you'll see those next time!