Bargain Day at the Thrift Store

About 30 years ago, my oldest daughter gave me a beautiful set for Christmas that included a tiered plate, a basket, two candle holders and 4 mugs.  They were purchased at Lazarus department store in downtown Cincinnati and I have loved them and used them every Christmas.

On Saturday, we visited a lovely thrift/consignment shop (Vintage Market & Thrift, Loveland, Ohio) and saw eight dessert plates to this set on display.  The original price was reasonable, but there was also 75% off on Christmas items, so I snatched them up.  They were still in their original boxes which were in mint condition and  still had the remnants of a Lazarus label on the side.

I also picked up a plaque to add to my Dutch collection …

…and a Homer Laughlin platter.

The total cost was $14.95.  Now, that’s a bargain.

From the archives – January 4, 2011

Black Bean Soup

Visits to a Farm Market and a Beautiful Park

The Meade House, Sycamore Township

Throughout the summer and now into fall, every Tuesday afternoon my daughter, our dog Addie and I have taken a 10-minute drive to historic downtown Loveland (Ohio) to visit their large farmer’s market.  In addition to fruits, vegetables ….

…herbs…

…and flowers…

…we’re also looking for something good for supper.  In the past we have had slices of Greek pizza, croissants stuffed with vegetables or ham/cheese, Thai noodle salad, chocolate filled croissants, cheese pastries, etc.  This time, my daughter picked up a small pumpkin for later use, croissants to be served with some good Swiss cheese, apple dumplings and a Chocolate Bobka.

Since our shelter dog Addie is afraid of men, shy around women and too enthusiastic around other dogs, I walk with her on the outskirts of the market while my daughter shops.

On the way home, we stopped off at a park in our neighborhood.  While my daughter took Addie for a long walk on the primitive trail, I found a bench in the back of the historic 1906 Meade House which is headquarters for the Cincinnati Horticultural Society.

Even though the flowers are starting to fade a little now, they are still gorgeous all around this graceful old home.

We came home to a delicious supper served on paper plates so there would be no cleanup required.  We had croissants with cheese and the rich delicious bobka – saved the apple dumplings for another day.  I had remembered Chocolate Bobka (or Babka) from an old Jerry Seinfeld TV episode.  We had no idea how utterly decadent and scrumptious this is.

We have just three more times to go to the farm market before they close for the season.  I wonder what we’ll find next week.