Well… at last ! The first major snow of the season. We morph into Granite- Staters who have learned to let Mother Nature dominate, and accommodate accordingly. Christmas is over. Our guests are tucked back into their own beds. We get the leftovers from the feast and watch out the window at the swirling snow. Almost. There are, of course, the poor troopers who have to dig us out with plows and shovels, but this season, no one has been crabbing. We have so far been snow-less, and I think even the grinches are beginning to yearn for something weather-related to complain about. There are the hearty outdoors-types and there are the nesters who love the winter. I admit at this age to being the latter. Catching up with the animals, lowering the pile of juicy books, fireplace gazing, slowc cooking recipes. This is a time-out in the routine of life, designed to stun us into quiet.
NHADA welcomes two new member shops: Michael Black, Milford, NH, and James Lowery Antiques, Baldwinsville, NY. These are familiar folks to me. I go way back with both into the 1970’s and 1980’s. It’s great to have you in the family.
Winter always reminds us of the intrepid show promoters who bring us together in the slower months up north. While New York City grabs all the attention, we are happy to be trekking to the following venues: the Grappone Conference Center for Trish McElroy’s Concord, NH, MONTHLY ANTIQUE SHOWS – Feb. 13, March 13, April 10 – 10AM to 3 PM; and Nan Gurley and Peter Mavris’ Portsmouth shows: SHORT & SWEET at the Frank Jones Center – Wednesdays from 9AM to Noon: Feb. 16, and April 13, 2011. and the Sunday Portsmouth Shows, also at the Frank Jones Center, on Feb. 6 , Mar. 6 and April 3, 2011, from 10 AM to 3PM. These shows are fun and very active.
NHADA is busy making plans for the 2011 shows. New ideas are popping up for the NHADA Show in August – our 54th year – and for Canterbury Shaker Village in September under Nan Gurley’s management. Our new president, Rich Bojko, is reminding us that Canterbury gives every member a shot at exhibiting. This will be our 3rd year at Canterbury, and we look forward to the fabulous Shaker buffet on Saturday night before the Sunday show. Canterbury has a personality all its own and we urge you to join us there as we build a tradition for all members.
I’m sure I don’t need to remind you that the passion for antiques is never at rest, and we are all busy buying in the winter. There are so many adventures awaiting the valiant souls who come to visit at this time of the year. There are inns tucked away on back roads and wonderful spots in the mountains and on the seacoast. We visited the Home Hill Inn in Plainfield, NH, on Christmas Eve and plan to go back to try their tavern fare soon. Plainfield, for those who aren’t aware, is the home of William Smith Auctions. It’s in a beautiful spot in the foothills of Vermont’s Mt. Ascutney. You get gorgeous vistas, winter sports, lovely inns and great food, with a fine auction thrown in. That’s what we specialize in up here. You reap alot more with your hunt for antiques.
Stay warm. Happy 2011.
Kathy Schoemer
Acworth, NH