Keep Me Out of The Way

Russ had his business partner Rich up with us for the last two days. It has been a lovely time together, so much like the early days in their business when Rich and Russ often answered to the singular name of Ralph. Because they had a lot of work to do today I left home to spend the day with my friend Warren.

Warren is an antique dealer so we made the rounds at various haunts of his looking for things for him to sell. We went first to Damariscotta to a shop I vsisted with him last year. As he was looking at things he likes, I was looking for things I like. We all know I don’t like much. I really don’t even like looking for myself, but hunting for a bargain for Warren is fun.

I was not much help when I discovered a large textbook of Modern Art that had three blue books inside along with the questions for a midterm. The original owner, Laura Walch, took Modern Art in 1983 from Professor Greenberg, but was not a stellar student as her highest grade on her exams was a B. The other two blue books showed C’s.

I took way too much time reading her exam answers which were the most interesting thing in the giant store. I am not sure if either Laura, or a relative donated this book to the thrift store, but they never thought to check inside to see the evidence of her mediocre grasp on Modern Art History. I did notice it was a three hundred level class so perhaps more was expected of her than she anticipated.

Warren did find a good number of things he wanted so the visit was successful. That meant we were rewarded with having lunch on the river in Damariscotta. Being gluten free in Maine at lunch left me with one choice for lunch, a Caesar salad without croutons, but with lobster. I can’t complain about lobster or the view.

From there we meandered north, stopping at Morses Kraut house, the most fabulous gourmet store in the literal middle of nowhere. I bought homemade sauerkraut, pickles and sardines for Russ and some excellent smelly cheeses. Since we were out that way Warren suggested we stop by one of his favorite haunts for antiques. Some might not consider all they offer antiques but Warren did not purchase a thing from the outside offerings. He did get a beautiful bead board cabinet so the trip was worth it.

It was a gorgeous day out and about in Maine. Thanks to Warren for keeping me out of Rich and Russ’ way while they worked.