March 14, 2023. It's been snowing since 8:00 on Monday evening and, as we write this, our generator is providing us with power. Because of intermittent outages, we've re-booted our wi-fi network several times. So far, the snow is 18 inches deep in our driveway, and the forecast is calling for another 12 - 16 hours of wet, heavy precipitation. But we're inside, safe and warm, and tomorrow's temperature is predicted to rise above 40. Maple sugaring season has begun, and spring can't be too far away.

It's been a very good winter, starting with our November online opening and our December Gift Fest. The New York show was up to its usual standard, and regular visitors to our website and followers on Instagram have kept us busy - and happy.

The Spring Fox Valley show was last weekend, and we had a good show, mostly thanks to regular customers. We've added the few remaining pieces from the show to the galleries on our website. You can view these pieces by clicking the link in the "New Listings" section, below.

Although the antiques business changed greatly during the pandemic, particularly with the appearance and success of virtual shows, in the post-Covid world live shows seem to be coming back, and buyers are savoring the face-to-face dealing upon which this business has always been based. Although our years of loading our van and driving to a show several times a month are (happily) behind us, we're hoping that our shop can again be a center for live events.

To this end, beginning on May 7 we plan to re-open on a more-or-less regular basis. Our plan is to be open "most Sundays" and for special events. Of course, calling ahead is still a good idea, but we very much hope that our shop will once again be a destination. We miss seeing you in person.

We're making preparations for our upcoming trip to England and the Continent. We've booked an exciting journey; in addition to our business connections in London and the south of England, we've booked short stays in Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam. We’re particularly excited to have our tickets for the Vermeer exhibition at the Rijksmuseum, which sold out three days after opening in February. Fans of Vermeer's paintings can look forward to seeing pictures from this once in a lifetime show in our April newsletter.