37° and Moderate snow
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It was a normal Saturday in Lewiston.
We knew the Lewiston Artisan Farmers Market was open for Small Business Saturday so we were planning to go.
Then Beth Googled Saturday events. Next week is North Tonawanda’s annual Winter Walk, a Webster Street event worth hitting.
She found out that Saturday, the Upward Niagara Chamber was hosting an event where the first 50 shoppers to hit its office in Academy Park would get a $15 gift certificate good for one day at participating businesses after they opened at 10 a.m.
A certain raisin-cinnamon-loving poodle (Gord) needed bloodwork at Lewiston Small Animal Hospital at 9:30 a.m. He timed it perfectly. Beth hit the chamber office in Academy Park with 15 bags left. I got one with 9 to go.
We hit the market and snagged the hanger steak from About Thyme Farms – it is a rare cut of beef, the most tender and flavorful and there is only one per cow. Technically it is offal but think of filet mignon with more beef flavor.
We ran Gord home and returned to park on Center Street near Coppins Automotive and visited Lewiston Antiques where a Cuisinart Dutch oven was just less than perfect and it wasn’t on anyone’s Christmas list even if Richie Pysz greeted us as friends.
We headed across the street to Antique to Chic and browsed for a bit but bought nothing.
At Viva Nastalgia Roger and Jamie were wearing matching George Harrison shirts on George's death day and there was Canadian candy, thsirts and toys and sports memorabilia as well as the NY Rangers on the TV.
I looked at the real estate listings in the window of Deal Real Estate but didn't see anything interesting enough to consider any change from the home we love.
Eventually we made it to Inspirations on Canvas wear Kathy Pignataro greeted us with a smile, hot chocolate and a cookie. That means she knows her customers and remembers them.
She even recognized the Plant Shack proprietor who was there supporting her fellow merchants while taking a break from her shop. Beth came home with a painted floral pillow. Real art.
We seek that sort of intimacy – the real connection that comes from humans, not a gigabot. I slipped out and headed to Brewed and Bottled to enjoy a pint with Cory. One-and-done is an art. Beth called from Battle Flag Tavern next door wondering where I was as the Plant Shack Lady came in to further support her community.
After I gave Beth door direction, we walked back and found another antique store, a fun little boutique and Sgt. Pepper’s Hot Sauce. I knew our Kissed by the Sun Sizzlin’ Steak Rub had just enough left for one big hanger steak. Rest in peace, Rick Fickheson. At Sgt. Peppers we had a nice chat with the always affable Neil Garfinkle tending his busy shop with his wife Donna. He sent us away with a big jar of “The Jerk” which will flavor today's chicken.
We headed home happy to live within 10 minutes of somewhere as magical as Lewiston. Upward Niagara Chamber put on a great event. Huzzah to all involved. Now if I can just get this fuzzy poodle off my lap. . . .
