field trippin'

B likes to go on Saturday field trips. Meaning, he likes to walk around the city and see what we find.

I like field trips too, but

1) B has a much greater propensity for walking than I do (his "quick walks" have been called "death marches" by friends and loved ones) and

2) NYC is freakin' cold.

Saturday it warmed up a little, and he talked me into leaving the house by reminding me that Magnolia Bakery just opened an uptown location in our neighborhood. As usual, butter and sugar can get me to do almost anything.

First we stopped here for a vanilla-vanilla. Breakfast of champions.

I spotted these on the sidewalk and remembered that winter does actually produce some of my favorite things.

And then what did my keen and perceptive eyes behold? Yes, you read it correctly. The cheese AND antiques store. Seemingly, these two don't go together. But really, it's quite simple. You just have a cheese counter on one side of your store, complete with a display fridge and some nice breads. Then on the other side--antiques, duh. I can't believe nobody thought of it before. (I got some triple creme that is unbelievable, btw.)

I finished my afternoon here, admiring nautical wall art in the dimly-lit back room, listening to stories and poems about lightning and forbidden lovers and half-blind brothers. (Thanks to Olivia and Nicole and their talented amigos).

If you have a friend who likes mundane adventures
If you make a friend with a penchant for odd pairings
If you have a friend of a friend who can make a whole story around the words "confetti" and "blue" and "ground"

It is quite possible to be less-than-rich and have a perfect Saturday in New York. In fact, it is quite possible that sometimes the less-than rich have the most perfect New York days.