Sneak a Peek!

The small new items for Christmas have been arriving everyday. Believe it or not in the middle of the day today another five boxes arrived,( that's right on a Saturday, go figure). The boxes just keep coming and I couldn't resist teasing all of you with some pictures of my favorites. It's the only time of year that we purchase in quantities of this kind.
I hope this starts to get you as excited about this years Christmas as we are, here at the store. Now you know why I couldn't resist the tease.

Friends at the Library

Our small town of Gardiner has been busy all week. After years of fundraising and endless debate our towns new library had it's grand opening... today as a matter of fact. I was lucky enough to spend time with community members earlier in the week. I'm sure the press will have lovely shots of plaque presentations and dignitaries, but my photos tell the story of the long week some friends spent in the small town I call home.

Oh sure, lots still to be done but all the work is a labor of love. Our community is so very proud of the new library and it is only a short distance from HiHo. Be sure to make visiting Gardiner's newest land mark a part of your next visit to HiHo.

"Auction Action"

We continue to hunt treasures at auctions throughout the Hudson Valley. Last week Susan and I attended an auction that was geared toward attracting men. Dozens of clocks ( even one that sold for over seventeen thousand dollars) tools and this very large bear. (Please forgive the blurry shot, I rushed to get it.)
COMPETITION AT AUCTION WAS FIERCE THIS WEEK

Between the dead framed owl and the primitive benches we were able to pick out some surprising deals. This shot of Susan was taken around midnight, ( the dog door stop already sold) the pair of holiday paintings will be in hiding till HiHo's open house in November.

SUSAN LOOKING GOOD EVEN AT MIDNIGHT SOLD

The best purchase of the night was this beautiful three piece set. Hand painted with a lovely worn patina and sweet cottage roses.

WAITING TO BE LOADED ON THE TRUCK

NOW FEATURED IN THE FRONT ROOM OF HIHO SOLD

Hours spent at auction are filled with visiting other shop owners. I even spend time drawing and planning future changes to the shop, I pour over trade magazines and edit choices in wholesale catalogs. Many auction houses have slices of homemade pies and cakes, always hard to resist. Susan even says "it wouldn't be an auction if Heidi wasn't eating". Often when Claudia joins me she will comment "did you just buy something?" I have attended so many auctions over the years it's second nature for me to bid and continue on with my pie,catalog, drawing or my visit with a friend. Long, long nights, loading the truck in the heat, rain, snow are a part of the business. To my surprise, I still love the hunt, we refer to it as "Auction Action".