HOPE, OPTIMISM, FAITH

That something that makes someone believe tomorrow will be even better. I guess it doesn't matter what you call it, as Americans we are born with it. I think entrepreneurs just have more of it. An ability too hold ones breath and take hold of a dream. I have a community of retail friends faced with challenges everyday. Obstacles they anticipated, bad weather days, upkeep of buildings, food spoiling, damaged merchandise, loss of employees and even the occasional unhappy customer. ( we don't have those at HiHo, wink,wink) These are all things anticipated, somehow many of these special people who are following dreams are really feeling the downward swing in the economy. ( I won't put that big R word out into the universe I refuse to perpetuate the fear). Now don't get me wrong I'm aware that many of my customers are feeling the pinch, however a hundred people spending ten dollars at a local produce stand adds up to a thousand dollar day for a dreamer. You can make a difference, don't let the constant push of fear by the news stations convince you to hold too tight to ten bucks. I don't know about you, I don't want to look around in a year and see businesses have slipped away.

OPTIMISM, THE GLASS IS HALF FULL

One last thought... we should not look further than our own back yards, our local dreamers need us.

girl friends

My day started so nicely with an email from a friend. A love note of sorts saying something nice would happen today and it did.

So very often small groups of women share a trip to HiHo together. This afternoon there seemed to be more woman than usual enjoying each others company. Today two sisters came in and laughed out loud while reading greeting cards. A pair of older ladies (with large pocket books and gloves) pondered over where all the things of their mothers homes had gone. Four woman enjoyed time debating who had the best dessert at lunch. Even a couple of local antique dealers; gals just out running errands.... found the time to share a look around. The wind was strong, bitter cold and the sky was grey, but somehow I don't think that's what is going to stand out in the memory of the day for any of the woman that gathered at HiHo this afternoon. I am sure they are all home tonight grateful for having had a day to share with a friend.

I'm glad to have my girl friends.

IKEA Adventure

I had never been to an IKEA store before today. For more than a year now any time it came up in a conversation, people gasped and could not believe I had never visited an IKEA.
Susan and I departed for New Jersey this morning after all respectable children were safely loaded on buses for school. She had been looking forward to sharing the experience with me. It took about an hour of driving to arrive at the massive store.
WOW, WOW, WOW, a retail wonder, nearly an amusement park for shoppers. We followed the arrowed floors, viewing thousands of items for sale...amazing. Clean, orderly, utilitarian, furniture, lighting, bedding, well... you know what is there, I'm the last person on earth to visit an IKEA. How did I send a child to school this past Sept. without shopping for her dorm room in an IKEA? anyway....
We had lunch, ran into a HiHo customer and of course bought a few items for our homes. An enjoyable Tuesday, the pleasure was all mine, thanks Susan.

Thanks for a Great Time!

We had so much fun at HiHo this past weekend. I wanted to share a couple pictures and thank everyone for making Honey of a Weekend a huge success. Melinda Widmark kept customers chuckling with tales of the farm while spooning up all flavors of honey. Thanks Melinda, for adding energy and laughter to event. Bless Humphrey's heart for putting up with wearing wings for two full days...he was a very busy bee.

Ray Smith shared his recipe for granola and Susan's pecan recipe was the talk of the counter, thank you both.

SUSAN'S PECAN RECIPE

Ginger-Scented Pecans from the Martha Stewart Hors D'Oeuvres Handbook

5 cups pecan halves1/2 cup sugar2 t kosher salt1 t ground ginger2 T honey2 t canola oil

Heat oven to 325 degrees.

Place the nuts in a single layer on two rimmed baking sheets. Toast until the nuts are fragrant, 10 to 15 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through cooking. Meanwhile, combine the sugar, salt, and ginger in a small bowl and set aside. Combine the honey, 2 T of water, and the oil in a large sauce pan and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and add the roasted pecans. Cook, stirring once or twice, until all of the liquid has evaporated, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a bowl, add the sugar mixture, and toss until well combined. Spread the nuts in a single layer on a sheet of parchment paper to cool.

Pecans may be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for one week.

Keep watching for our next event...a reception for the newest member of HiHo, upholsterer Catherine Boyd.

Serve Up a Complete Look

We have all been in the situation. You know, guests, a great menu and not quite the right utensils. In the search for all things lovely and utilitarian, I came across these wonderful boxed sets. We sold them during the Holiday Season and now will be selling them year round. They are the perfect gift. The hostess gift you want to receive.

As the winter lingers it is always nice to have guests over to share an evening in your home. Nesting this time of year seems to be easy. Now is the time to be creative and mix up your everyday dishes with pieces from your not so used sets...you know the dishes you love but never use, the ones in the back of the cupboard. Don't worry if a set is not complete. Tables set with pieces pulled together creatively are always more personal.Like these two sweet saucers. Use them for fruit salad or bread plates, they would spice up the look of the table. This traditional pine patterned china would look wonderful with a green charger or even mixed with a 1950's plaid patterned dinner set. Try using a quilted throw for a tablecloth or layer a tablecloth with place mats. Have fun, you can't go wrong. You have kept the dishes in the back of the cupboard because you love them, now use them. Don't have fun pieces to mix them with? Stop by and let us help you pull a look together. So you can serve up a complete look that shows off your personal style.

Future Possiblities

Our little Town of Gardiner has been discussing sidewalks for the Hamlet for years. So it was exciting to see a number of gentlemen in town today surveying for sidewalks. I'm not sure if anything will happen in the near future, but it is nice to think we are getting closer to the project. Humphrey enjoyed the entertainment, it went on for hours. These shots were taken through the front door of the shop.



You can tell from the pictures he was working very close to where Humphrey enjoys his sunshine. Humphrey made sure he didn't get too close to the door. After hours of threatening growling, pacing and jumping they packed up and left. Humphrey proceeded to sleep the rest of the day, proud of a job well done.

Ready and Waiting

We have stocked up on honey, tidied up and dolled up. Now we hope you are up for a sweet time.

Time for a Honey of a Weekend.I Hand Painted Some Special Votive Holders, Some Glass Pillar Holders To Match The Bee Tea Towels
And Some Tea Lights Too

Plenty to buzz about, bee sure to stop by.

Saturday 10-6

Sunday 11-5