Antiques in Northern Vermont

On a recent trip to the back country roads of northern Vermont, we stopped by an antique shop along the side of the road. Buried in the back of the shop was a 1927 Heintzmann baby grand piano. Heintzmann was a Toronto piano maker, and the reseller was an Ottawa/Montreal/Kingston company. The antique dealer said that the original owner was from Canada, and when she moved to the USA, the piano went with her. Her daughter sold it to the dealer. It was beautiful. The beautiful cracks of the aged paint on the wood made it so much more special....only real, good solid pieces are able to escape some the refinishing of the wood by unappreciative owners.

Original ivory keys. Lift the cover...dustless. 1927.

Piano at the Grocery Store

There is an old piano in the sitting area of the grocery store close by my office. Every now and again, the casual drifters that make the grocery store their hang out will play a tune that livens up the chore-like atmosphere of the store. And, on some occasions, the tune being played will be cause for me to stop and watch. Today was one of those days. The person playing was wearing flip-flops on callous feet, and playing with such precision and ease, and what a lovely tune.....made me stop in the midst of my temporary repreive from the office...and watch his fingers dance lightly and deliberately on the keys.....beautiful.

Speaking of grocery stores, had a wonderful weekend trip hanging out with my Mom in Toronto. TNT grocery stores certainly cater to a niche in the market, a void in the marketplace waiting to be filled....

Found an amazing place for 'yum cha', with flavours reminiscent of the Hong Kong where I spent my early adult life. Real Hong Kong flavours with chefs that take pride in their work. Oh, it makes me "homesick". :-)