The Great Staycation: Day Two

It is only 3:30, but Day Two has already been a resounding success.

First of all, I must say: I AM SO HAPPY SPRING IS FINALLY HERE. I have spent the past six months in hibernation, and I've been getting incredibly shack-wacky. It's nice to be able to go outside without immediately regretting it.

After a coma-like slumber, I met a friend around 10:30 with the intention of an all-day adventure. We walked from the depths of the North End and picked up another friend on the way down to the Historic Properties to indulge in some epic-sized croissants and coffee at TIBS, followed by a chilly roam around the waterfront. Assuming it would be similar to yesterday's weather, I brought only a sweater and some sunglasses - I later came to regret that decision. After we became sufficiently chilled and played on the playground, we wandered up to Venus Envy to peruse their wares (I awkwardly  looked at children's books and avoided eye contact - I'm so cool). We lurked by 2 Doors Down, the new resto on Barrington owned by the same people as Chive's where Lisa's friend will be working - super excited to check that out.

Lisa then remembered that she needed to get garlic for the marinara sauce that is the dipping sauce for this week's croissant at TIBS (I have the coolest friends; Lisa is a baker at TIBS - she is responsible for the amazing croissants). So we went to Pete's, where I always spend way too much money and become mesmerized by the variety of produce - it's heavenly. The girls bought some stuff, but I only allowed myself a Propeller Ginger Beer - AMAZING. Have you tried it?? You must. Seriously. You won't regret it. Unless you try to pair it with jerk chicken, but that's a story for another day.

Armed with our beverages and produce, we made our way towards Citadel Hill where we intended to hang for a bit before making our way back to the North End - but not before being distracted and enticed by Susie's Shortbreads. Yet again, I was able to exercise amazing self-control and DIDN'T BUY ANYTHING. This is unheard of for me; I used to buy a cupcake EVERY WEEK at the market a couple of years ago.

Sidebar: do you remember when the market was in the old location on Lower Water St, when you could spend hours, lost and wandering, and never find what you were looking for? I miss that place. I went back not long ago, but it just made me sad. I miss the bustle of the filled hallways and passages, when you had to push your way through and come up with a game plan if you became separated from your shopping companions. My favorite area was that random corner, way down, where the trifecta of awesome resided: the waffle peeps, Susie's, and all of the wine/booze cats. Every Saturday at 8am you could find me there, chatting up the cantankerous older gentleman who worked one of the wine booths, stuffing my face with waffle while shoving a red velvet cupcake or two in my bag for later. 

Okay, back to the adventures of today.  We made our way to Citadel, the threat of rain imminent. Deciding we didn't care what happened, I think, is the reason it in fact did not rain. We sat on the hill, discussing random topics, until we could no longer stand the cold dampness that had infiltrated our bones. We ended up taking Agricola St across town, much to my elation - I adore Agricola St. The cute shops, super funky houses, and general coolness make my heart swell. One day, I will live there. A few shops had tables outside with merch, so we perused as we sauntered, enjoying the ability to browse without having to enter a store. We stopped to look at some books in front of Orphan Books, a used bookstore THAT IS FANTASTIC. I found FOUR books that I've wanted for a while. For cheap. And they're in great shape! And the guy is so nice! Haven't been? I suggest checking it out. What books did I purchase? Animal Farm by George Orwell - a classic that I haven't read since high school and have wanted for my collection for a while now; The Diviners by Margaret Laurence - recommended to me by a friend a while ago, it's an older edition that seems to have been well-loved by others (which I love); A Visit From The Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan, and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. SCORE. We made a quick stop at the NSLC for wine and beer and hoofed it to the Hydrostone where we paused for a quick snack at Julien's before heading home. I'm now back at the Munchkin House, trying to shake the chill and happy dancing around. I intend to have a nap soon, as I told the owners of the house that I would pick them up at the airport...at 2 am. Any suggestions for a long and lonely evening of waiting? Perhaps I'll start in on my latest literary editions...

***Addendum: HOW COULD I POSSIBLY HAVE FORGOTTEN!? Highlight of the day:

Found this gem parked outside of Citadel High. DYING.