Saturday with Von

Von was here with her boyfriend, Dave, from North Carolina, for the weekend. Dave's son lives in the area so while they spent time together, Von and I spent the day together on Saturday. She drove out to my house around 10:00 and we sat on the deck and chatted for a while. I gave her a tour of the house and then we drove to Canandaigua for lunch. I wanted to go to The Lumberyard Grill, one of my new favorite restaurants. The sign on the door said they open at 11:00 and we arrived at 12:00 - to find the doors locked. We walked around front and it was definitely dark inside - but I accidentally pulled on the front door and it was unlocked. We walked in, yoo-hooing our way towards the kitchen area where someone was obviously working. I asked what time they open and he said 1:00. Screw that. I have no idea what the explanation was, we didn't ask because it didn't matter. So we had lunch at Koozina's, owned by the same family that owns one of my other favorite restaurants, Boccacinis. I had the lunch special, Chicken Quesadillas and Von had a peach & prosciutto pizza. (Say that 3 times fast.)

We stopped at The Wizard of Clay on our way home. I haven't been there in many years though I used to go semi-frequently back in the day. Their pieces are a little pricey, but they are exquisitely handmade. Their claim to fame is their trademarked BristolLeaf. (They are located in Bristol, NY.) Fresh leaves are pressed into the clay and they burn off when the piece is fired. I'd actually forgotten how many pieces I own until I walked around the store and remembered. Not a lot, mind you - a couple of lamps, a wall weed pocket and a couple of corked containers. All purchased in the DINK days!

They now offer the BristolLeaf in some lovely new colors that were just breathtaking. And they have a new glaze I haven't seen before, Crystalline. We didn't buy anything but had fun looking around. The place is housed in 5 geodesic domes the owners built, probably 30 years ago. Two of the domes are now for rent, I noticed. The last time I was there, many years ago, those domes were used as non-pottery gift shops.

Then we stopped at Artisan's Alley on our way home so Von could see where I'm now selling my wares. The store opened last Thursday and looks great! Pam has my framed pieces displayed on easels around the store and my cards are in a table top spinner on a shelf with my "Custom Orders Welcomed" sign on top. I had left a number of business cards with her too in case anyone inquires.

Artisan's Alley

37 Main Street

Victor, New York

Parking available in the back. I know they are closed Sunday - maybe Monday too, can't recall. The sign is due to be installed this coming week but she usually has an Open flag hung and a fancy Victorian chair propping up the front door. I told Pam I'd send people down there - so stop by and look around when you have a chance. There's a lovely selection of nice quality artwork.

We got Von home just in time for her to leave to drive into the city to meet up with her other Rochester friend. They had plans to visit the Park Ave Fest, which is walking distance from her friend Bruce's place.

Someone at work asked me if I had any plans for the weekend and I mentioned getting together with my online friend, Von. Since we've hung out together twice now, I think we've graduated to real friends!

We had a good day.