I was supposed to buy milk after work today. The plan was to go to a convenience store that has a Milk Club; you buy 10 half-gallons and get one free or some such nonsense. Naturally I left the Milk Club card sitting on Steven’s coffee table. So I would go someplace else. Maybe even buy something besides milk. This would be great.
At some point in the afternoon I decided to make a minor Mohawk Valley adventure out of it and go to a distinctive, local store: Melrose Market in Frankfort, NY. Some people roll their eyes at the thought of going to the grocery store as an adventure, but I don’t think any of those people would read a blog like mine. Not more than once, at any rate. I took a roundabout way to Frankfort from Ilion (where I work), going on Route 5S to the second Frankfort exit, by the Fairgrounds. This put me on the same side of the street as Melrose Market.
I noted once again that the Balloon Farm Bed and Breakfast is for sale. That is a lovely historic building. I’ve been to a couple of Herkimer County Historical Society fundraisers there. I hope somebody nice buys it and hosts another fundraiser there.
I got a parking space almost right in front of the store, which I did not expect but was very happy about. I grabbed a couple of reusable bags and went in, making a beeline for the deli counter.
Melrose Market has an excellent butcher department. I refrained from looking at all the meat, because no doubt I would have found something I couldn’t resist, and our freezer is kind of full these days (we have not been cooking at home enough). What I wanted was deli meat. Genoa salami, baked Virginia ham and Muenster cheese. Yum! I also looked at some of the store-made food available. Salads, dinners, soups. Hmmm…. I already had a cucumber salad I made the other day plus ingredients for a tossed salad. I hesitated long over some fancy olives such as I love but ultimately stuck with just the deli meat and cheese.
Oh yes, we needed bread. I got some Italian bread from Giuseppe’s Bakery in Utica for Steven (I may eat a slice or two myself) and some flat bread for me (Steven may have some if he would like). In the produce section I picked up a fresh lemon, to put in some club soda I had at home (I’m drinking some as I type this).
As I paid for my purchases I saw they could not take a credit or debit card for sale less than $5. I remarked that I thought I was over that. I went on to say I was trying to pay with cash more often. The clerk tactfully said the cards were a convenience when needed.
“It’s just me not planning ahead,” I said. “Operator error every time with me!” She laughed.
I was quite pleased with my purchases, and I’m sure many of my readers are right now holding up a hand and saying, “But, but…”
Yes, but. I forgot the milk. Oh what do you want from me on a Wednesday? (said in a dramatic voice, making a pose with a wrist to my forehead). Wuss-out Wednesday, in fact. At least I went one day without whining about how I can’t seem to write. I hope to see you all tomorrow on Non-Sequitur Thursday.