Ugh

LucyDog and I need some air and exercise this morning, so we went for a nice long walk, with one leg taking us along High Street.

Happened upon an old and well worn toilet on the curb. Lying on the ground next to it was a piece of cardboard bearing this message: "For Free, Still Works."

Am I the only one who finds this offer easy to refuse?

Speaking of Ice Cream

The Boy and I just hit the ice cream truck outside of our house. Love this town.

I Scream, You Scream

A month or two ago, the New York Times ran an article on the counter-cyclical nature of chocolate. When economic times are tough, chocolate sales soars. The "why" theories range from chocolate pharmacological abilities to lift spirits; it's tendency to remind people of simpler happy times; or just the fact that it's a relatively inexpensive treat.

Now I'm wondering if ice cream enjoys the same economic qualities.

A gelatto store is opening up on Market Square, at the western-most shop, giving the city--by my count--four spots to acquire a quality bit of ice cream. Number one would be Gram's, of course, followed by Something Simply Sweet on Inn Street, the new "creamery" on Inn Street and what I think is a Smoothie Shop on Unicorn.

I suppose this is the 09 version of the pizza conversation we had last summer when Oregano's and Upper Crust signalled their arrival. Can a town have too many ice cream spots?

I can't help but think the new businesses will eat away at Gram's business just a bit. True, each has a different spin or niche, but at the end of the day they're selling a cool, refreshing treat.

I'm not arguing for or against the additions. If a business owner is willing to commit themselves to opening up a shop selling non-essentials in this economy, I give them credit. But perhaps they know something we don't. Maybe demand for ice will soar if the Dow continues to fall. I'll root for the former and against the latter.