Eating My Way Across Colorado: Aspen Leaf Bakery & Cafe

You want some of the best baked goods and fresh salads, sandwiches and soups that southern Colorado has to offer? Look no further than the Aspen Leaf Bakery & Cafe, located at 113 W. Main St. in Florence--the antiques capital of Colorado.

Usually I eat my way across Colorado alone, but this time the girls and I went to see what was happening at one of the most popular spots in Florence.

The Aspen Leaf is so popular that people drive from out of town to feast.

Two people in our party had the turkey panini, which I've had before also. Imagine a stunning artichoke spread, provolone, sliced red onions, alfalfa sprouts and marinated tomatoes complimenting all that turkey on some flat bread. No, just don't imagine it. Get to the Aspen Leaf and have one. The garden salads at the Aspen are always clean, fresh and crisp.

Our salads were chock full of tender baby spinach, other greens and plump, bright tomatoes.

I had the egg salad accented with celery and a special seasoning on a croissant. Beyond divine.

I could blather on about the veggie mushroom melt, the organic, vegan burger, the fresh soups and tortilla and lettuce wraps. Yes, I could.

But let's be honest. We all have these healthy offerings and then want to get to the baked goods.

The Aspen Leaf even has a good selection of gluten-free offerings. They also have cookies, macaroons, scones, danish, brownies, turn overs, bear claws, cinnamon rolls, muffins, bundt cake, coffee cake, cheese pockets with various fruit fillings, tiramisu with mocha sauce, strudel, banana bread, bread pudding with vanilla sauce, pies and cheesecakes.

If that wasn't enough--the Aspen Leaf semi-recently added soft serve ice cream to the list of temptations.

Breakfast, served until 11 a.m. is just $4.95 at the Aspen Leaf and includes quiches, biscuits and gravy and breakfast burritos.

As if all the food and beverages at the Aspen Leaf weren't enough to keep one lingering in delight--then the ambience would be.

The Aspen Leaf's walls featured local artists' works.

This bakery and cafe is located in a historical building (complete with skylight) as are most of Florence's businesses.

Local handmade pottery for sale.

And local food products.

We loved this culinary collage.

Vintage aprons and kitchen tools.

More local art.

And if you really want to vicariously set your taste buds aflame, make sure and visit the Aspen Leaf's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Aspen-Leaf-Bakery-and-Cafe-117536445005789/?fref=ts

What I Found In Florence--The Antiques Capital Of Colorado

Here's a weekly roundup of fun and funky and unique items I found in some of the many shops in Florence--the antiques capital of Colorado.

Yes, it's a butter churn. But I think of it as a vintage exercise machine. Notice that the churn has a foot pedal AND a handle for churning--for a total aerobic workout. DISCOVERED AT: Iron Gate Antique Mall, 109 W. Main St.

Handcrafted right in Florence--delicious organic vanilla. Here's a secret about Florence: There are a lot of home based artisans making small batches of edibles, soaps, crafts and other items, one batch at a time--the old fashioned way. DISCOVERED AT: Wood Grain On Main, 114 W. Main St.

Delicious honey. As it reads on the label: As straight from the hive as you can get.

It's unfiltered, raw and unpasteurized. I purchased some and can attest to the quality and taste. Florence resident, Shellie Busetti is responsible for the honey and the vanilla. DISCOVERED AT: Wood Grain On Main, 114 W. Main St.

Shellie is also a photographer, along with her husband, Bill. She recently showed the new note cards she is producing from her original photos--as well as Colorado postcards. Yes, scenes from Florence, are in the works! The Busettis' photos and artwork are also available matted and framed. They have a website at : http://www.busettiphoto.com/  DISCOVERED AT: Iron Gate Antique Mall, 109 W. Main St.

Handcrafted letters made painstakingly from beer bottle tops, by a local artisan. Each letter is sold individually, so one can just get one's initial or make an entire sign or statement. DISCOVERED AT: Wood Grain On Main, 114 W. Main St.

If you are missing an iron gate for your estate--no worries! You'll find it in Florence. And it's no accident or IRONy this treasure was discovered at The Iron Gate Antique Mall, 109 W. Main St., which always pays homage to its namesake with a good selection of vintage gates and fencing.

Beautiful Hoosier cabinet, spotted at the Iron Gate,which also carries separate Hoosier jars and glass.

Handcrafted, handpainted wood signs--made by a local artisan. DISCOVERED AT: Wood Grain On Main.

Scruffy, the antique dog. Not for sale--but he wanted to get on the blog. DISCOVERED: At my house.

FLORENCE,CO: Tour of BARN & BARREL--Total COOLNESS!

You all know I like to roam the streets of Florence--the antiques capital of Colorado and just see what's going on. Recently I stepped into Barn & Barrel, located at 115 W. Main St. And I also ascended into a world of total coolness.

For those familiar with Florence, the location of Barn & Barrel formerly housed the antiques and art shop, Touch of Grace--also a popular destination for those looking for top-drawer antiques, art, jewelry and architectural salvage. The owners of Touch of Grace relocated out of state--and Dan Vinton and his wife Tracy, a few months ago moved Barn & Barrel from a smaller location a few doors down to the spacious showrooms at 115 W. Main.

Barn & Barrel's slogan is: Farm Fresh To Barrel Aged. The shop specializes in antiques, art and architectural salvage.

                                                  BARN & BARREL IN FLORENCE,CO

I guarantee if you check out Barn & Barrel's Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/barnandbarrelflorenceco/?fref=ts
you'll be pleased and probably hop in the car to check out one of southern Colorado's most unique home decor stores.

Like most shops in Florence, thing change almost daily. But here's what was going on at Barn & Barrel last week. Join me for a fun tour!

Yes, they have a great selection of primitive wall cupboards with that delicious, chippy paint.

And free-standing primitive cupboards loaded with vintage smalls.

OK, you had me at chippy paint. But there's way more to be discovered at Barn & Barrel.

Salvage galore!

A wonderful farm (or harvest) table constructed of 100-year-old barn wood. And the price is a fraction of what it would generally be outside of Florence--the antiques capital of Colorado.

Another view of the delicious barnwood table.

Owner Dan Vinton said this area started as simply a quiet retreat area for customers and browsers to sit back in comfort and relax and rest. He said they put a comfy couch there for visitors--that wasn't supposed to be for sale--and it sold. They got another comfy couch and it sold. And then they finally put in this stylish, distressed leather couch--which is now for sale. But no worries--Barn & Barrel will always have a good selection of stylish furniture and a comfy place for visitors to unwind.

Here's how it all started. Dan said his wife Tracy, years ago, began offering a line of quality handmade soaps and body products--and they used some antiques as "props" in their display. The antiques and vintage items began selling--and the rest is history. But the Barn & Barrel still has a line of soaps and body products.

A display of handbags, scarves and other fashion accessories

.
The Barn & Barrel also proudly sells local artisan work--like this handmade wooden bowl.

You never know what you will find at Barn & Barrel--and that's half the fun of browsing in this fantastic shop--and all of Florence for that matter!

A vintage car fender as wall art? You bet!

Thanks for joining us on a tour of one of Florence's coolest shops.

And make sure and snap some pictures of what YOU find in Florence--and feel free to send your pictures to this blog for possible publication.

Found In The Antiques Capital Of Colorado: Faucet Flowers

As regular blog readers know, I'm always curious what people are buying in Florence--the antiques capital of Colorado. And more importantly, I want to know what they are going to do with their Florence finds.

                                                       Patty and her ten faucet handles

Look at those beauties! When this Iron Gate Antique Mall (109 W. Main St.) customer plunked down 10 funky faucet handles on the counter--I just had to ask what she was going to do with them all.

Faucet flowers. OK, I admit I don't hang out on Pinterest much and I read rather obscure magazines, so I am sometimes out of the loop on what's crafty, creative and hot in decorating.

Patty, of Weatherford, Texas, is going to make flowers from her faucets. I asked how she got the idea and she said she saw on a fence, with the leaves and stems painted on. But she was going to make free-standing flowers.

It is worth noting, that Patty, visiting in Colorado, came to Florence one day recently--and had so much fun that she came back the next day. Yes, that's a shameless plug about how much fun folks have in Florence. But Patty said it, unsolicited--even before I whipped out my camera.

Now, I don't know if Patty's finished project will look like this. But for those of you who have never heard of faucet handle flowers (like me) this picture gives one idea how people create them.

I went to one online site and these faucet handles (also labeled as industrial and steampunk) are selling for about $5 each. Just the handles. And of course these are vintage, metal and all cool with the chippy paint. But you know how much they are at Iron Gate in Florence? Just $2 each.

Stay tuned to this blog to see what customers (from all across the country) and even around the world are buying in Florence--the antiques capital of Colorado. And what they are doing with some of the items.

And also stay tuned for a peek into all the cool steampunk-type items Florence has. I've termed Florence, the unofficial steampunk capital of Colorado. Not only for our annual steampunk festival coming up April 9 and 10--but also for the fact that Florence has many shops that have a HUGE selections of steampunk and industrial items like these faucet handles.

What Are You Doing In Florence, The Antiques Capital of Colorado? TINY TOWN, RAILROAD

We are always curious to know what people are doing in Florence, the antiques capital of Colorado. And most importantly, we are interested in what significance the treasures they find here have.

Recently we met Wayne Russert, who resides on a ranch outside of Castle Rock, in Florence.

                                                   WAYNE RUSSERT in FLORENCE,CO

At first I wasn't sure what had captured Wayne's attention. But when he began inspecting his find, the sound of a railroad crossing bell rang through The Iron Gate Antique Mall.

And this beauty is going to the world famous Tiny Town & Railroad in Morrison, outside of Denver.

For those not acquainted with the joys of Tiny Town, the attraction features a 1/6-scale Western town and a steam-powered locomotive vistors can ride.

Wayne plans on using this Florence find--a railroad signal--on the redesign of Tiny Town's railroad crossing.

The history of Tiny Town is interesting (as most places are in Colorado) and more information on this family-friendly attraction is available at: http://tinytownrailroad.com/

Wayne has an interesting history too. He's a retired aeronautical engineer who also happened to work at a railroad. He is also involved at the Pikes Peak Historical Street Railway Foundation. More information on that organization is at: http://www.visitcos.com/venue/colorado-springs-attractions/Pikes-Peak-Historical-Street-Railway-Foundation

Even though he is retired, the engineer says he is busier than ever. And it appears most of what he is involved with involves enjoying and preserving history.

So, like so many others--Wayne found himself in Florence, where history comes alive in every shop.

What Are You Doing In Florence, The Antiques Capital of Colorado? OLIVER LOTT

 I am curious to know what people are doing in Florence, the antiques capital of Colorado. Florence is a burg of about 3,900. So I am always interested how people found the town, what they are doing when they get here--and most importantly, the significance of the treasures they find here.

Today we found out what Oliver Lott was doing in Florence. Oliver is from Bath, United Kingdom.

Being the observant person I am, I noticed he had a big camera, so I correctly guessed he is a photographer. He currently lives in New York City and attends the School of Visual Arts there.

Oliver is graduating soon and needed some more photos for a school project. He was in Cripple Creek taking photos and absorbing the local history, gold mining facts and scenery--when someone suggested he take the semi-short drive to Florence to view all the antiques.

The first place Oliver stopped was The Iron Gate Antiques Mall, 109 W. Main St. where he was able to find postcards and a vintage photo that caught his attention due to his love of American history. And of course, a camera.

                                                  OLIVER LOTT IN FLORENCE, CO

It's amazing and wonderful to me that so many people with so many different talents and interests can usually always find something to feed their souls in Florence.

Oliver is a gifted photographer and has quite a presence on the internet. Just one place , his work can be viewed is: oliverlott.tumblr.com

Who Says Antiques Can't Be Fun? ITO'S Japanese Restaurant

Who says antiques can't be fun? Hardly anyone I've ever known. Rather, working in an antiques mall can be fun.

This week--Confessions Of An Antiques Store Worker--is about a fun encounter I had recently.

A gentleman and his wife came into ye olde antique shop and announced they were from Woodland Park and come to Florence every six months or so, to find out what treasures there are.

But they hadn't been to Florence in over a year. It was a Monday and most every restaurant was closed. He said they were faint from hunger and could I recommend a place that was good--and, um, open.

Why yes I could! Ito's Japanese Steak House at 106 W. Main St. For those True Story Club readers that missed my review on Ito's, you may read it at: http://truestoryclub.blogspot.com/2015/04/eating-our-way-across-colorado-ito.html

                                      BENTO BOX AT ITO'S JAPANESE IN FLORENCE

The man found a book on an obscure subject in ye olde antiques mall that he thought he would never find in Florence, or most anywhere for that matter and then they went to Ito's.

The couple returned to ye olde antiques mall over an hour later and told me they came back just to tell me that Ito's was--FANTASTIC! And to thank me for the recommendation. My pleasure.

It turns out the lady had been a Japanese foreign exchange student many years ago--and was very familiar with authentic Japanese food. How did Ito's stack up? The miso soup--just like Japan!

She told me the owners of Ito's are actually Indonesian and they chatted about authentic Indonesian cuisine, and the lady from Woodland Park hopes they will add an Indonesian dish or two to the menu.

This couple, were world travelers. So I asked how this restaurant, tucked in a tiny, semi-isolated location stacked up. For those blog readers who missed my post--I asked one of my friends, also a world traveler, how Ito's stacked up. Here's that previous post: http://truestoryclub.blogspot.com/2015/05/what-first-time-visitor-thinks-of.html

The Woodland Park couple said they would be dragging every friend they knew to Ito's--it was that good. Actually the man said, "no dragging" would be involved after their friends ate at Ito's.

They marveled that such a world-class restaurant was in Florence. I didn't take offense. I knew exactly what he meant. Florence is a burg of about 3,900. But there is a lot of talent in this town, that is totally unexpected. NOT that we don't expect to find talent in small towns--we just don't expect such talent-based enterprises to get the attention (and revenue) they deserve due to a lower population base, and/or being located off a major thoroughfare.

This couple brought me a menu to thank me for helping them discover a jewel that not only was great in its own right--but also reminded them of their times in foreign countries.

I thanked them for the menu--and for reminding me about Ito's. It's been at least a month since I've been there--and that has to be remedied.

But here's something I did learn recently from another antiques dealer, who is a huge Ito's fan--Ito's makes a wicked green tea latte. My friend brought me one from Ito's--and yes, it was delicious!

Colorado Life Magazine

True Story Club blog is about many things--but its main focus is celebrating a sense of community, adventure and wonder of all the things tucked away in Colorado, especially small-town southern Colorado.

Probably no magazine embodies that spirit of digging into what makes Coloradans tick, better than Colorado Life magazine.

I've been a fan (and subscriber) of Colorado Life, almost since its inception. One of the most echoed themes in the magazine's Letters To The Editor section is that even people who have lived in Colorado most or all of their lives, still learn so many new places to explore, after reading the magazine.

I wholeheartedly agree. I've lived in Colorado, going on three decades--and every time I pick up Colorado Life, I learn something new about the state I love. Even about places I thought I knew most all there was to know.

This magazine has world-class photography and writing. But it goes behind the scenes and often delves into why communities tick--through the present and history.

Check out the Colorado Life website: http://www.coloradolifemagazine.com/

I encourage all who live this state to subscribe. And no, I don't make a penny off recommending this fine publication, or have any connection to Colorado Life, other than being an admiring reader. I just know a good thing when I see it, and love to share all that is good in our state.

Florence City Officials Don't Want Gitmo Detainees At Supermax

The CBS Channel 4 (Denver) cameras were in Florence today. And tonight a news story was run on that channel. It can be viewed at: http://denver.cbslocal.com/2016/02/24/florence-guantanamo-bay-detainees-supermax/

I would not have known that the Supermax/Gitmo controversy was being covered again, except that I was working in a ye olde antique store and spotted a man outside. He was walking literally in the road, seemingly talking to himself, complete with hand gestures.

Even though Florence is a great and friendly burg--I've seen this type of activity before. My first thought was--poor guy. My second thought was: It's a news reporter. But I saw no news camera or cameraman initially. So I stepped outside to see what was happening. It turns out the camera was at ground level at first.

I got a glimpse of his jacket and saw it was Channel 4 in Denver--but later checked our more local Colorado Springs stations and didn't see any Gitmo coverage around Florence. Then I went online and viewed the Channel 4 story. It seems the city officials interviewed, mayor Keith Ore, and city manager, Mike Patterson, are both opposed. As were local residents that were interviewed.

I recall we had local (and not-so-local) cameras in Florence last Oct. on the Gitmo subject. In fact, I mentioned it on this blog. One of our local antique dealers, who is a colorful character and owner of Florence Antiques, Larry Nelson, was featured on the Denver FOX channel. Nelson gave his opinion on Gitmo, but also used the opportunity to promote not only his shop--but Florence, as the antiques capital of Colorado.

You can read my blog post, Who Says GITMO & Antiques Can't Be Funny? here: http://truestoryclub.blogspot.com/2015/10/florence-colorado-who-says-gitmo.html

No, I don't think GITMO is a funny subject. I just found it amusing that Nelson turned it into a promotional opportunity for this fair burg and that a Denver FOX station did a good job of balancing the town's quaint antiques reputation with a serious subject. And I occasionally run blog posts with a theme of: Who Says Antiques Can't Be Fun?

                                                     Florence, Colorado's Main St.
                                                   
Today's Channel 4 story just stuck to the GITMO angle. We did see a glimpse of Wood Grain On Main and Barn & Barrel--two antiques stores-- and a few shots of the main street showing the general atmosphere of our shops and eateries.

Last October, right after the GITMO stories ran, not just in Denver, but in the Colorado Springs area--I noticed an increase in people coming through town. Of course, local people are delighted to welcome visitors here. We are the antiques capital of Colorado. Officially. We also have art galleries and other unique businesses.

I'd prefer to see the town know for that, more than the semi-looming threat of housing more terrorists at Supermax. But that's just me. What do you think?

Rialto Theater In Florence, Colorado: Watch The Production of a Kickstarter Film

The Rialto Theater was built in 1923 as an opera house on Florence, Colorado's Main St. This Sunday, anyone can be part of watching a professional team film a promotion video that will be used to raise money on Kickstarter to restore the town's treasure.

A portion of Main St. will be closed Sunday, Feb. 28 from 7 to 9 p.m. as a crew films. People from Fremont County or anywhere for that matter have been invited, via a series of radio ads, to view the filming.

The Rialto is currently under restoration and it is hoped the theater will be open within a few years, or sooner if the money is raised.

I know I'll be there watching the filming. I've heard a few people are planning on being in period costumes--but it isn't a requirement to watch the filming.

For those wanting more information on some of the history of this cultural treasure and current efforts to revive the Rialto to her former glory, there was an excellent article in the Pueblo Chieftain last year. Go to: http://www.chieftain.com/news/region/3820238-120/rialto-theater-auction-downtown

Remember, Feb. 28 from 7 to 9 p.m. is a fun and free way to see a little bit of Rialto history being made. See you there! Or should I say: twenty-three skidoo! Or should I really say: 1923 skidoo.

Confessions Of An Antiques Store Worker: There's No Place Like Florence, Colorado

True story. Oh, wait that's the name of this blog. But true story. I was in Pueblo this weekend, browsing in the antiques district on Union.

Wait, before you call me a traitor to Florence the antiques capital of Colorado--where I live and work--let me explain.

This is only the second time  I've been to the antiques district in Pueblo in my entire life. The last time, I only had time to visit one store--and this time, browsed three of them. I was suitably impressed and even bought a few things. But deep in my heart, I was thinking I liked Florence, and not just because I work there and know a few antiques dealers.

I had a $5 vintage nut chopper in my mitts and was in the basement section of one of the antiques malls in Pueblo and getting ready to go upstairs and checkout, when I heard a voice.

"Ma'am? Are there any other places in southern Colorado like this?"

I turned around to see a middle-aged man with a sincere face. "I just love antiques and historical buildings. Are there more places like this? I am new to the area."

I was just ready to open my mouth and say," Well, let me tell you about this little town about 30 miles up the road called Florence."

But he continued," I know about Florence. I was just there. And wow--that town is, well... Just filled with historic buildings and antiques."

"Hmm," I replied," I just happen to live there and work in an antiques mall there. You do know Florence is the antiques capital of Colorado?"

He did not know that. But what he told me was the he had just relocated to Pueblo a few months ago from Washington State, where is HIS opinion there was no culture. At least in the section of the state he came from. He was wowed, delighted and enchanted by Pueblo's district and the beauty and uniqueness of Florence.

He said of Florence," Why it's so amazing. I've never seen so many antiques stores. You can stroll there and then just walk a few feet and be eating at Quincy's."

For those who don't know--Quincy's is a semi-new addition to Florence's Main St. It is almost always packed--and that is no wonder. The food is great and the prices are fantastic. And it's located in a historic building and decorated to warm the hearts of anyone who loves history and antiques.

This recent Pueblo transplant almost felt like he had dropped into an alternate universe filled with culture, historic buildings, beauty and antiques everywhere. He was eager to explore southern Colorado further.

I told him that Walsenburg was a fairly good bet with an antiques mall and few good funky shops and historic buildings. But I told him he already had really hit the goldmine with Pueblo's antiques district and discovering Florence. He agreed. He walked off thanking me profusely and with rather with a dazed and happy look on his face.

I guess us locals are rather used to all the culture and history and beauty in southern Colorado. It was fascinating to run into a stranger and newcomer who reminded me just how special southern Colorado is.

Politically Incorrect Antique or Collectible: BABY RUTH

In the days of un-supersizing, banning huge sugary soft drinks, cleaning up school lunch menus and making sugar the white devil--I have my favorite (to date) politically incorrect antique.

I love this tin Baby Ruth holder. OK, I love Baby Ruths and have been known to slam a few down my cakehole now and then.

I'm still in tears (and sugar shock) that I was not from the generation where I could get my sugar high for a nickle.

But what makes me laugh--after I pick out the delicious chewy caramel and CRISP nuts out of my teeth--are the mixed messages here.

After lunch, it's a tasty dessert. BUT: Two make a complete lunch. Well, of course two would make a complete lunch, because it's balanced food!

Now, I know the true secret of America's rise as a leading industrial nation. Now I know how all those skyscrapers got built. It was that complete lunch that everyone thought was balanced food and wonderful energy.

Darn, you science and nutrition experts! I want to return to the days where I could eat two Baby Ruths for lunch and then go for the mixed message of having one after lunch for a tasty dessert--which in actuality would allow me THREE Baby Ruths for my lunch.

Politically Incorrect Antiques: Who Says Antiques Can't Be Funny & Fun?

Who says antiques can't be fun and funny? You won't hear that from me.

I am NOT an antiques expert--but I like to play one on the internet. Actually I spent about 15 years selling antiques, collectibles and plain junk on the internet, so I never got to meet any of my customers in person.

So, when we moved to Florence--the antiques capital of Colorado, I began working in some of the antiques stores. And antiques dealers are a humorous lot--which I never realized.

We sit around laughing and joking about our antiques, other people's antiques and the paradox that is attempting to know what people want to buy. The day one decides that a pile of stuff that has been sitting on one's booth is sheer junk, a mistake, a lapse in judgement and needs to be carted off--is usually the day someone comes in and falls in love with it and buys it all.

And usually when you've found a piece that you think is so fine, so exquisite and magnificent--is the day you overhear someone chuckling that it is weird.

But here's what you often find antiques dealers chuckling over the most--politically incorrect antiques. I personally chuckle the most over clown collectibles and antiques and have made outrageous fun of those oddities in previous blog posts.

So, in honor of having fun in the antiques trade, occasionally I'll highlight a politically incorrect antique or collectible. Just to be clear--some of these antiques or collectibles, I'd have in my own home. I'm not making fun of the dealers or the items necessarily--just how times have changed with modern science and knowledge and how some items are hopelessly hysterical and amusing when viewed through the lens of modern times.(I have to say that because I don't want to be politically incorrect and offend anyone).  And it's most often customers that will come in and laughingly comment on what fun it is.

So, what antique or collectible cracks you up the most?

Sunset In Florence, The Antiques Capital Of Colorado

How did the sun set in your neck of the woods? This how it set in Florence, the antiques capital of Colorado.

It painted the sky in layers. And it was the perfect end to a balmy spring evening. Wait, it's still winter in Colorado!

I don't tell many people this--but we live in the Banana Belt of Colorado. It was in the 60s today and is still balmy out.

This is our secret, but often when it snowing inches down the road about 32 miles in Colorado Springs, we might have a stray flake or nothing. Since we moved here, our snow shovel has seen little use.

New Pizza Place In Florence, CO

It's a tough job--but somebody has to do it. Eating my way across Colorado, this time landed me at a new pizza place in Florence--the antiques capital of Colorado.

If Florence isn't careful, the town will have to change its moniker to: the antiques and culinary capital of Colorado. For a small town, Florence is racking up some impressive selections of food.

Papa's is located at 132 W. Main St. in the building that used to house the popular Main St. Grille.

Papa's will open its main dining room in about a month, but late last week opened a walk-up window where one can order a whole pizza pie or just a slice.

Currently the offerings include pizza, ice cream, ice cream floats and soda, but the menu will be expanding soon.

Service at the walk-up window is quick and friendly. We received our steaming hot pie in under 15 minutes and as a bonus, we got a free dessert, created by the Itty Bitty Bakery right across the street. Nice touch!

Papa's walk-up window is currently open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The phone number is 719-784-7888.

How To Season Cast Iron

As most know, Florence is the antiques capital of Colorado. And among the many dealers, from all around the state and beyond, are people with lots of knowledge about antiques, collectibles and doing things old school.

One of the new dealers at The Iron Gate Antiques Mall (109 W. Main St.) has a sign posted in their booth about seasoning cast iron. I, as many of the customers and browsers, found this dealer's method of seasoning cast iron, quite comprehensive. I was given permission to post his method on this blog.

* Cast iron is placed in a preheated oven at 200 degrees F and allowed to warm up.
* Once cast iron is at 200 degrees F, a coating of Pam (spray canola oil) is applied to all surfaces of cast iron.
*Cast iron is placed back into over and temp raised to 250 degrees F. Once temperature has been reached, timer is set to 15 minutes.
* After 15 minutes, cast iron is removed, "wiped down," placed back into oven and the temperature raised 50 degrees. This step is to make sure seasoning doesn't pool or run.
*The process is repeated at 300 and 350 degrees. 350 degrees is the final "wipe down."
*Cast iron is continued to be gradually heated up to 500 degrees. At 500 degrees, the cast iron has the last 15 minutes of heat applied. After the time has ended, the oven is shut off and the cast iron is kept in the oven and allowed to cool down to room temperature.

I recently have virtually switched to cooking exclusively with cast iron. No more peeling non-stick surfaces!

Cast iron has been enjoying another surge in popularity. I've had customers share that they enjoy the potential benefits and durability of cast iron cooking.

Florence has a good selection of cast iron in most of its 20 plus antiques stores.

And that's what I learned in an antiques store today!

Everything I Learned, I Learned In An Antiques Store

Everything I learned, I learned in an antiques store. Not totally. I learned plenty of other things in other places I worked. But I’ve learned much working in an antiques store. Not only do the browsers and customers teach and share volumes—the actual antiques in the store tell their own stories too.

One story the antiques tell and teach is that the more time goes by—things stay pretty much the same. There is truly nothing much new under the sun.

We know that the generation that fought in WW II is considered the greatest generation—and what we are going through today in can’t compare totally to what that generation went through. But today I stumbled across an ad in a 1943 magazine that spoke to me, and taught me, that wars, battles, 

conflicts and politics change—but  basic human nature and deep feelings of most Americans, change only minimally.

The ad sponsored by Nash-Kelvinator—yes, the folks that made cars and refrigerators—might be a bit sentimental for today’s tastes. A bit dramatic. But I read between the lines and found the emotions in this ad to be timely.

The ad shows a gaunt American soldier, a prisoner of war in Japan. He is behind barbed wire and is clutching a letter from home as an armed guard looks on.

The American’s response to his letter from home is: “Reading behind the lines of your blessed letter, I feel again the warmth of your love, and your unshaken belief in our future together. Just to know there is still in the world such faith as yours is enough to keep me sane…”

The American soldier writes of his hopes that, as he and his other fellow captives look to the sky, that the Americans will deliver them from evil and bring them home again.

He goes on to write, “Home—where I want unchanged, just as I remember them now, all the things that I hold dear. The right of a man to think and speak his thoughts, the right of a man to live and worship as he wants, the right of a man to work and earn a just reward! Don’t ever let these be lost. Keep everything just as it is until I come back...back to American where no armed guard bars the door to liberty…where there will never be a barbed wire fence between a man and his opportunity to work and build and grow and make his life worth living—this war worth winning!”

Yes, going back over 70 years, or 300 years ago—even though our conflicts and wars have changed—the reasons why we fight (even on the home front) and in our hearts and minds, does not change. And what America was hundreds of years ago—and even decades ago, should not change because other outside forces want us to change.

And that’s what I learned in the antiques store today.