I found out on Sunday that my favorite antique store in Albany is closing. Pastime Antique Mall on 1st Ave. is closing on December 31st. I didn’t hear why, but when we went by on Sunday, several of the dealers were clearing out their spaces.

I really hope I can find several of them again, once they move to new places. I could go to that shop (and they were open 7 days a week, which is practically unheard of) and find something I wanted, every time. Couldn’t always afford what I wanted, but there was always something! I could always, always get a Pyrex fix there, and there was a whole space dedicated to Fiestaware. I’ve never seen so much Fiestaware in one place before… too bad I don’t know anything about it. I have a couple of pieces my grandmother gave me, and I love them.

Anyway, this is sad. Downtown Albany’s been looking so good lately, with Clemenza’s opening up, and the boutique stores, and a few photographers getting studio space along 1st Ave. The coffee shop closed, but it’s a lovely space, so I’m hoping someone’s moving in soon, and I hope it’s another coffee shop. (I think we should appeal to Red Horse to open a second location!)  There is a lot of potential over there… I hope they can pull through the rough times.

There’s a gorgeous storefront location right next to Clemenza’s, with a brick wall and wood floors. I wish I had a reason to rent it. I would absolutely love to open a yarn and fiber store that carries mainly locally produced yarns and fibers. Anyone want to give me the startup cash for that? Ha.

I think, with my day off today, I shall make one more trip over to the antique mall. I had my eye on a Pyrex cake pan last time.