Peggy

is from North-Central Minnesota and came to New York with her husband, who is here for work. He is a videographer and works for a court reporter. Peggy's husband has been in NY before but this is Peggy's first trip to the Big Apple. Yesterday, Peggy was in downtown visiting landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and ground zero. While in NY, Peggy is also getting a taste of this long overdue warm and snow-free weather. Peggy lives by the lake and can not wait for the warmer and longer days of spring when she can venture in the outdoors.

In NY, I can tell spring is around the corner when women dressed in formal/office attire sport their flip flops - I spotted one yesterday - and when Irish pubs gear up for St. Patrick's Day. For Peggy, St. Patrick's Day is an occasion for celebration too, not so much in commemoration of Ireland's patron saint but because the holiday coincides with her mother in law's birthday. Peggy's mother in law will be turning 77 next week.

Peggy got married 39 years ago when she was 17 and her husband was 18. Peggy and her husband have been happily married for almost four decades but they, nevertheless, dissuaded their three children from marrying as early as they did. The kids followed their parents' advice and they are now happily married as well.

In their 39 years together, Peggy and her husband have tackled numerous projects. Their latest one: opening an antiques store. They are learning the business as they go. Peggy's biggest fear about the business is seeing an item which has been sold at their store for $10 being appraised for thousands of dollars on the Antiques Roadshow or Pawn Stars! I think we all experience some degree of that fear when we get ready to toss an old piece of furniture or artifact that has been collecting dust in the garage. How to tell whether something must go or stay? The ability to make the right call may be the difference between a hoarder and a collector of antiques.