It was cold this morning at dawn, a brisk 19 degrees, the sun barely peeked over the horizon and then it was gone again behind a curtain of grey clouds. I would have liked the sun to stick around for a while but the morning stayed glum, no sun or shadows to be found.
After morning chores were done, I decided to grab my camera and go for a ride. I have been into taking rides lately, you see, Santa brought me a new car . Yup, I must have been a really good girl this year. I was thrilled. Of course now I have to figure out the new "stuff", in the new car, so I just have to keep driving and reading the 500 page owner's manual, NOT at the same time though, that would be dumb.😅
So off I go. While traveling on the quiet country road , the sun muscled her way out from behind the clouds to say a quick hello.
Where did I go, you ask? Well I'll tell you all about it. About 12 miles from our #homestead is a small town named Oxford. According to Wikipedia, as of 2018 the population of Oxford was 3,701 with an area of 60.40 sq. miles.
In the village, a town square park, called Lafayette Park is surrounded by small shops and restaurants. People there are very laid back and friendly.
Oxford New York.
Historic Origins of Oxford NY. "Rich history is a source of local pride". Oxford is one of the townships of the "Chenango Twenty Towns" ceded to NY State by the Oneida Indians in a treaty made by Governor George Clinton at Fort Schuyler, (Utica), September 22, 1788.
Historic Origins of Oxford, NY
oxfordny.com/about/yesterday/index.php
Lafayette park is always seasonally decorated. During the warm months it's a great place to shop for local produce, arts and crafts, local honey, fresh eggs and cut flowers. It's nice to just sit with a cup of coffee and people watch.
If I get the munchies, there are several places to grab a bite. Hoppie's is famous for their over stuffed sandwiches. Chicken salad is always my go to, they put walnuts and cranberries in their special mix and I am never disappointed.
I have not dined inside for months now, but I have reflected upon it.🤷♀😏😉
Another favorite eatery of mine is this place, Roma, great Italian cuisine. Best calamari I have found any where near our place. Their wine list is pretty extensive also, but I usually pick a local wine in the end, there are quite a few wineries in the area. I enjoy buying from the locals. I figure I'll drink the expensive wine when I visit Italy. 😂 Then Paris, France. 🤣
Oxford hosts a winter farmer's market at the local church. I would pop in there once in a while, to see what was happening, but because of the covid thing, it's been out of commission until further notice. I just wish someone would fix the flag. Maybe 
This little village has it's very own...
A nice place for our furry friends...
A very old building with all the modern gizmos inside to get you back to good health.
It seems stone was used every where in this town to build structures. This is called the Bank Building, built in 1894. An impressive structure, that has with stood harsh winters, heavy rains and baking sun.
I can't figure out these carvings, spooky don't you think?
So I guess it was a bank, hence "Bank Building" hoho. Now it houses the big police department, number of officers 6, the town records, and clerk, as well as several Lawyers.
All kidding aside, it is quite an interesting, almost majestic building in such a small village.
The ride home was pleasant, with the ever changing skies and big red barns.
I scooted past the club,
people around these parts love their guns, their rods and their cross bows. Lots of hunting happens here.
A big shout out to 
Happy New Year to all my friends in this crazy #hive world. 🍾🍹😇