 |
| That's the Feed Store, on the left |
While I was in Ojai last week, I took Lula to a cute little cafe. I decided just to order a muffin. I figured it would only cost a few dollars, and that we could sit outside and enjoy the ambiance. I had packed coffee, salad, nuts, and water. If I got hungry, I planned to eat in the car to save money. We strolled around town, enjoying the shops. Two different women complimented me on the sweater that I was wearing. It is one that I've had for twenty years. It's hand knit, but I didn't make it.
Once in the Ojai Cafe, I peered into the case of pastries and tried to decide between the boysenberry scone and cranberry orange muffin. I chose the muffin. My jaw dropped when the cashier announced, "That will be $4.50." "FOUR FIFTY!" I almost shouted. I restrained myself. I was glad that I hadn't ordered a cup of herb tea to go with it. I rarely eat out, so I am kind of out of touch with restaurant prices. Later on I checked their adjoining restaurant menu, and lunches were very reasonable. You can get an entree for $13.00. The scenery on the patio was lovely.
I thought that these bird houses and the watering can were arranged so artistically.
It must be calming to live so close to the mountains. The sky was clear and blue. I love the old fashioned picket fences. When we return I want to explore the bike path.
Yesterday I finished the blue Carbeth sweater. I have been wearing it all day, and haven't needed to turn on the heat. Icelandic wool is incredibly warm. I feel like a human sheep. The stitches bloomed after soaking the sweater in water. It's so well insulated; the wind does not whip through it. I'm really impressed with the quality of the wool. It's the kind of sweater that will still look new in thirty years. I sent my brother a thank you photo. He gave me the gift card to buy the yarn. Yarn for a knitter is the ultimate Christmas gift, especially when you get to pick out exactly what you want!
Thank you for your comments. They add so much talent and energy to the blog. Please comment in English. I'm sorry, but comments with links will not be published. If you enjoy the posts here, please share them.
Glad you had a nice day even with a spendy muffin 😊 Your sweater is gorgeous ~ blue is your color. Your work is always so nice.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lady Locust. I love this shade of blue. It's perfect with jeans.
DeleteMy eyes watered at the thought of paying 4.50 for a muffin. Eating out is really expensive over here too. The sweater looks great and what a good idea to give you a gift card. I told my son the other day that he is only allowed to buy me sock yarn from now on. One ball of beautiful sock yarn is the prefect gift for me. He gets to choose the colour and I have the fun of knitting it.
ReplyDeleteFortunately that's all I spent, Cherie. I rarely eat out, so it was okay. I just saw your socks; they look great.
DeleteYes, it is amazing what things cost when we are eating out! I love the jumper (sweater) and it looks very warm.
ReplyDeleteThanks earthmotherwithin. It is incredibly warm. This yarn would make wonderful blankets that would hold their shape well.
DeleteWhat a sweet little aviary, yes I would have been the same with the muffin, it is shocking isn't it when you go out for a treat. Beautiful colour on the jumper.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Angela. It's so satisfying to keep warm with something you have knit. Ojai is very special. Every time I go, I want to move there.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Living Simply. I love this shade of blue, too. It's bright and cheerful.
ReplyDeleteI have been waiting to see the Carbeth! It is a beautiful and timeless sweater. And I love the look on Lula's sweet face in that shot. We, too, rarely eat out anymore, so prices always startle me as well.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Anita. I'm wearing it again today. It helps my body to generate heat. I love Lula's expression there, too. I think the older we get, the more we will experience sticker shock.
DeleteThe price of that muffin reminded me of David Bach's Latte Factor. :)
ReplyDeleteEven though we think it's expensive, there are so many people who spend more for coffee and muffins etc everyday. We can save so much money by eating at home. But it's nice to indulge once in a while. :)
Your sweater is so beautiful. It looks so soft and comfy.
Hi Nil, I've read David Bach's books, and saw him on Oprah. That is true. When I was in my thirties, I danced at the MGM in Las Vegas. I used to buy a frappucino at Starbucks every night between shows. Yikes! It never seemed like that much money, but looking back, I was spending $18.00 a week on fancy coffees! My friend and I liked sitting outside together. Owning a home changed everything in my budget.
ReplyDeleteI feel ya on that muffin price! Hubby and I recently visited Pittsburgh (we live on the East coast) and a lovely day of sightseeing and nice lunch was somewhat diminished when we popped into a bakery for some dessert. I spotted a chocolate treat that looked delish that we could share. It was the last one in the case, with no prices noted. The proprietor plopped it in a bag and said, "that'll be $6.00!!" As I stood in shock, hubby paid and we dashed out to catch the Incline. It was a great trip and a good day but I'm still whining about the pricy pastry! I think sometimes they overprice stuff in tourist areas figuring tourists will pay and not complain. I'm still wishing we would've walked out and left that pastry. It wasn't even that tasty. :-( Bobi
ReplyDeleteThat is a gorgeous sweater! I like that style - very unusual!
ReplyDeleteYes, $4.50 is what I'd expect to pay for a muffin or scone at a bakery or cafe, here, too, in the Los Angeles area. I always cringe when I buy something like that, even when it is an occasional treat! :)