Lots-o-links.

(my post from earlier today):

Thanks to Wrigley, who sprawls out in the middle of the sidewalk and refuses to move, I made another new friend. Her name is Chris, she also has a golden retriever named Jasper, and she lives just a few houses away. Interesting thing about her? She was relocated here several years ago from LA! She said that it took her about 3 years to adjust. She didn't like it at all the first year, and then each year it got a little better and now she has the option to move back if she wants, but has decided to continue to stay. It's so nice because she can totally relate to my struggles since she's been there. She no longer has any expectations about the weather. Any day without rain is a good day in her opinion but it took a while to get there. This gives me some hope that maybe I'll be able to make it a couple more years. It's only been 4 months and I'd say so far I'm doing ok.

So the past week we've been taking the dogs for walks, hanging out at each other's houses and yesterday we decided to head downtown for a day at Pike's.

Here are my treasures from the day (minus the wine, Zarafa which is from South Africa, and costs only $3.99 at Trader Joe's. I've seen it for $9 at other stores. It's pretty good with a small plate pairing of spicy meats and tangy cheeses with bread and fruit.)

Anyway onto the goodies!



Got the best tasting proscuito ever and polish mustard at DeLaurenti's.

Watched cheese being made and then bought a carton of cheese curds, aka "squeaky cheese" cuz it squeaks when you chew it, at Beechers.

Had féuilletes and coffee and then bought some apricot jam and french bread to go at Le Panier.

Got some gherkins and sampled a variety of German meats at Bavarian Meats. Ending up taking home a bag of landjagers. Ate some for breakfast this morning. And then Chumley hi-jacked my last bite! Ass! (though this could explain the mysterious looking poo-vomit in previous post)

Stopped at Fran's Chocolates for some delicious smoky sea salt caramels. Took home one or two. Or nine.

Also got some "Oh My God" Grapefruit, (yep, that's the name on the stand) at the fruit/veggie market. There's a really sick and twisted joke to be made regarding the cucumbers across from the grapefruits but I shall refrain. I got some oranges too but not sure what they were called but after eating one today I would think it's "Holy CRAP! These are fantastic!"

We couldn't forget the animals so we headed over to Three Dog Bakery and got Wrigs a drizzle pretzel and Chum some Bonito Flakes. Also got Wrigs a new toy crab which he is OBSESSED with. Will upload some video later.

Since "someone" has a birthday, we stopped in Bell town at Macrina Bakery for a little something sweet. Too bad we bought the one with a big bite missing. Sorry Tom.

After all that we hopped on the freeway and headed north to a store that we both love City People's Garden. This store has EVERYTHING! I got some shabby chic file folders and gloves for over 50% off.

Not a bad day out for a couple of S. Cal transplants.