I don't know about you, but lately I'm tight-fisted with my time and my money. These days we're all working hard and not taking much time off. Even then we don't spend much. I don't know about you, but I'm saving up for the next recession.
Sometimes, though, you've got to take your battered psyche out to happy hour. Yes, a glass of Two Buck Chuck poured by your own tight fist at home is cheaper than a glass poured by a server in a downtown bistro, but you're paying for elegance, leisure, and the festive feeling of being out with your friends and their psyches. And don't forget the server has a recession to pay for, too.
Doesn't tonight seem like the time? The weather's balmy, the summer's new. A glass of wine at a balcony cafe and a stroll through Old Town, or along South Lake Avenue (for ice cream) would be an indulgent, healing way to waste an hour or two, perhaps with fists unclenched long enough to hold hands.
21 comments:
Good one
Better than "good", actually
jb's right. Especially the "Two Buck Chuck poured by your own tight fist at home." And what an interesting photo - have you been there?
Sounds like a nice way to spend an evening, Petrea. I'll head into the city this evening and raise a glass of wine to you and anyone in Pasadena who might be doing the same thing.
And we all know we can have fun, save money in the process by not allowing "Vertical" to become "Splat!" face down on the floor. I love this. It seems to be an illustration of a right angle.
Thank you for the fine compliment, jb.
Bellis, yes, I've been there. Vertical is a lovely bistro with great food and great wine. The lighting there is magical, too.
Thanks, Dive, I'll raise one to you as well.
You're so right, Speedway. Perhaps not Vertical, but some of those downtown businesses are having a tough time. We should give them a shot in the arm when we can, they're part of our own financial foundation.
We had a lovely evening hanging out in the gardens of the Ananda Ashrama. I love it there.
PA, that looks like a beautiful place. Somehow more soothing than Old Town. http://anandaashrama.org/
I love Vertical Wine Bistro. Did you eat there too? It's a bit pricey but the food at happy hour is reasonably priced and so yummy.
I hope your battered psyche was soothed by a lovely night out.
Ananda Ashrama looks like another local gem I didn't know existed.
I find it's good for the soul to go out every so often, even when the $ is tight. Good post.
Love the photo!
Happy hour is a great idea! You don't have to commit to an expensive dinner, but you can drink something interesting and maybe have a little nibble and check out the (early) night life around town. Al fresco is even better! I tend to be a tight-fisted home-body, but I save up so that when I travel I can spend money on food and drink and atmosphere.
Susan, I've eaten at Vertical during happy hour. Those little pizzas are smashing. I seem to remember the French fries were good, too.
Same here about the Ashrama. I wonder if they'd let me visit and take pictures. Can't hurt to ask.
Merci, Ms. M. Good for the soul, yes! Cheers.
Katie, now that I know your secret I may just keep my fist tightened and plan a trip.
Vertical Wine Bistro is charming and the food is delicious!
Is this near the Horizontal Boogie Bar?
It sounds like the "creativity day" from Julia Cameron's "Artist's Way". Once in a week one must feel the joys of life!
That it is, PIO.
It's a little over a mile, Cliff.
Good point, Irina. I loved that book and those creativity days are important, however you can get them!
OMG! I can't believe you went and had fun without me. I'm hurt, Petrea. Hurt!
Do you see the word "fun" in this post, Margaret? I'm searching, searching, searching. I do not see "fun."
How can an evening out at the Vertical bistro not be fun??? I'm with Margaret!!!! But then, it would've been a bit of a drive for me!!!
Chieftess, I love you, and I love Margaret, but I am not holding hands with you guys.
LOL!!!
I'll agree to that!!!
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