Oh, hi..... also known as Ojai

I just returned from a business trip with my husband in Ojai California.  I didn't decide to go until the last minute, and threw some clothes in a suitcase and hit the road.  It took almost 7 hours to get there (ugh), but along the way we revisited a few places in California that I haven't seen in ages, so it was enjoyable and helped to break up the long driving hours.  We stopped for lunch in Paso Robles, and I quickly ran into Birch fabrics, also known on line as Fabricworm.  I took a quick tour and then dug through the scrap bins and purchased about 2 yards worth of Birch organic cotton to add to my stash, then we got back on the road.

We stayed at the Ojai Valley Inn and Spa.  It's located about 35 miles south east of Santa Barbara, and is nestled in a secluded little valley filled with beautiful oak trees. This was the view from our room. 

While my husband attended meetings, I hung out by the pool, went to yoga classes, walked around the grounds (there were hiking trails everywhere) and even got a pedicure at the Spa!

Their attention to detail was impressive.  I particularly enjoyed the gardens filled with Mediterranean plants.  They grew several varieties of lavender, lots of rosemary and had an herb garden, and heirloom tomatoes, which were included on the menus.
We ate most of our meals at the Oak Grill and sat on the patio, which overlooked the golf course.  At night the oak trees were full of white lights.

On the way out of town we stopped at Bart's Books, an open air book store that has been around for about 50 years. We were curious about this place, since it was " open air ".

All the used books were outside under the patios.  The new and more rare books were inside, in the air conditioning.  Everything was neat and tidy and the books didn't appear to be damaged or weather worn.  It was like being in a maze, with so many rooms and sections, at some point I lost sight of my husband, and it was just by luck that I found him again, near the sports section.  We could have stayed for hours, browsing and reading.

Here's what I came away with....

I started reading The Language of Flowers last night and it's really good!

 It feels great to be home, and I have a crochet clutch purse to show you next time as well as an update on the quilt I'm making for my son.  Have a great weekend!