torley manor

Monday afternoon after leaving work in Millvale, I headed over to Lawrenceville to hit up the Dozen Bakeshop. On the way there, I saw Emma walking down the street — she had been checking out some of the Butler Street stores on her day off. I stopped and picked her up and we hit up Dozen together.

Some people have a problem with Dozen. I believe the warcry was “Fuck a motherfuckin’ $2.50 cupcake.” Honestly I think their vegan cupcakes are decent and have been known on occasion to throw down the required $2.50 to acquire one. However, on Monday I had my mind set on a different sweet — their vegan molasses ginger cookie. $1.50 for a cookie might also be questionable, but damn are they good. A nice crisp outside, yet very chewy, coated in big grains of sugar. So damn good. To go with my cookie, I got a cup of Earl Grey. Dozen carries teas by Intelligentsia who not only make a delicious tea, but who work to do a great deal of direct trade with growers. Their Early Grey is mild, yet pleasant. It comes loose leaf and Dozen offers packets for sale at the bakeshop.

Emma got a veggie sandwich and some Sencha tea. Chomp!

Afterwards we took an excursion to Shadyside to stop by Kards Unlimited so Emma could buy a 2010 planner. Mission accomplished we began to walk back to the card when we both asked “What’s that weird smell?” I noted that it smelled like someone burned up their car’s engine. As we turned the corner and looked in the adjacent parking lot, we saw what appeared to be a vehicle on fire and say “ohhhhh — that’s what’s making that smell.” I stopped long enough to take a photo and then we determined it was probably best to move along. Fire engine sirens were heard, so no need to call 911.

And thus ended that day’s Fun-A-Day adventure.