Today’s journey finds me at a little strip shopping plaza off of Hollister Avenue, called Magnolia Plaza. I guess Ralph’s is the largest venue in the Plaza and there are a handful of smaller shops such as Supercuts there as well. What made me pull into the plaza is anyone’s guess, maybe because I had driven by it a thousand times and have never gone in. Today, on the way to Goleta, I decide to take a drive around the parking lot – what could 5 minutes hurt?
And just when I thought I had driven through the parking lot unscathed, a little outdoor cafe with three bistro tables and red umbrellas caught my eye. Had to park, get out of the car (camera in hand, of course) and see what I could see.
outside cafe
As I write this though, I have no idea what the name of the eatery is – sad isn’t it? But it sure looks inviting! And I almost sat for a while – until I remembered the errand I was on!
There is a bar and grill in this strip mall as well. And it was adjacent to their patio that I found the next few treasures . . .
an old plough
what is this?
another what is this? though it looks like it could be an axle to something
Who would have thought one would find these types of old farm utensil remnants in an urban setting? I don’t think the normal patron to this Bar & Grill even know these things are here! As it was, I went searching – searching for things to photograph as I walked along the storefronts: something I have begun doing as a result of this ‘photo of the day’ project. These were hidden in a garden under an old oak tree surrounded by ferns. And the worn, aged wood takes on the appearance of the bark of the tree, making them seemingly undiscerning to the casual patron.
But for me? They were treasures! Treasures to be photographed. Treasures just waiting to be discovered!
I wonder what their story is, where they came from, what relevance they have for the owner of this Bar & Grill?