Here’s one thing I love about the bus: the Monday morning treat. At first I bemoaned the lack of a regular direct bus route from my park and ride lot to the University. But that was before I discovered that I switch buses right in front of my neighbor Sam’s espresso bar, 2% jazz, on Douglas Street near Hillside. I have been off morning coffee for a while, and I have never been into lattes, but for some reason the first time I walked into the shop I ordered one, and it was amazingly good. I repeat: amazingly . . . good. Now I look forward to that peaceful Monday moment: get a cup in between buses and sip it in the cafe — from an actual mug. I’m planning to try every beverage they make at least once, because Sam really knows what he’s doing.

I rode the bus today with my new lunchbag prototype, now in beta-testing. I’m a bring-lunch-from-home girl, all the way. Since starting my job, I’ve been bringing my lunch in another bag I made last winter from a felted argyle sweater. It’s a simple tote-type bag, and its downside as a lunchbag is that its a little small and it doesn’t have any kind of closure. If I had a flap or some kind of way to close up the bag, I thought the felt might be insulating enough to keep my lunch cool for a while.

I’m still getting the hang of working with these big thick mats of felt, so I decided to work with one of my least-favorite felted sweaters which I wouldn’t cry over too much if it didn’t work out. I measured a couple of my lunch containers and designed a boxy bag with a flap to cover the top.

As far as function goes, it worked great today, but I must say I find it lacking in personality. Mr. Argyle up there is a lot more charming. When I collect enough retired wool sweaters and some snazzy lining fabrics, I’ll make a few of these for sale. Co-ordinating cloth napkins are a must! No more brown bags, people! Bring your lunch with style! I’ll see you at the microwave.