On Sat, 04 Jan 2014 17:28:49 +0200, ChattyCathy
> wrote:

> On Fri, 03 Jan 2014 23:27:36 -0800, sf wrote:
>
> <snip>
>
> > The icing on the cake was
> > in the spice aisle... they have a 4 different peppercorns mix (not
> > listed individually by name, but a visual count) : black, white, green
> > and pink.... 8 oz for less than $7. http://oi40.tinypic.com/2hci0c5.jpg
>
>
> Times like this make me realize that things in southern California must be
> expensive. We can get similar (imported) quality peppercorn mix here for
> half that price ;-)
>
> Anyway, looks great, hope you enjoy it!

That was downright cheap for a non-internet price! Here is the first
hit from Amazon (there's only one left, so hopefully you'll be able to
see they want almost $20 for 8oz - which is par for the course at
grocery stores here).
http://www.amazon.com/Swissmar-Multi.../dp/B000OJ3LY4

The cost of land, labor and housing (where $500,000+, 800 square foot
shacks in need of extensive remodeling are not uncommon) have
something to do with it. We often pay more where I live because we
can afford to pay more and the market will bear it. If I stand on the
right "hill", I can see oil refineries across the Bay without using a
pair of binoculars and yet I live in one of the two most expensive
gasoline markets in the nation. <shrug> That's life. I choose to
live where I live, not because the cost of living is cheap - but
because I like it here.

--
Food is an important part of a balanced diet.