The Coffee Shop Chronicles No. 7

As I drove to the coffee shop this morning I noticed the sky. Even though I am so done with Winter I had to admit it was beautiful. A weak, pale yellow winter sun was trying desperately to burn through a persistent thin layer of gray. It was the rest of the sky that caught my attention though, the color was neither blue nor gray, but a mix of blue, gray and yellow. Like an egg dipped in the weakest pastel dye solutions of blue, green and yellow creating the perfect Easter egg.

I arrived at the coffee shop at quarter to nine.

Today was not my usual day to be here. We were gone this past weekend visiting our daughter at college. We returned Monday evening, thus throwing my whole week off by one day. I wasn't sure how the cast of characters would change by coming on a Wednesday instead of a Tuesday.

Head Order Taker was behind the register. Usual Order Taker was in the kitchen. I ordered a chocolate cherry muffin and my usual Chai. I know I have had this muffin before but the selection was limited today and I knew I liked this one.

Keeping my promise from last week, I gathered my courage and told Head Order Taker that their coffee shop has set the bar very high as far as service and food. I told her I have been going to different coffee shops to write and their's has been the best by far. She seemed slightly surprised by what I said but very appreciative. Needless to say, she knew exactly where to go with my Chai when it was ready without having to holler out my name.

The Coffee Shop was busy today. Many of the tables were full. Is Wednesday a better day than Tuesday to meet for coffee? My usual table was snagged by these gentlemen just as I was getting my muffin.

Happily some of the usuals were here. Mr. Talks A Lot was here with yet another companion. A guy this time, similar in age to Mr. Talks A Lot. They were sitting on the opposite side of the room and hidden behind a column and the fish tank.

The Chair Changer came in shortly after me and briefly sat at the table to my immediate left. Today was a big day, we had a brief conversation. We talked about what else but the weather, the current polar vortex and snow. He commented on how the weathermen (which he correctly himself and said weather people) are always wrong. To which I agreed wholeheartedly. They were way off on their snowfall prediction for the year yet again. We both agreed we think the Farmer's Almanac still gets it more accurate every year. Though this conversation was brief, I feel it was a starting point for more conversations in the future.

I may have to change The Chair Changer's name to Table Changer though. He left the table by me shortly after our conversation and moved to this two seater by the window.

Shortly after settling here he moved again, this time to the booth that was being vacated by Mr. Talks A Lot and his companion. I think the booth was his ultimate goal, because once there he spread out his stuff, put his ear buds in and settled in for the morning.

Two college age girls, a blond and a brunette, came and sat at the two seater to my right. They both ordered something that looked delicious, some kind of spice cake with a nice dollop of whipped cream on top and yummy fruit on the side. It must have been something new because The Order Taker delivered it and told them to let her know how they like it. When they were done both plates were clean. A good sign I would say. The girls spent the first ten minutes of their conversation talking about the new haircut that the blond girl wanted to get. She was all prepared to show her friend pictures of the proposed new style on her iPad when she quickly discovered they don't have Wifi here. To which I said a silent Thank You after last week's adventure at the Internet Cafe. As I looked around the Coffee Shop I noticed there wasn't an electric outlet in sight. Real face to face conversations are encouraged here. The blond was able to find the picture on her phone to show her friend, and then the conversation moved on.

I was still thirsty after drinking my Chai so I decided to get a soda. I timed my arrival at the register perfectly. The Order Taker was there working on writing today's soups on a small white board. She had an array of colorful dry erase markers spread out in front of her. I ordered my soda and then I gathered my courage a second time and told her what a wonderful job they do here. The Order Taker was so pleased. She proceed to tell me how hard they work to create a cozy, community atmosphere here. Part of that coziness is NOT having Wifi, to which I replied "thank you so much for that" and I told her about my adventure last week. I told her that I write about this coffee shop and the others that I visit. I told her that she is in my stories, that I call her The Order Taker. She really liked that. Introductions were made, The Order Taker's name is Brenda.

Until next week...