SNOW

Reasons to Relax on a SNOW DAY!

1. You can drink coffee slowly

2. You can marvel at the beauty of the snow instead of hating it

3. You can take a nap at noon

4. You can listen to your husband and cat snore during the nap

5. You can stay in your pjs all day

Summer Tomato

January and February = Blah. The color and warmth of the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays are gone and Spring is yet too far away. The groundhog didn't give me any hope, as he predicted more winter. Amidst the long duration of these months I begin dreaming of ripe summer tomatoes. I nearly drool when imagining the crunchy experience of a salted slice of cucumber. How long again until May and the Farmer's Market? Too long! I have to keep dreaming. Lately, I have taken solace in some great citrus and perfect avocados (thanks to the great American highway system).

Now For Something Love

I am really hooked on Method products. The products available in stores here are mostly for cleaning, such as multi-purpose spray, furniture polish and tile scrub. I also have their hand soap and a candle. Their web site has a whole range of other items, but I haven't ordered online yet. I love fact that they are all natural, non-toxic and you can buy refill pouches for the hand soap.

Gypsy Cat

My cat Gypsy, (shown here with Christmas lights) blog name inspiration.

Sorry Starbucks

I visited a Starbucks yesterday and was reminded of why I usually go to local coffee shops. The cashier greeted me with a sacarine "what can I get for you today?" Luckily, I've been to Scarbucks enough to know their sizing procedures and ordered without incident. Instead of the normal small, medium, large for coffee, it's tall (small), grande (medium) and venti (large). My friend, who had never been to a Starbucks ordered a small and they said, "you mean a tall?" I was afraid it might turn into a Who's on First sketch.

I really have nothing against Starbucks coffee shops. In fact, I've heard many stores treat their employees well and the corporation even offers health insurance to part time workers(most likely better and cheaper than what I'm offered at my quote professional job). No, it's nothing personal. It's the glut of being a mega-chain that leaves me cold. I think it's pre-planned "experiences" for customers and drive-through windows. It's the lack of bikes parked outside and the employee dress code. I'm sure when Starbucks started in the great Northwest it had more flavor and style. The problem is, it became the Wal-Mart of coffee.

Dreaming of spring and summer and gardens!

To All The People I've Loved Before

Every once in awhile, I 'm reminded of how many great people I've have been lucky enough to meet in my life. As life changes, I have moved farther away from many and met new people, but it doesn't mean I have forgotten how much I loved each of them. Yesterday, I spoke with an old friend in the store and was reminded of the vast number of beautiful, amazing friends that fill my history. From grade-school classmates, to teachers, co-workers to bosses, I have a virtual collage of great people in my life. Not to say all is rosy. I do hide behind clothing racks and exit stores early when I glimpse some past acquaintances for whom I don't feel such fond feelings. Overall though, I've been blessed.