Autumn Adorations

I have had many conversations lately about the approaching fall season.  (of course, probably the most common small talk - the Weather!)  I absolutely adore fall.  Reasons include, but are not limited to:

hooded sweatshirts, jeans, sweatsuits and snuggling in bed, fabulous sleeping weather, college football Saturdays, Wisconsin football, football camaraderie, tailgating, football period, crock pot cooking, stew/soup/chili, apples, squash, pumpkins, corn mazes, pretty colors, crunchy leaves, crisp air, awesome running weather, Falliday (stay tuned), *my birthday*, Ella's birthday (stay tuned - party this weekend!), arrival of Baby Pechacek #3 (annnny day now!), and lastly warm beverages.  I don't know if there is anything better than getting together with friends and family over a cup of cider, coffee, latte, tea, or whatever it is you like to drink when the temperature cools down. 

 My cousins and I were talking about this over Labor Day weekend.  There is just something about Fall time, and a delicious coffee drink.  The smell, the pause of life, the friendship, the connections.  I would give just about anything to meet with these ladies, or any of my many friends afar, over a cup of something tasty.

I think back to college, when Brooke and I used to spend long nights in the library.  Taking push up breaks.  Laughing.  Making the rounds to see who was there.  Taking goofy pictures.  More push u breaks.  Some studying.  And on our way home stopping by Kwik Trip for a "cappuccino".  Brooke - can't believe how many of those nasty, sugary, fake things we drank.  But I think it was more for the experience.  And fun.  Those are some of my fondest memories.

I have many coffee shop memories, both as a patron, and as an employee.  I remember when I first worked at the Hastings Dunn Bros, there was a group of older women who gathered once a month.  Getting to know them more through their visits, I came to learn that most of them were either battling breast cancer, breast cancer survivors, or support systems of battlers/survivors.  Which explains why most of them were ordering decaffeinated beverages, and religiously sported pink.  I loved watching and hearing them get together.  The Eagan Dunn Bros shop, brought on many 'regulars', and although they have some odd, particular habits, and personalities that were a challenge to get a long with some days - I still love the table of retired 'regulars' that met each other everyday.  They never have a meeting time.  They just show up.  Kind of reminds me of Cheers.  And we could usually have their drink waiting for them at the counter by the time they passed the bakery case. 

Yesterday I  finally  ventured to Indigo Tea Co..  In the last 2 years or so, I've slowly explored tea more and more.  Various tea's can have great health benefits, and can offer a different healthier option than coffee and coffee drinks.  Until yesterday, I haven't explored loose leaf teas, but I think I'm now hooked.  I got an Herbal Tea Sampler to take home.  Rooibos Caramel, Hibiscus Punch, Relaxing Blend, and Berries 'n Cream.  Delish!   And I tried the Berries 'n Cream, iced, since yesterday afternoon was a tad warm.  It was awesome!

I'm a little tea pot!

chill area

Coffee is real good when you drink it it gives you time to think. It's a lot more than just a drink; it's something happening. Not as in hip, but like an event, a place to be, but not like a location, but like somewhere within yourself. It gives you time, but not actual hours or minutes, but a chance to be, like be yourself, and have a second cup. 
- Gertrude Stein


 Happy Fall, Happy Friday, and Happy Sipping.  Cheers!