This morning parents all over Minnedosa are waking up the cry ... "I'm bored !!! There's nothing to do !!" and the summer is only a few short hours old ...
The lake will have an appeal for awhile ... Biking around town will be okay for a time (then you'll need to spring for a slushie treat) ... and sending them to the playground or the golf course might appease them for an hour or so ... BUT, sooner or later the kids will come back, sun burned, sweaty, hungry and whiny ...
What to do ???
Why not stop by Chipperfield's and treat yourself to something delicious and decadent??
The baking is always a delight ... and the cheese cakes are truly heavenly ... AND, any of the baked goods go well with the specials for the day:
Iced Raspberry Mocha
Iced Almond Fudge Latte
Watermelon Cooler or Italian Soda
and
Today's Coffee flavour is: Coconut Rum
Take a break from the day and the kids at Chipperfield's ... and get ready for the Canada Day Festivies out at the Beach TOMORROW !!!
Friday, June 30, 2006
More to mull over with your coffee ...
Let the games begin ... The Things I've Learned Blog is shaping up nicely ... I look forward to hearing about the happenings in Jodi's household ... (just to lay out the ground rules - we'll have to play nice together in Blogger-world ...)
But reading Things I've Learned tonight got me thinking about some other interesting and quirky blogs I've encountered lately and it's as good a time as any to share them ...
First up is a local girl who has just returned from a Rotary Exchange in German. Brit's site is a blog, but also a photo album of her trip. I was especially moved by the photo album entry of a visit she made to the Dachau Concentration camp - the memorial at the entrance is identical to one I saw during out visit to Yad Vashem in Israel during my university days ... Brit, has a great site and a wonderful diary of her trip with Rotary - thanks Brit. You can find it at:
http://justmoi-nc.spaces.msn.com/PersonalSpace.aspx
And speaking of Rotary - this isn't a web site, but a shameless plug for the upcoming 400 Dinner and Draw ... tonight Jenna did up some absolutely wonderful table notices for the shop highlighting this year's annual 400 Dinner and Draw Rotary is offering during Fun Fest. For a mere $50 you get a roast beef dinner for two, and the chance at 30 draws for between 100 and 1000 dollars ... in the process you get fed, could win cash, and you help to support the Local Day Care committee as they continue their work towards building a Day Care facility in Minnedosa ... Tickets are available from Rotary Members and local businesses (RBC Financial (The Royal Bank) & Chipperfield to name just a few) - get yours today !!
Now, back to the blogs worth a visit ...
I found this one via one of the other Blogs I listed the other day ... This Blog called Farmgirl Fare is an eccentric mix of musings, reflections and even recipies from a woman who lives on a farm in rural Missouri, with a hodge-podge mix of animal life, photos, and a myriad of other entries ... It's quaint, quirky and kinda fun ... It's worth a visit and some time spent exploring:
http://foodiefarmgirl.blogspot.com/
And the last two I offer today are just for fun .. One is a diary of a walking trip taken across Canada a few years back that found the writer stopping by in Minnedosa, and getting to know some of the local folks ... it's kind of interesting, and very entertaining to read - it's found at:
http://survivology.blogspot.com/2006/01/walk-1987-wednesday-june-3-walked-from_25.html
And the last one for tonight is an artsy site with stuff about crafts, scrap books, art projects and just beautiful creations ... It's a hard blog to describe, but it is a lovely place to visit and explore - there is lots to read, look at and have fun with - and for those who are at all artistically inclined, you may find some inspirations to borrow:
http://www.threedogmom.typepad.com/
Now, all of this begs the questions - what goes better with blogging - tea or coffee, or something cold like an iced latte ??
Well, which ever way you go - Chipperfield's can help you out ... stop in sometime ...
But reading Things I've Learned tonight got me thinking about some other interesting and quirky blogs I've encountered lately and it's as good a time as any to share them ...
First up is a local girl who has just returned from a Rotary Exchange in German. Brit's site is a blog, but also a photo album of her trip. I was especially moved by the photo album entry of a visit she made to the Dachau Concentration camp - the memorial at the entrance is identical to one I saw during out visit to Yad Vashem in Israel during my university days ... Brit, has a great site and a wonderful diary of her trip with Rotary - thanks Brit. You can find it at:
http://justmoi-nc.spaces.msn.com/PersonalSpace.aspx
And speaking of Rotary - this isn't a web site, but a shameless plug for the upcoming 400 Dinner and Draw ... tonight Jenna did up some absolutely wonderful table notices for the shop highlighting this year's annual 400 Dinner and Draw Rotary is offering during Fun Fest. For a mere $50 you get a roast beef dinner for two, and the chance at 30 draws for between 100 and 1000 dollars ... in the process you get fed, could win cash, and you help to support the Local Day Care committee as they continue their work towards building a Day Care facility in Minnedosa ... Tickets are available from Rotary Members and local businesses (RBC Financial (The Royal Bank) & Chipperfield to name just a few) - get yours today !!
Now, back to the blogs worth a visit ...
I found this one via one of the other Blogs I listed the other day ... This Blog called Farmgirl Fare is an eccentric mix of musings, reflections and even recipies from a woman who lives on a farm in rural Missouri, with a hodge-podge mix of animal life, photos, and a myriad of other entries ... It's quaint, quirky and kinda fun ... It's worth a visit and some time spent exploring:
http://foodiefarmgirl.blogspot.com/
And the last two I offer today are just for fun .. One is a diary of a walking trip taken across Canada a few years back that found the writer stopping by in Minnedosa, and getting to know some of the local folks ... it's kind of interesting, and very entertaining to read - it's found at:
http://survivology.blogspot.com/2006/01/walk-1987-wednesday-june-3-walked-from_25.html
And the last one for tonight is an artsy site with stuff about crafts, scrap books, art projects and just beautiful creations ... It's a hard blog to describe, but it is a lovely place to visit and explore - there is lots to read, look at and have fun with - and for those who are at all artistically inclined, you may find some inspirations to borrow:
http://www.threedogmom.typepad.com/
Now, all of this begs the questions - what goes better with blogging - tea or coffee, or something cold like an iced latte ??
Well, which ever way you go - Chipperfield's can help you out ... stop in sometime ...
Thursday, June 29, 2006
It's a little mushy ... but it's a start ...
Okay ... earlier today we noted as an addendum to one of our postings, that one of the staff at Chipperfield's was getting her own Blog up and running ...
Well, she has a second posting up ... The blog is called Things I've Learned, and is at:
http://things-ive-learned.blogspot.com/
She's a little nervous, but has been obvious talent and ability ... So, now over coffee we have another Blog to check out ...
Good work J !!
Well, she has a second posting up ... The blog is called Things I've Learned, and is at:
http://things-ive-learned.blogspot.com/
She's a little nervous, but has been obvious talent and ability ... So, now over coffee we have another Blog to check out ...
Good work J !!
Overheard at Chipperfield's ... Part Four ...
It's been quiet around Chipperfield's lately ... one of the regulars - our own version of Norm is off visiting family and friends on his Harley ... His name came up recently though ...
One of the other regulars was musing about a trip he once took to Havana Cuba, "I went to a restaurant just off Cathedral Square where Hemingway used to hang out before the communist took over ..."
"That so," said one of the staff.
"Yeah," the regular continued as he sipped his coffee, "it's quite the place. It's a nice restaurant except everyone who visits signs their name on the walls. So the walls are covered from top to bottom with thousands and thousands of signatures."
"Are you suggesting that for here?" asked the staff person, looking clearly worried.
"Oh no," said that regular, "it would spoil the amibience of the place. But what makes the restaurant so neat is the chair they have hanging on the wall up by the ceiling in on of the rooms. Apparently it's the chair that Hemingway always sat on when he hung out there ... they have a picture of him perched in the chair beside it and everything ..."
"So, what's your point?" asked the staff person, looking more distressed.
"Well, maybe we should take J--'s chair and hang it on the wall before he gets back ..."
"Maybe we should wait until he gets back," added another regular from the next table, "then instead of hanging the chair on the wall he can hang HIM ..."
"I wouldn't," commented the staff member heading back to the counter to serve a new customer, "it might scare the customers ..."
----------------------
Rumour has it that one of the staff members at Chipperfield's has been inspired to create a Blog of her own ... there's not much there yet, but her creativity is bubbling and soon maybe there will be some postings there to check out ... we'll keep you posted ...
One of the other regulars was musing about a trip he once took to Havana Cuba, "I went to a restaurant just off Cathedral Square where Hemingway used to hang out before the communist took over ..."
"That so," said one of the staff.
"Yeah," the regular continued as he sipped his coffee, "it's quite the place. It's a nice restaurant except everyone who visits signs their name on the walls. So the walls are covered from top to bottom with thousands and thousands of signatures."
"Are you suggesting that for here?" asked the staff person, looking clearly worried.
"Oh no," said that regular, "it would spoil the amibience of the place. But what makes the restaurant so neat is the chair they have hanging on the wall up by the ceiling in on of the rooms. Apparently it's the chair that Hemingway always sat on when he hung out there ... they have a picture of him perched in the chair beside it and everything ..."
"So, what's your point?" asked the staff person, looking more distressed.
"Well, maybe we should take J--'s chair and hang it on the wall before he gets back ..."
"Maybe we should wait until he gets back," added another regular from the next table, "then instead of hanging the chair on the wall he can hang HIM ..."
"I wouldn't," commented the staff member heading back to the counter to serve a new customer, "it might scare the customers ..."
----------------------
Rumour has it that one of the staff members at Chipperfield's has been inspired to create a Blog of her own ... there's not much there yet, but her creativity is bubbling and soon maybe there will be some postings there to check out ... we'll keep you posted ...
Last day of school ...
Today is the last day of school for kids in Minnedosa ... the weather is smokin' hot ... the air is still hazy from the forest fires, and it IS hot ...
But can you think of a better way to cool off then one of the iced treats from Chipperfield's??
Pick on up, head to the lake and relax in the cool refreshing waters ... what a great way to spend a day ...
Today's selections are:
Iced Cherries Jubilee Latte
Iced White Cow Mocha
or if you're wanting with less caffeine perhaps you could try:
a Blueberry Cooler or Italian Soda
Or if you just want a cup of coffee and the Chipperfield House Blend doesn't catch your fancy you might want to try the Irish Cream flavour ...
Stop in, the coffee's hot and the conversation, like the baking is always fresh ...
But can you think of a better way to cool off then one of the iced treats from Chipperfield's??
Pick on up, head to the lake and relax in the cool refreshing waters ... what a great way to spend a day ...
Today's selections are:
Iced Cherries Jubilee Latte
Iced White Cow Mocha
or if you're wanting with less caffeine perhaps you could try:
a Blueberry Cooler or Italian Soda
Or if you just want a cup of coffee and the Chipperfield House Blend doesn't catch your fancy you might want to try the Irish Cream flavour ...
Stop in, the coffee's hot and the conversation, like the baking is always fresh ...
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
It's a Tea Kinda day ...
The weather today is supposed to be hot, and the air over Minnedosa will be hazy from the forest fires up north ... it's a day to be relaxing and finding ways to stay cool.
I read somewhere that in the days of British Colonialism in India, that the Brits staved off the heat by sitting drinking tea ... It was a civilized, and apparently effective way to cope with the overwhelming heat ... Don't know if the heat today in town will be overwhelming, but what better way to spend an afternoon then enjoying a cuppa tea??
And what better place then Chipperfield's, now that they've jumped into the Tea Culture with both feet ... In addition to the bagged commercial tea that has always been available, Chipperfield's now has wonderful (and wide) selection of loose red and black teas to choose from.
The small sample jars allow you to savour the fragrant teas, then when you make a selection then staff will prepare it in a special high tech tea pot ... it's a process of adding water, allowing to steep for two minutes, then enjoy !!! If you can share a pot with a friend - all the better !! There's enough to share - and the pots are better if enjoyed fresh without over-steeping !!
But, if this isn't your cup of tea there is a selection of specials to choose from:
Today's specials are:
Iced Snowy Mocha
Iced Caramel Latte
Lime Cooler or Lime Italian Soda
and the flavoured coffee of the day:
Peaches n'Cream ...
Anyway you look at it ... stopping by Chipperfield's is a good way to spend sometime today ... Start off with a bite to eat at one of the cafes or restaurants in town, do a little shopping at the local stores, then head up Main St for cuppa ... well, that's up to you and your tastes - Bonnie and her staff will do their best to keep you a satisfied customer ...
Stop in ... the Coffee's on and the tea is fresh ...
I read somewhere that in the days of British Colonialism in India, that the Brits staved off the heat by sitting drinking tea ... It was a civilized, and apparently effective way to cope with the overwhelming heat ... Don't know if the heat today in town will be overwhelming, but what better way to spend an afternoon then enjoying a cuppa tea??
And what better place then Chipperfield's, now that they've jumped into the Tea Culture with both feet ... In addition to the bagged commercial tea that has always been available, Chipperfield's now has wonderful (and wide) selection of loose red and black teas to choose from.
The small sample jars allow you to savour the fragrant teas, then when you make a selection then staff will prepare it in a special high tech tea pot ... it's a process of adding water, allowing to steep for two minutes, then enjoy !!! If you can share a pot with a friend - all the better !! There's enough to share - and the pots are better if enjoyed fresh without over-steeping !!
But, if this isn't your cup of tea there is a selection of specials to choose from:
Today's specials are:
Iced Snowy Mocha
Iced Caramel Latte
Lime Cooler or Lime Italian Soda
and the flavoured coffee of the day:
Peaches n'Cream ...
Anyway you look at it ... stopping by Chipperfield's is a good way to spend sometime today ... Start off with a bite to eat at one of the cafes or restaurants in town, do a little shopping at the local stores, then head up Main St for cuppa ... well, that's up to you and your tastes - Bonnie and her staff will do their best to keep you a satisfied customer ...
Stop in ... the Coffee's on and the tea is fresh ...
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
And in other more positive news today:
CONGRATS TO THE GRADS OF 2006 !!!!!
We would be remiss if we didn't offer our best wishes to the Graduates of MCI, as they mark their achievement in the Community Conference and Convention centre that lies RIGHT across the street from Chipperfield's !!!
So to ALL the Grads of 2006, both in Minnedosa and beyond - Congratulations on your achievement and hard work, and all the best as you move boldly into the future. Seek your dreams and achieve you ambitions !!!
And a special congrats to dear Hannah, one of Chipperfield's staff who is graduating today and heading off into exciting new educational adventures !!
We're proud of our Grads !!! You did good !!!
We would be remiss if we didn't offer our best wishes to the Graduates of MCI, as they mark their achievement in the Community Conference and Convention centre that lies RIGHT across the street from Chipperfield's !!!
So to ALL the Grads of 2006, both in Minnedosa and beyond - Congratulations on your achievement and hard work, and all the best as you move boldly into the future. Seek your dreams and achieve you ambitions !!!
And a special congrats to dear Hannah, one of Chipperfield's staff who is graduating today and heading off into exciting new educational adventures !!
We're proud of our Grads !!! You did good !!!
Today at Chipperfield's ...
Today the big news in Minnedosa is the sentencing of the three suspects in the Church fire ...
After the dust has settled, why not stop by Chipperfield Coffee Company for a rest and refreshments ... in addition to the wonderful selection of baked goods and ice cream there are a number of specials to savour:
Today's coffee flavour: Bavarian Chocolate !! (Though I still prefer Chippefield's Own)
Or, if you're wanting something on the cool side try:
an Iced Snickers Bar Mocha or Iced Mudslide Latte
or a Banana Cooler or a Banana flavoured Italian Soda ...
There's something for everyone ...
After the dust has settled, why not stop by Chipperfield Coffee Company for a rest and refreshments ... in addition to the wonderful selection of baked goods and ice cream there are a number of specials to savour:
Today's coffee flavour: Bavarian Chocolate !! (Though I still prefer Chippefield's Own)
Or, if you're wanting something on the cool side try:
an Iced Snickers Bar Mocha or Iced Mudslide Latte
or a Banana Cooler or a Banana flavoured Italian Soda ...
There's something for everyone ...
Monday, June 26, 2006
Blogs worth checking out over coffee ...
Below are a list of some fun blogs that I read regularly – they are bound together simply by virtue of being places I stop by to read, reflect, laugh and sometimes even cry. They are just fun … I invite you to check them out ….
At The Half Note:
I discovered this blog through the blog of a friend in Toronto. Katie’s Blog is a wonderful mix of quotations, photos, observations and musings on life. I’ve enjoyed following this blog for sometime – it always helps brighten my day.
http://ktzpage.blogspot.com/
PostSecret:
The explanation of Post Secret is found on the site – it features a collection of post cards with poignant, sharp and sometimes delightful messages – it’s worth a look:
http://postsecret.blogspot.com/
Alma’s Soulfood:
This blog, based in Toronto is by the spouse of an old and dear friend. It started as the arrival of their first child drew near. Aaron, a writer and social activist by profession offers an extraordinary mix of family, politics, music, sports and just plain fun. Like At The Half Note, I find it a daily stop that seldom disappoints. I particularly enjoy the updates on young Amadisto, their young son:
http://almas-soulfood.blogspot.com/
Following Frodo:
This blog was where my interest in Blogging began. Offered by a clergy colleague in Atikokan Ontario, Following Frodo is a quirky mix of musings, photos, fun quizzes and the occasional rant. Gordon (the blogger) periodically offers quizzes he’s found on line that ask questions like: “Which Princess Bride Character are you?” or “Which Shakespearean Play are You?” It’s worth a visit:
http://followingfrodo.blogspot.com/
There are more … but these’ will do for now …
At The Half Note:
I discovered this blog through the blog of a friend in Toronto. Katie’s Blog is a wonderful mix of quotations, photos, observations and musings on life. I’ve enjoyed following this blog for sometime – it always helps brighten my day.
http://ktzpage.blogspot.com/
PostSecret:
The explanation of Post Secret is found on the site – it features a collection of post cards with poignant, sharp and sometimes delightful messages – it’s worth a look:
http://postsecret.blogspot.com/
Alma’s Soulfood:
This blog, based in Toronto is by the spouse of an old and dear friend. It started as the arrival of their first child drew near. Aaron, a writer and social activist by profession offers an extraordinary mix of family, politics, music, sports and just plain fun. Like At The Half Note, I find it a daily stop that seldom disappoints. I particularly enjoy the updates on young Amadisto, their young son:
http://almas-soulfood.blogspot.com/
Following Frodo:
This blog was where my interest in Blogging began. Offered by a clergy colleague in Atikokan Ontario, Following Frodo is a quirky mix of musings, photos, fun quizzes and the occasional rant. Gordon (the blogger) periodically offers quizzes he’s found on line that ask questions like: “Which Princess Bride Character are you?” or “Which Shakespearean Play are You?” It’s worth a visit:
http://followingfrodo.blogspot.com/
There are more … but these’ will do for now …
Overheard at Chipperfields ... part three ...
"Hey, did you hear my son in law got himself a new job?" one of the regulars asked Bonnie.
"Really?" said Bonnie, sensing this was heading somewhere ...
"Yeah, he's the guy now in the company who is responsible for firing unproductive workers." The man said smiling.
"That so?" said Bonnie, still seeming uncertain.
"Yeah," the regular said, pausing to sip his coffee, "He likes his job. He brings a human face to it. He takes the poor guy out for lunch, then a couple of drinks, or maybe a round of golf. Then he breaks it to the guy gently."
"Can't be an easy job," commented Bonnie.
"Nay," the regular said, his face getting somewhat serious, "he's been doing it for a couple weeks already and it's beginning to bug him. When he calls people now in the company they start crying because they've already heard about him and they know why he's calling ..."
"Why doesn't he quit?" asked Bonnie.
"He's tried four times this week alone, but everytime he calls his boss he shrieks and hangs up ..."
-----------------
Okay ... so maybe that didn't actually happen in Chipperfields ... if you're a TV buff you'll know it was Norm Peterson who had it happen to him on Cheers ... but hey, it was a good story then, and it came up yesterday when Ross and I were chatting ... so, on a technicality, it WAS overheard at Chipperfield's ...
Today's specials at Chipperfields: French Vanilla coffee and White Chocolate Iced Capps ... can't go wrong either way !!
Stop on by ... the coffee's always fresh ...
"Really?" said Bonnie, sensing this was heading somewhere ...
"Yeah, he's the guy now in the company who is responsible for firing unproductive workers." The man said smiling.
"That so?" said Bonnie, still seeming uncertain.
"Yeah," the regular said, pausing to sip his coffee, "He likes his job. He brings a human face to it. He takes the poor guy out for lunch, then a couple of drinks, or maybe a round of golf. Then he breaks it to the guy gently."
"Can't be an easy job," commented Bonnie.
"Nay," the regular said, his face getting somewhat serious, "he's been doing it for a couple weeks already and it's beginning to bug him. When he calls people now in the company they start crying because they've already heard about him and they know why he's calling ..."
"Why doesn't he quit?" asked Bonnie.
"He's tried four times this week alone, but everytime he calls his boss he shrieks and hangs up ..."
-----------------
Okay ... so maybe that didn't actually happen in Chipperfields ... if you're a TV buff you'll know it was Norm Peterson who had it happen to him on Cheers ... but hey, it was a good story then, and it came up yesterday when Ross and I were chatting ... so, on a technicality, it WAS overheard at Chipperfield's ...
Today's specials at Chipperfields: French Vanilla coffee and White Chocolate Iced Capps ... can't go wrong either way !!
Stop on by ... the coffee's always fresh ...
Sunday, June 25, 2006
And now for a shameless promotion ...
Out for a nice bike ride around Minnedosa, but feeling a little overheated ??
Been mowing the lawn all evening and feeling hot and sweaty??
Been hanging out at the beach and just need a little something to cool off with??
Well, stop by Chipperfield's. They have a selection of coolers, smoothies and iced drinks to help cool off any heat Manitoba can throw our way ...
Stop in and check out the wide selection of flavours available in the coolers, and iced lattes - there is something for everyone's palate ... and if a iced drink doesn't ring your bell, the cooler is filled with refreshing beverages including the mysterious Tibetan Tea ...
Or if you want to play it safe, a cup of java is never a bad idea ...
Anyway you look at it - Chipperfield's is a good place to stop by and enjoy a refreshing break from your day ... the staff promise if your spouse phones to see why you haven't finished mowing the lawn, they say you've JUST headed home ...
Hot or cold - the beverage selection at Chipperfield's is top notch ... there is something for every taste ...
Been mowing the lawn all evening and feeling hot and sweaty??
Been hanging out at the beach and just need a little something to cool off with??
Well, stop by Chipperfield's. They have a selection of coolers, smoothies and iced drinks to help cool off any heat Manitoba can throw our way ...
Stop in and check out the wide selection of flavours available in the coolers, and iced lattes - there is something for everyone's palate ... and if a iced drink doesn't ring your bell, the cooler is filled with refreshing beverages including the mysterious Tibetan Tea ...
Or if you want to play it safe, a cup of java is never a bad idea ...
Anyway you look at it - Chipperfield's is a good place to stop by and enjoy a refreshing break from your day ... the staff promise if your spouse phones to see why you haven't finished mowing the lawn, they say you've JUST headed home ...
Hot or cold - the beverage selection at Chipperfield's is top notch ... there is something for every taste ...
Saturday, June 24, 2006
Overheard at Chipperfields's ... part two ...
Bonnie's husband Ross (she owns the place) was sitting on the couch the other day when one of the regulars came in.
"Nice day eh?" he asked as he sat down across from Ross, with a cup of Chipperfield's own roast.
"Yeah, it is." answered Ross, seeming kind of distracted.
"So, how are things going?" asked the regular, trying again to strike up a conversation.
"Great," answered Ross, "business here is really great. It seems that we've captured a niche market in the Minnedosa area that has been underserved by the other restaurants and cafes in town. I think it's a case of providing the customer with a good quality product, and a place where they can come and gather with their friends and just enjoy the environment and the setting. In fact, just this morning I was discussing with someone the possibility of the Coffee Shop becoming the next manifestation of what one researcher identified as the centrality of the Canadian Kitchen. It seems that when the first houses were built in rural Canada, throughout southern Ontario, the kitchen was the central feature of the home. Many old farm houses have huge kitchens that had tables and chairs and even a couch, where company gathered over coffee and food to visit, and socialize. As the settlement pattern moved west, they brought that phenomea with them. This reasearcher claims that no other nation has such large central kitchens in their homes as Canadians. For Canadians like us, the kitchen is more then the place where we prepare and consume our food. The kitchen is central to ebb and flow of life in the household. The kitchen is the veritable heart of the home, build around the hearth. And now with the rural depopulation, and the increasingly busy lives that many of us live with dural careers and children and grandchildren to consider, we need something to fill the vacuum left in our day to day existence. So, it would see that we have turned to the coffee shop. The rise of the coffee shop culture in the rural areas like this doesn't mean we are becoming more urbanized or cosmopolitan, it means that we have begun to reclaim the important places and symbols for our community. The coffee shop has become a place of solace, an oasis of sorts where we can sit down, and relax for a moment. We can socialize. We can reconnect with the community that we would have previously invited into our kitchen and sat with basking in the warmth of the wood stove. Where we once gathered around the kitchen table and share community with the tea pot and the plate of cookies, we now are able to gather around these table, and build community one cup of joe at a time ..."
"Um, Ross ..." the regular quietly interupted ...
"Yeah?" Ross replied.
"If I were you, I'd start drinking the decaf ..."
"Yeah," answered Ross, "that's what Bonnie says too ..."
See ya at Chipperfield's the coffee's hot and the conversation is seldom dull ...
"Nice day eh?" he asked as he sat down across from Ross, with a cup of Chipperfield's own roast.
"Yeah, it is." answered Ross, seeming kind of distracted.
"So, how are things going?" asked the regular, trying again to strike up a conversation.
"Great," answered Ross, "business here is really great. It seems that we've captured a niche market in the Minnedosa area that has been underserved by the other restaurants and cafes in town. I think it's a case of providing the customer with a good quality product, and a place where they can come and gather with their friends and just enjoy the environment and the setting. In fact, just this morning I was discussing with someone the possibility of the Coffee Shop becoming the next manifestation of what one researcher identified as the centrality of the Canadian Kitchen. It seems that when the first houses were built in rural Canada, throughout southern Ontario, the kitchen was the central feature of the home. Many old farm houses have huge kitchens that had tables and chairs and even a couch, where company gathered over coffee and food to visit, and socialize. As the settlement pattern moved west, they brought that phenomea with them. This reasearcher claims that no other nation has such large central kitchens in their homes as Canadians. For Canadians like us, the kitchen is more then the place where we prepare and consume our food. The kitchen is central to ebb and flow of life in the household. The kitchen is the veritable heart of the home, build around the hearth. And now with the rural depopulation, and the increasingly busy lives that many of us live with dural careers and children and grandchildren to consider, we need something to fill the vacuum left in our day to day existence. So, it would see that we have turned to the coffee shop. The rise of the coffee shop culture in the rural areas like this doesn't mean we are becoming more urbanized or cosmopolitan, it means that we have begun to reclaim the important places and symbols for our community. The coffee shop has become a place of solace, an oasis of sorts where we can sit down, and relax for a moment. We can socialize. We can reconnect with the community that we would have previously invited into our kitchen and sat with basking in the warmth of the wood stove. Where we once gathered around the kitchen table and share community with the tea pot and the plate of cookies, we now are able to gather around these table, and build community one cup of joe at a time ..."
"Um, Ross ..." the regular quietly interupted ...
"Yeah?" Ross replied.
"If I were you, I'd start drinking the decaf ..."
"Yeah," answered Ross, "that's what Bonnie says too ..."
See ya at Chipperfield's the coffee's hot and the conversation is seldom dull ...
Friday, June 23, 2006
buying bells ... beware of bears ...
The two hikers stopped in on their way back south on Hwy 10 ... they had been hiking up at Riding Mountain National Park ... They were planning the next stage in their tour westward from home in Toronto ...
Over a lattee and a muffin they were comparing their purchases ... guides, maps, and a couple of bear bells ...
"I see you bought a couple of bear bells," observed the older gentleman sitting next to them.
"Yes," answered the young woman, "we're heading to Banff and Jasper next week and we thought they would be a good idea with all the black bears and grizzlies there."
"Good idea," commented the gentleman, "did they tell you how to identify the scat you find on the trails??"
"No," answered the two young woman, "How do you identify it?"
"Well," replied the gentleman, after taking a sip of his coffee, "Black bear poop is usually easy to identify. You just have to look for the grass and the berries ... but Grizzly bear poop is harder to identify ..."
"Why is that?" asked the young woman, obviously distressed ...
"Because you have to dig around in it to find the bear bells ..."
He picked up the bells and rang them to add the exclamation point on his sentence ...
-----------------------------
The daily selection of coffee is always a good one to chose to go with a good yarn ...
Remember, at Chipperfield Coffee Company, the coffee is always on ...
Over a lattee and a muffin they were comparing their purchases ... guides, maps, and a couple of bear bells ...
"I see you bought a couple of bear bells," observed the older gentleman sitting next to them.
"Yes," answered the young woman, "we're heading to Banff and Jasper next week and we thought they would be a good idea with all the black bears and grizzlies there."
"Good idea," commented the gentleman, "did they tell you how to identify the scat you find on the trails??"
"No," answered the two young woman, "How do you identify it?"
"Well," replied the gentleman, after taking a sip of his coffee, "Black bear poop is usually easy to identify. You just have to look for the grass and the berries ... but Grizzly bear poop is harder to identify ..."
"Why is that?" asked the young woman, obviously distressed ...
"Because you have to dig around in it to find the bear bells ..."
He picked up the bells and rang them to add the exclamation point on his sentence ...
-----------------------------
The daily selection of coffee is always a good one to chose to go with a good yarn ...
Remember, at Chipperfield Coffee Company, the coffee is always on ...
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Over heard at Chipperfields ...
A couple of railroaders were sitting having coffee yesterday ...
"So, are you going to pick up a copy of the new book Mummery just wrote about the railroad?"
"Sure thing," replies the retired railroader, "I gave him some stories, so I better see what he wrote about me in there ..."
"Yeah," answers the first railroader, "I gave him a few pictures, and some stories too."
"Should be good," agreed the second railroader as he took another drink of coffee, "I heard it was a good read, that young minister is doing the intro bit at the launch, and he said it's a 'rollicking tale filled with adventure, natural disasters, train wrecks and so much more ... He said the only thing it was lacking was SEX !!"
"Hmm," snorted the first railroader, "well, there had to be some of that going on, otherwise we wouldn't have had any more railroaders ..."
=====================
In case you've missed the news: The Save Our Station committee (now known as Minnedosa Heritage Inc) launched the new book Trails to Rails: The Railroading History of Minnedosa, earlier today at the Regional Library ... It's a wonderful history of an important chapter of Minnedosa's life ...
Pick up a coffee, then bring it on down to Chipperfield's where you can sit and enjoy it over a coffee and a muffin ... and tell Bonnie and her crew that Rev. Shawn sent you ...
Coffee's hot and ready - enjoy ...
"So, are you going to pick up a copy of the new book Mummery just wrote about the railroad?"
"Sure thing," replies the retired railroader, "I gave him some stories, so I better see what he wrote about me in there ..."
"Yeah," answers the first railroader, "I gave him a few pictures, and some stories too."
"Should be good," agreed the second railroader as he took another drink of coffee, "I heard it was a good read, that young minister is doing the intro bit at the launch, and he said it's a 'rollicking tale filled with adventure, natural disasters, train wrecks and so much more ... He said the only thing it was lacking was SEX !!"
"Hmm," snorted the first railroader, "well, there had to be some of that going on, otherwise we wouldn't have had any more railroaders ..."
=====================
In case you've missed the news: The Save Our Station committee (now known as Minnedosa Heritage Inc) launched the new book Trails to Rails: The Railroading History of Minnedosa, earlier today at the Regional Library ... It's a wonderful history of an important chapter of Minnedosa's life ...
Pick up a coffee, then bring it on down to Chipperfield's where you can sit and enjoy it over a coffee and a muffin ... and tell Bonnie and her crew that Rev. Shawn sent you ...
Coffee's hot and ready - enjoy ...
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Coffee's on ... the baking is fresh ...
It's not a big place ... but it's a place with a big heart ...
You step in the door of the old store where for years and years the Chipperfield family served the community of Minnedosa. It's a familiar building, yet when you step in the door it's not the old store ...
A half a dozen tables are awaiting your visit ... closer to the window are two couches, with games like checkers or dominoes under the glass topped table ... the staff will always greet you with a smile and a warm welcome ...
This place is like a thousand other coffee shops around the world ... it serves, like its kin coffee, tea, baked goods, ice cream and a variety of other treats and refreshments ... It is ubiquitous, yet it is unique ...
In Minnedosa, it is an oasis where you can sit and watch the traffic roll by on Main St ... you can peruse today's papers ... or you can, like many other customers come in with a book and lose yourself in its pages ... But usually, you get caught up in a conversation with a neighbour or a friend, or a visitor to the community ...
At Chipperfield's the community is gathered and what it means to be part of it is celebrated ... and that's our point here ... over coffee, we celebrate small town life ... Bonnie and her staff will keep our cups full ... the rest is up to us ...
Enjoy !!
You step in the door of the old store where for years and years the Chipperfield family served the community of Minnedosa. It's a familiar building, yet when you step in the door it's not the old store ...
A half a dozen tables are awaiting your visit ... closer to the window are two couches, with games like checkers or dominoes under the glass topped table ... the staff will always greet you with a smile and a warm welcome ...
This place is like a thousand other coffee shops around the world ... it serves, like its kin coffee, tea, baked goods, ice cream and a variety of other treats and refreshments ... It is ubiquitous, yet it is unique ...
In Minnedosa, it is an oasis where you can sit and watch the traffic roll by on Main St ... you can peruse today's papers ... or you can, like many other customers come in with a book and lose yourself in its pages ... But usually, you get caught up in a conversation with a neighbour or a friend, or a visitor to the community ...
At Chipperfield's the community is gathered and what it means to be part of it is celebrated ... and that's our point here ... over coffee, we celebrate small town life ... Bonnie and her staff will keep our cups full ... the rest is up to us ...
Enjoy !!
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
The coffee is always on ...
And so a new experiment in cyber-space begins ...
Everyone needs a place to go and sit when life takes a few bends. A place where you can check your worries and concerns at the door. A place that feels like home, and is filled with friends.
On tv we've had Cheers and lately in Canada we have The Ruby ... they are mythical places that exist only in the pixel world that is television land ... This place is a celebration of small town life.
While this Blog exists in cyberspace, it is very much based in a real place where you can get a fine cup of coffee, and enjoy the company of a great staff and a delightful cross section of life in a small prairie town. That real place is the Chipperfield Coffee Company, located on Main St North in Minnedosa Manitoba. (Stop in when you're in town - the baking is delicious !!) Bonnie and Ross have given their approval to borrowing their business' name ... and so this site will be a celebration of what makes Chipperfield Coffee Company, and small cafes and shops like it a wonderful part of life on the Canadian Prairies.
At the heart of every Prairie town has been Coffee Row. Its location has varied, and Coffee Row has frequently moved - but it remains a steadfast presence on Main St in many small towns and hamlets across the prairies ... Over coffee, the events of the day are shared, yarns are spun and the latest news is exchanged ...
... here over coffee, small town life will be celebrated ... where we go it anyone's guess ... the only certainty on this Coffee Row is that the coffee is always hot, the company is always friendly, and there is a vacant chair waiting just for you ...
Join us as we explore the world of Chipperfield Chronicles ...
Everyone needs a place to go and sit when life takes a few bends. A place where you can check your worries and concerns at the door. A place that feels like home, and is filled with friends.
On tv we've had Cheers and lately in Canada we have The Ruby ... they are mythical places that exist only in the pixel world that is television land ... This place is a celebration of small town life.
While this Blog exists in cyberspace, it is very much based in a real place where you can get a fine cup of coffee, and enjoy the company of a great staff and a delightful cross section of life in a small prairie town. That real place is the Chipperfield Coffee Company, located on Main St North in Minnedosa Manitoba. (Stop in when you're in town - the baking is delicious !!) Bonnie and Ross have given their approval to borrowing their business' name ... and so this site will be a celebration of what makes Chipperfield Coffee Company, and small cafes and shops like it a wonderful part of life on the Canadian Prairies.
At the heart of every Prairie town has been Coffee Row. Its location has varied, and Coffee Row has frequently moved - but it remains a steadfast presence on Main St in many small towns and hamlets across the prairies ... Over coffee, the events of the day are shared, yarns are spun and the latest news is exchanged ...
... here over coffee, small town life will be celebrated ... where we go it anyone's guess ... the only certainty on this Coffee Row is that the coffee is always hot, the company is always friendly, and there is a vacant chair waiting just for you ...
Join us as we explore the world of Chipperfield Chronicles ...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
