Sweeping Up ...

Ross shook hands with the auctioneer at the door, thanking him for the many tasks that were part of an emotional day. He watched as he crossed the street and hopped in his truck and drove away.

Glancing at the cheque in his hand he shook his head. His mind crowded with many thought, but atleast the money raised through auctioning everything off would save the building and their home. Tucking it in the back pocket of his jeans he picked up the broom and started sweeping the floor.

"Might as well tidy the place up for the potential buyer," he thought as he started pushing the broom across the wooden floor. Memories of what was and could have been swirled around him like the dust that floated around the head of the broom. The methodical motion of pushing the broom back and forth over the the old wooden floors helped sooth the ache that he felt.

Lost in thought he failed to hear the door open until J-- was standing beside him.

"Hey buddy," J-- said softly.

Ross looked up and wiped away a tear, "Damned dust," he said as he wiped his hand on his jeans.

"Yeah, these old buildings can kick up a lot of dust," said J-- softly, a slight smile crossing his face, "Got any coffee?" he said hopefully.

Ross sighed, "I do, but I've haven't even got a cup to put it in ..." his arm waved around the now empty building, only the 'Chipperfield Bros' sign was left hanging over the wall between the kitchen and the front.

"No worries," said J-- with a chuckle, "I brought my own," with that he pulled a burgundy mug out of his pocket, "call it a little souvenier from my last visit here."

Ross laughed, "you stole a mug? No wonder we had to have the auction to cover our losses." He took the mug from J--'s hand and stepped behind the now empty counter where one last pump carafe stood, "Your regular?"

"Yup," said J--, leaning on the counter facing Ross as he continued, "I had been hoping to get a set of 8 of those, but I only managed to snag that one yesterday when I was here, and I couldn't bring myself to come and watch the vultures pick the bones today."

Ross nodded as the hot black liquid filled the mug.

"It's like this everytime a business closes in this town," observed J--, "the folks who wouldn't darken the door while it was open show up to snag a few bargains."

"Bargains?" scoffed Ross as he poured cream into J--'s mug from the tiny cardboard container sitting along side the coffee carafe, "A closing out auction sale is no bargain ..."

"It is to the vultures," laughed J--, "Remember when the furniture store closed? Ninety percent of the people who were there never came in when it was running. But they sure as shooting showed up when it was closing. That's just the way this town is. They don't like change, and they would rather pay more going to Brandon to buy the exact same thing because it's the Big City, and it must be better ..."

"Even if it comes off the same freight truck," said Ross dryly.

"Exactly," said J-- pausing to sip his coffee, "Gawd, I'm gonna miss this ..." he lifted his mug with a smile.

"Yeah," said Ross quietly, glancing around the now empty shop, "Me too." his voice echoed in the emptiness, "It seemed like a good idea at the time."

"Hmmmm," J-- sipped his coffee again before speaking, "it was a good idea, and it met a need. But it was too little too late for a town that wants to die."

"What do you mean?" said Ross, his face looking surprised.

"Look around you Ross," said J-- with a serious gaze, "there's a reason there are so many 'for sale' signs on houses here, and why Main St has more hair salons and empty businesses than healthy active ones. And now they want to build a 100 room hotel and arena. Seriously, how will this town survive when we keep closing the doors on business after business. We're becoming like Basswood, Clanwilliam, and Rapid City."

Ross stared at J-- without saying a word.

"You can see it can't you?" marvelled J--, "that our town is slowly dying? We've lost the Internet Pharmacy, the furniture store, the fried chicken outlet, the jewellery store, the florist and now the coffee shop. How much more evidence do you need?"

"I hadn't thought of it that way," observed Ross, "I was so caught up in trying to save this place, I hadn't thought about what was going on up and down Main St."

For a long moment neither man spoke, as J-- sipped his coffee and Ross was lost in thought. Ross broke the silence.

"But there have been new things open on Main St," he said hopefully.

"Sure, a half dozen new hair salons," laughed J--, and the old tractor supply building has new tenants, but nothing that will pull traffic off the highway, and keep people here on a Saturday to shop. Hell, I hate to admit it, but when I was a kid this place was happening on Friday and Saturday nights. We used to come down town early just to get a parking spot. But now you could fire off a howitzer on Main St most Saturday afternoons and there would be no damage to any one or anything. I tell you, this town is dying."

"I hate to think that," observed Ross, "I had always hoped this place would be part of reviving the town and drawing people in." Picking up the guest book he flipped it open and observed the many names and places represented there, "I mean, look at this," he held up the guest book, "It has visitors from around the world, and our regulars were always here."

"But you let small town politics come into play," observed J--.

"Huh?" muttered Ross looking up, "what do you mean?"

"When The Rev stopped feeling welcomed here, it was the beginning of the end," said J-- softly, "the people who fear change, and who want everything to stay the same and who want to control EVERYTHING prevailed and put and end to the potential that people like The Rev brought to our communty. He was an outsider."

"So am I," observed Ross, "but it wasn't that he was no longer welcomed," he paused as he chose his words thoughtfully, "there were other factors ..." his voice trailed off.

"Other factors?" J--'s face cracked into a broad smile, "the rumours and gossip about all the things he supposedly did? All of which you and I both know were complete bullshit. Or was it that he stood up to the dysfunctional and toxic people in our community and wouldn't let them get away with treating him the way they did? Or was it that he represented change to a town that isn't interested in having ANYTHING change now or ever? Or was it simply he ruffled too many feathers by being who he was and speaking out on things he felt passionate about?"

Ross stared at J-- and said nothing.

"Or was it the fact that he saw the cracks around here and wasn't willing to say nothing because he liked you and Bonnie and wanted to see your business succeed inspite of a dying town?"

Ross shook his head, "He just couldn't let it go ..."

"Let what go?" asked J--, "that he tried to help people and the community? That he ultimately did NOTHING wrong, but was railroaded out of town by a group of church people who have done this to a half a dozen ministers before him?" J-- paused, "come on Ross, he was your friend and you joined the mob that wanted to drive the monster out of town too. And the rest of us did nothing to stop them. It was just like the movie Frankenstein. They grabbed their pitchforks and torches and after a few ignorant proclamations, the mob went after him."

"It wasn't that at all ..." said Ross quietly.

"Come on Ross," laughed J-- dryly, "the guy had his life threatened, one of our so-called upstanding citizens sent an email dripping with lies to his friends, he had his van tire slashed, his house and van got shot at, they trashed his reputation, they accused him of affairs because he was friends with one of YOUR employees who was in a shitty marriage, the anonymous comments on his own blog and the whispered nonsense through town ... it WAS LIKE THAT. No on deserves to be treated that way, and yet everyone from the Church leadership, through to the Town Council played a role in it. It was like everyone took secret delight in watching it happen ..."

"He could have just walked away," said Ross looking down, avoiding J--'s eyes.

"Ross. You can't be serious?" J-- shook his head, "he loved this town. He had a dozen friends. He wanted to help this town become something more. He didn't want to leave and let the mob win."

"But he wouldn't listen," Ross' voice gained some strength, "we tried to help him ..."

"Sure, you offered him a job, then fired him without the decency of a conversation before," J-- shook his head again, "then you threw salt in his wounds by saying 'we value your friendship'. Think about it Ross, you let the viciousness of small town politics prevail. You let the bullies in our community control your business," pausing he glanced around, "and it turned out well didn't it?"

"It wasn't The Rev who did this," observed Ross, his face reddening.

"Fair enough," said J--, "but he was the canary in the coal mine. We drove him out of town, and with him went a lot of enthusiasm and support for this town. Talk to people in town, we're not just a town that is divided, we're a town that has no will to live. I hear "To hell with it," over and over. No body is interested in seeing this place live any more. And it is because we've let the lunatics take over the asylum."

Ross stared at the counter where the cash register once sat, pausing before replying, "We never wanted to drive him out." said Ross softly, "but he wouldn't respect the boundaries we asked him to observe."

"Boundaries?" scoffed J--, "true friends don't need boundaries. Boundaries are for keeping your enemies out, or for hiding things away. True friends can talk to you about anything, any time, and your support and care for them is unconditional. I know that The Rev offered that to everyone, and in return we treated him like Frankenstein's Monster and drove him out of the valley."

"But he wouldn't let things go ..." said Ross glancing up at J--, "We asked him ..."

"He wouldn't let it go because he could see the truth behind it," said J--, "he made some mistakes that he more than paid for, but he also had the ability to see through the situation and name the truth. Especially when it came to incompetence and the two-faced-ness of too many people around here. Remember what he said about his visit to that place in Ontario? The director said his ADD coupled with his high intelligence made him like a shark. He would pounce on the idiotic statements being made and leave the person angry because they had been embarassed by the young upstart who very much an outsider."

"But that was the problem," said Ross, "he couldn't bite his tongue and leave things alone."

"What wouldn't he leave alone?" asked J--, "God knows this town is filled with people who have attained thier positions because they have been the last one standing, not because they are particularly skilled or capable. People like The Rev are a threat to folks like that. Their inabilities and shortcomings are laid bare, and they react in fear. They have too many skeletons in their closests that people like The Rev could inadvertantly expose for all too see ..."

"That's not it," said Ross plaintively, "you don't understand."

"I grew up in this town," said J-- laughing, "I've had a long and winding road in this life. Don't tell me I don't understand. The problem is, I DO understand what's going on here, and I think we need more folks like The Rev who are willing to rock the boat and expose some of the dirty little secrets that keep this town rolling."

J-- paused to sip his coffee. Tipping the mug back he drained its contents with a smile, "Dang that was good." offering the mug to Ross he asked, "Got any more?"

"One last one for old times sake?" said Ross smiling, though his eyes were clouded with sadness.

"You bet," laughed J--, "might as well go out on a high note."

Ross pumped the coffee and nodded his head whistfully, "Guess it's not been a high note has it?"

"Could have been," observed J--, "if we would have had the courage to stand agaist the mob and stop the nonsense once and for all. But that takes a lot of courage. It's hard to tell your neighbour and friend that they are being a horses' ass. It's easier to turn on the new comer and drive them out of town."

"Kind of like Ibsen's play "Enemy of the People"?" observed Ross.

"Huh?" said J--, "Not familiar with that story."

"Oh, it's about a little town in Norway," said Ross, "they have hot springs that offer healing to people who travel from all over the world to soak in them. Then one day the young doctor or someone realizes that the water is poisoned and that it could kill people if something isn't done. But the only thing to do is shut down the springs."

"So what happens?" asked J--.

"The town leaders will not hear of it," said Ross, "they won't risk the reputation of the town by listening to this new comer who clearly doesn't know what he's talking about. So instead of listening to his wisdom and his suggestions the town father form a mob and drive him out of town ..."

"Was the place called Minnedosa?" asked J-- with a laugh.

"Maybe," said Ross, "The bit I can't remember is whether they drive him out of town, or if they kill him?"

"Kind of a difference in outcome isn't it?" said J-- wryly.

"Well, I remember the Arthur Miller play 'The Crucible' has the outsider killed, but I can't remember if Ibsen has him killed or just driven out of town." Ross shrugged.

"Most mobs want blood, and won't be satisified until they have the head of the outsider to parade around," said J--.

"Unfortunately that is too true," agreed Ross, "driving the outsider away isn't enough. They have to suffer too."

"I think The Rev has suffered enough," observed J--, "his reputation is in tatters, his job is gone, his circle of friends have vanished, his career as minister is very much in doubt, and his marriage fell apart, and everyone has held to the lies and the bullshit telling each other that because they keeping saying these things they MUST be true."

J-- glanced around the shop, "So, any idea who is gonna rent this?"

"Nope," said Ross sadly, "There isn't much interest in putting a business on Main St any more."

"Oh come on," laughed J--, "when they build that new hotel and arena complex this town will be hopping."

Ross shook his head glumly, "I don't see how we can build something like that when the hotels we have in town can't make enough to fix themselves up now ... it's just idiocy."

"Like I said - 'the lunatics are running the asylum', and we've let it happen." said J-- dryly, "so, where have all the girls gone?"

Ross sighed as he answered, "I don't really know," he shook his head, "I couldn't bring myself to even talk to them after we had to lay everyone off last week, it just hurt too much."

"I thought you always took pride in calling this place 'a family'?" asked J--, "sounds like a dysfunctional family to me."

Ross shook his head, "We thought we had a family, but ..." his voice trailed off.

"Maybe The Rev was right about that too huh?" said J-- shaking his head too.

"Maybe," observed Ross, "maybe."

"Too bad for us ..." said J-- with a shake of his head.

"Got that right ..."agreed Ross, "maybe the town will finally figure it out before it's too late. Maybe they will hear the voices of people who want to see the town grow and prosper and who aren't interested in playing politics, but who want experience, knowledge and background to determine who gets the jobs and opportunities rather than who is owed a favour."

J-- started laughing, "I've been in this town for 70 years and I've lost track of how many times I've heard that said."

"Ain't gonna happen will it?" said Ross.

"It ain't gonna happen," observed J--, "there will always be a town here. But the glory days are over. Just look at Rivers. That's where we're heading ... and folks like The Rev wanted to warn us and help us avoid that fate ..."

"But ..." added Ross.

"Exactly," said J-- tipping back his coffee and once again draining the mug, "I need another coffee ..."

"Pot's empty," observed Ross without even glancing at the silver pot.

"Hmmm," answered J-- with a smile, "sounds like we may need a road trip."

Ross nodded.

"Got some fences to mend along the way?" asked J--, his smile broadening.

Ross nodded.

"I've got the number," J-- pulled a business card out of his pocket, "shall we call him, or just show up at his office."

"Let's just show up," said Ross, "if we phone he may decide to be 'unavailable' when we get there."

"Good Idea," laughed J--, "Oh," he lifted the mug, "I'm keeping this."

"Go ahead," Ross answered, "consider it a souvenir."

"Thanks" said J--, "it was fun. I'm gonna miss this place."

"Me too," said Ross, "me too"

The two men paused at the door and took one last look around the now empty space.

"It was a good run," said J-- softly, a tear welling in his eye.

"It was ..." agreed Ross, wiping a tear from his own eye, "It didn't have to end this way."

"No it didn't" replied J--, "but no one had the courage to stand up and stop the nonsense and stand up for The Rev and others who have been brutalized by the "good" town folks."

"Hypocrites aren't they?" said Ross.

"Every last one," observed J--, "Oh and the stories that could be told about the skeletons in THEIR closets."

Ross laughed, "Reminds me of the closing scene of Brecht's play "The Resistable Rise of Arturo Ui..."

"Getting all literary on us today are you?" laughed J-- softly.

"Sort of," said Ross pulling his keys out of his pocket, "In the last scene of the play, the main character who is a parody of Hitler, stands before a chanting mob then everything goes black and a single spot light hits him. He tears off his moustache and muses on the power of the farce that lets us laugh in the face of tragedy the he says: 'Do not rejoice in his defeat, you men. For though the world has stood up and stopped the bastard, the bitch that bore him is in heat again' ..."

"Hmm," J-- stepped through the door out on to the sidewalk glancing up and down the nearly deserted Main St, "maybe we need to kill the bitch before she bears another generation that wants to let this town die ..."

The click of the front door lock echoed within the empty building. Ross and J-- stared at each other for a moment saying nothing.

"Shall I drive?" asked J--.

"Yeah," said Ross, "I need to think about what I want to say to him ..."

"It's never easy to say sorry," said J-- as he stepped towards his car.

"Got that right," said Ross opening the door and getting in to the car.

J-- pulled away from the curb and pulled a tight U-turn in the intersection, ignoring the sign and breaking the law. It was a chance he was willing to take given that there were no more than a half a dozen cars on the entire length of Main St. Heading south his car left a cloud of dust and exhaust that got caught up in the breeze and slowly dissipated in the wind leaving nothing behind but the soft rustle of the wind down a deserted Main St of a town that once seemed some filled with potential and hope ...

-------------------------------------

(author's note - The Real Chippefields is, for now still open on Main St, and Minnedosa for now is still a functioning town ... and even though the characters here are based off of real people and real events ... this is a piece of fiction ... try to stop confusing the two, but to those who feel uncomfortable by what they've read here (assuming they actually made it ALL the way through), take a moment to remember that even fiction has a ring of truth, and that sometimes the morales of our stories offer a lesson if we dare to heed it ... there is truth underneath ALL of what has been written here ... I'll leave it to the intelligence of my readers to hear the lesson, and glean the truth and to leave the rest behind for the wind to carry away ... As for me, the online Chipperfields is closed ... I am no longer welcomed in the real Chipperfields, and the welcome mat to Minnedosa has been rolled up and I've been soundly beaten with it ... so, my journey will continue to lead me elsewhere ... Like J-- said "It was a Good Run" ... and there is much about it I'll miss ... but at the end of the day the toxic, small minded, vicious and cowardly people have prevailed ... I'm done. Thanks and may your journey be a good one.)

One Last Greeting ...

TODAY IS HER BIRTHDAY !!!.HAPPY BIRTHDAY JODI!!!!MAY THIS YEAR CARRY YOU TO THE PLACE YOUR HEART TRULY YEARNS TO BE ....... FIND YOUR WINGS AND SOAR ....NEVER LOOK BACK,AND NEVER DOUBT THAT YOU AREDESERVING AND WORTHY OF SO MUCHMORE THAN YOU KNOW ... .HAPPY BIRTHDAY !!!.

The One Month Challenge Draws to a Close ...

The Jewish Prophet Hillell said - "that which is hurtful to ANOTHER, you do not do - EVER"

Jesus used Hillel's wisdom and said - "do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

Even modern service clubs like Rotary have taken the concept of justice and fairness to heart by crafting things like their 4-Way test that has the members of the club asking themselves simple questions about the nature of the transactions and decisions they are making, and whether they are hurtful to another ...

The implication is, that if something you as a person do is hurtful to another - DON'T DO IT.

Like Gandhi said - "be the change you seek ..."

Long ago I discovered not only Fair Trade, but a number of companies that actively promote Fair Trade and bring high quality products to the Canadian Market. One of the first was Level Ground Trading from the Victoria area. Their coffee Cafe San Miquel, (dark roast) has long been a favourite of mine. Over the last ten years I have ordered THOUSANDS of pounds of their coffees (and likely consumed several hundred personally), visited their production facilities, talked to them on the phone, and written several papers on their work.

Along the way I've contacted and built relationships with other companies like Bean North, Just Us, Marquis Project and of late a little company in Manitoba called Green Bean Coffee Roasters ... all the while looking at how I could promote these companies and their products to the community around me ... I've done this in my ministry, and of late have been doing it as a friend and employee of Chipperfield Coffee Company in Minnedosa ...

This past month Chipperfield Coffee Company engaged the One Month Challenge promoted by Fair Trade Manitoba. It meant serving Fair Trade products to the customers where ever possible. We started with coffee, and a limited selection of tea, and expanded into chocolate and other products. The reception by the community seemed good ...

The idea of supporting Fair Trade was one that was welcomed by many in the surrounding community. The idea that 20-30% of the final purchase price of a bag of coffee goes DIRECTLY into the hands of the producer appeals to many ... could you imagine doing that for a loaf of bread, or a box of corn flakes?? Not too mention other agricultural products!!!

But moreover, the simple fact that every step of the journey of fair trade products from the fields to our table, are premised on JUSTICE, FAIRNESS and the right of HUMAN DIGNITY is what fuels this movement. The emphasis on caring for and caring about the people involved is central - Fair Trade is about MORE than economic justice for the poor third world farmers, it's about ensuring that EVERYONE involved is treated with dignity and treated fairly, and that at the end of the day are not left hurt in any way.

They are noble and lofty goals. And the actualization of those goals by the companies who bring Fair Trade products to our tables is what has always motivated me to be a Fair Trade promoter. The entire journey from field to table must be about dignity for all, fairness for all, and justice for all.

That is why I cringe when I see companies like Safeway, Wal-Mart and Starbucks involved in Fair Trade. This is NOT just about getting the product into the hands of consumers. It's about EVERY STEP of the journey being based on more than profits.

Foundational in ALL of this is the understanding that people MUST come before PROFITS, and that the dignity, fairness and justice are not just lofty concepts but basic human RIGHTS.

So, it is with a broken heart that I watch this One Month Challenge draw to a close because on one hand it has been successful. Patrick from Fair Trade Manitoba reports that 800 plus participants in the Fair Trade Challenge consumed OVER 17 000 cups of Fair Trade Coffee in the last 30 days, and those statistics do not include the coffee sold in places like Chipperfield Coffee Company to people who were NOT actively participating in the challenge!!!!

But, I carry a deep personal grief in this. As this challenge draws to a close my association with Chipperfield Coffee Company has also come to end ... my place there as employee, customer and ultimately friend has been savagely consumed by the mob mentality of small town politics that demanded the owner/management protect their business and profits over people and principles ... after two and a half years of abuse, the mob wasn't happy taking from me my job, my reputation, my security and my self-definition ... they will not be content until I have NOTHING LEFT. Fortunately, they will never take from my my pride and my principles.

At the end of the day I can still look in the mirror and have no twinges of regret or remorse for any thing.

It's a sad day on many levels, but then as I have come to realize over and over in recent days - this ultimately is NOT my loss ... Fair Trade is about Fairness at all levels ... and it is about embodying the very principles that were spoken by the likes of Hillel, Jesus, The Rotarians who crafted the 4-Way test and others who understand Gandhi's idea of being the change you seek ... not just when it is convenient, but ALWAYS !!!

Today I will pour my cup of Fair Trade Coffee, obtained from The Marquis Project in Brandon, shortly knowing that in ALL things I HAVE endeavoured to live those principles in my life, both personal and professional ... and that WILL never change ...

Home Routes Returns!!!

Bonnie and Ross and the staff at Chipperfields are delighted to be able to offer yet another concert in the 2007-2008 Home Routes Concert Series they have been hosting.

Last month the Shoppe rocked to the sound of Canadian Musican James Gordon, who along with a local singer, entertained a sell out crowd.

On Monday March 25th Chipperfield Coffee Company is once again pleased to hold a small venue coffee shop concert, this time with Toronto based singer Kate Goldman.

Who is Kate Goldman you ask???

Well ...Who is Kat Goldman?

Perhaps the mystique lies in the fact that Kat Goldman is one of Canada's best kept secrets.

A Toronto native, Kat Goldman packed up her bags and traveled down to Boston Massachussettes when she was 20 years old. There, she picked up a guitar and began frequenting the fervent Cambridge coffeehouse scene, also becoming a regular busker in Harvard Square.

Kat returned to Toronto in 1996, and started doing shows of her own in Toronto venues. Producer Gavin Brown (Sarah Harmer, Billy Talent) heard her music and went gaga. He wanted to work with her...and so began their collaboration on "The Great Disappearing Act", Kat Goldman's coming out studio record.

This was truly a break-out achievement in her career.

Suddenly Kat was opening for Sarah Slean, Martin Sexton, the Waifs, Regina Spektor, Al Stuart, The Strawbs, Dar Williams, Jonatha Brooke, and Eric Anderson who after seeing her show, called her a "Canadian Flower".

Is it any wonder that this "Canadian Flower" was then picked up by Shawn Colvin/Dar Williams/ Suzanne Vega's management out of New York City?

As Kat put it, "Suddenly I was working with the people who managed the careers of my very own heroes. I began playing some of the best venues in NYC- The Bottom Line, The Bitter End, and The Living Room".

In September of 2004, Kat decided it was time to move down to New York City, the hub of creative industry.

However, one week before she was to leave, she was struck in a near-fatal freak accident.
While stopping inside a bakery, a car came crashing through the storefront window, pinning her against the back wall. Her injuries resulted in multiple surgeries and Kat spent the next 2 years recovering and learning how to walk again.

She has now emerged this year 2007 with her triumphant sophomore album "Sing Your Song", described by Dar Williams as a record that "the world would not be the same without".
Perhaps in time, Kat Goldman will no longer be Canada's best kept secret.

For more information about Kat Goldman - click here ...

To get tickets, stop by the store, or give them a call - 867 5751 ... and plan on an evening of quality entertainment in the best little coffee shoppe in West Man !!!

From their fields to our table ... a local connection!!

This past week at Chipperfields, one of the Barista's noticed that the Just Us Coffee "Breaking the Silence" being served as part of the one month challenge, has its origins in the Lake Atitlan area of Guatemala. Kirsten was excited by the realization because a few months ago, she and a group of 12 others from the Minnedosa Covenant Church took a mission trip to the Lake Atitlan area.

Kirsten sent me an email along with the photos above describing her trip as follows:

Myself and a group of twelve people from Minnedosa Evangelical Covenant Church went to San Juan, Guatemala for ten days.

San Juan is on the edge of Lake Atitlan and we actually had to cross it on boat to get to the other side, where San Juan is located.

While we were there we held a 2 day VBS (vacation bible school) for the children of a school, that was on a Saturday and Sunday. Then for the other five days we did a work project in the morning, and taught classes in the afternoon.

For our work project we built a retaining wall 6 feet deep, 2 feet wide and 21 feet long. We dug the trench by hand, hauled rocks and mixed and hauled the cement. We had a paid foreman that instructed us and hired two workers, but the only tools we had were shovels, hoes, buckets and a wheel barrow.

It was very tough work and the temperatures were quite high.

In the afternoon we taught classes such as art, carpentry and choir.

I taught choir class, and taught them how to use small percussion instruments. We also taught them to sing the chorus in English and shared with them a little about Canada.

We did fun things, one including a ride on a zip line 200 ft above a canyon.

Pastor Dan travelled with myself and another girl to also went to a center for disabled children and adults for an afternoon. It was awful to see the lack of things they had. These people did not have proper facilities and lots of their needs were not able to be met because of lack of money, some did not have enough for a small wheel chair for the children and they had to be carried...

The facility was run by volunteers and one paid worker.

Many of us also decided to sponsor a child from the school that we were at, many of them are still unsponsored and need sponsors, but we were able to sponsor a few. and it is neat to be able to actually meet the child you sponsor and get a picture with them.

The area was very beautiful.. covered in trees, and all around there were mountains.. obviously not ones like the snow covered ones in Alberta ... but they were covered in trees ... there were lots of coffee crops all over.. and often you would see corn crops or other crops on the side of the mountain ... we had no idea how they harvested or planted them.

It was a beautiful area.. and they people were so unique and kind.

The children were delightful and we learned a lot about their culture with the help of our translators, because they only spoke Spanish and a dialect which I can't spell.

They were very welcoming and really appreciated what they had, which was not much.

Lots of people barely got by, and lived in very tiny houses, rundown houses, but they never once complained.

.

Thanks Kirsten, for telling us a little bit about a corner of the world that NOW is more than just a label on a package !!

Enjoying a GOOD Cup of Coffee ...

A long time ago I learned the value of a good cup of coffee ... there is much that goes into its creation, from the land of origin through to the serving it on a very distant table ...

The first step is the beans ... a good quality plant like the Arabica, will produce a good quality bean - which is the foundation on which everything else lies ...

Next comes the farmer ... I am unapologetic and unabashed in my commitment to Fair Trade, particularly when it comes to coffee ... ensuring the family growing the beans and harvesting them are paid fairly and justly for their efforts is VITAL ... how can it be a good cup of coffee if the family who carefully grew and tended the beans receive only pennies for their efforts ???

Then by choosing Fair Trade coffee (tea, sugar, chocolate and other items) we are offering a commitment to not ONLY the family growing the coffee, but to the WHOLE community around them, and even the region in which they live ... Foundations, loans, business initiatives and numerous other ways in which companies like Just Us, Level Ground, Kicking Horse Pass, Bean North and OTHER Fair Trade enterprises improve the living conditions in the country of origin ...Knowing that MY coffee helps the farmer, his family, and his community only adds to the GOODNESS of the beverage ...

AND finally, the last ingredient in a good cup of coffee is the setting and the company ... having a place like Chipperfield Coffee Company where you can claim a table and enjoy a hot cup of coffee with a cluster of friends around the table is an extraordinary gift ... THAT is what coffee is supposed to be ... from the first green sprout pushing up through the soil in a distant field, through to the hot rich beverage shared over a table among friends - a GOOD CUP of Coffee is about making every aspect of coffee a positive thing ...

It kind of takes "good to the last drop" to a WHOLE new level ... and right now, Chipperfield Coffee Company is very proud to provide its customers, and the community of Minnedosa the opportunity to enjoy just such a cup of coffee each day with our Fair Trade selection - a rich and delicious variety of some of the BEST coffees from around the world !!!

Check them out - I guarantee you WON'T be disappointed !!!!

Fair Trade Coffee - Good from the first to the last drop ...

"Why should I choose Fair Trade coffee?"

It's a simple question, to which there is a simple and a complex answer ...

The simple answer is - Fair Trade Coffee helps to make a difference in the lives of producers half a world away. The concept of Fair Trade means the producers are paid a FAIR price for their commodity, rather than the global market price, which is usually pennies on the pound ...

So, when you buy a Fair Trade coffee you are ensuring that the producer in the country of origin is recieving a premium price for his coffee (about 25 to 30% of the final purchase price DIRECTLY in to his hands. But more than that, when you purchase a Fair Trade Coffee, you are also ensuring a broad community and economic development for the region where the coffee originates.

Some coffees, such as Just Us' Breaking The Silence are the direct result of development projects in the country of origin, while others like Cafe San Miquel, reinvest their profits into education, business and other development opportunities in the communities that produce the coffee beans ...

If, by drinking a cup of coffee, you can help put a young women through University doesn't it make sense to use Fair Trade ALL the time??

Bonnie and Ross think so ... in their ongoing commitment to provide the customers of Chipperfield Coffee Company with the absolute best coffee available they have begun exploring the possiblities of Fair Trade for thier store ... as a result they have expanded the variety of available Fair Trade products in stock ... AND ... as they've joined Manitoba Fair Trade's One Month Challenge they have offered a Fair Trade selection on the daily menu for the last week and a half ...

With every cup, customers and staff at Chipperfield Coffee Company are making a difference in the lives of people in the far flung corners of the world ... how cool is that???

Come and join the revolution !!

The WONDERFUL World of COFFEE !!!

As part of the ONE MONTH CHALLENGE, Chipperfield Coffee Company is pleased to introduce to customer a WIDE variety of Fair Trade Organic coffees and teas ... In addition to the four Level Ground selections that have been available, Chipperfields has introduced Cafe San Miquel, the Colombian Coffee that began the Level Ground success story. Available in both regular and decaf, it is a familiar coffee to folks in the Minnedosa area, and is a natural fit for the selection available in the Fair Trade Boutique being created by the management and staff of Chipperfield Coffee Company.

In addition to the selection of coffee and sugar from Level Ground, Chipperfields is also pleased to introduce a number of Fair Trade Organic coffees and tea from Just Us Coffee Roasters Cooperative based in Wolfville Nova Scotia. Throughout the OMC, patrons will be introduced to a number of FTO coffees from around the world including one called "Breaking the Silence" that brings a together fine coffee and a development project from rural Guatemalan in one cup !!!

Over and over, Fair Trade products offer us as consumers, the ability to connect with the world and make a positive impact on the lives of producers and their communities, while we enjoy a high quality product that is worth every drop ...

But most exciting is the new connection with a Coffee Roasting Company located just outside of Clandeboyne Manitoba.

Green Bean Coffee Imports is a small entrepeneurial enterprise working to introduce coffee drinkers in Manitoba to what can best be described as "Artisan quality coffee beans". Roasted in small batches, Green Bean provides a diverse selection of coffee custom roasted to order. Taking imported green coffee beans, owner operator Derryl Reid, roasts up small batches of coffee for his customers in the Winnipeg area.

Chipperfield Coffee Company is pleased to be the first distributor of this new Manitoba company outside of the immediate Winnipeg area ... by sharing this distinctive, high quality product with their customers, Chipperfields is offering something found few other places !!

If you haven't tried one of our Fair Trade Coffee varieties, consider sampling one of the daily menu selections throughout the One Month Challenge, and if you find something you like, pick up a package of beans to take home ... you will ensure a quality cup of coffee, both at home and while you are visiting the shop ... and you will help change the world ONE CUP OF COFFEE AT A TIME !!!!

The Smile Says it ALL ...

Today the REAL Chipperfield's played host to a special gathering ...

J-- turned 75, and with his family and friends gathered around,

a time of laughter, visiting, refreshments and fun ensued.

The place was packed ...

... I think J--'s smile says it all:

Happy Birthday Buddy !!!

And may you have MANY, MANY more !!!!

James Gordon and his music

While it is NOT James Gordon singing below - this IS a song that he wrote ... and on Friday the 22nd, James will be performing LIVE at Chipperfield Coffee Company at 7pm ... tickets are limited and are $15/each.

Consider coming out and enjoying a delightful evening of music by one of Canada's premier folk musicians ... for now, enjoy one of his beautiful musical creations the song Frobisher Bay, I don't know ANYTHING about this video - the camerawork is a bit shaky, but the voices are AMAZING - and the young woman doing the solo is incredible - enjoy !!!

I couldn't have said it any better ...

It's one of those moments that could have been avoided if it had been dealt with differently ...

The sadness being felt is real ... and it is something that shouldn't have happened ...

Thankfully over at "Things I've Learned" Jaydee has shared her thoughts and said it so eloquently, all I can offer is a hearty "Here!! Here!!"

ARE YOU IN ????

I/we hereby:

- Pledge that for 30 days starting February 14th, 2008:
- the only coffee I/we drink will be fair trade coffee.
- the only tea I/we drink will be fair trade tea.
- the only chocolate I/we eat will be fair trade chocolate.

I/we will shop fair trade for other types of products when these are available.

AND I will agree to complete seven short on-line surveys that will gather information on my/our participation in the One-Month Challenge.

To JOIN - click here - and follow the links !!

Wha'chya doin?

J-- was sitting at the table by the window enjoying his cup of Organic Manitoba tea, the infuser sitting by his right hand, still half full of the amber fluid. He glanced up as the door opened and The Rev strolled in. He smiled and nodded in greeting.

"Hey stranger," J-- said standing and offering his hand, "long time no see ..."

The two shook hands as The Rev laughed and began to remove his coat.

"Yeah," said The Rev hanging his coat alongside J--'s on one of the bar chairs by the front window, "It hasn't been THAT long ..."

"Got a day off?" asked J-- as he sat down at the table and folded up the newspaper.

"Yeah," said The Rev as he turned towards the counter, "something like that ..."

Returning a moment later with a large cup of Chipperfield's house blend in his hand he pulled out a chair and sat across the small table from J--.

"So, what does 'something like that' mean?" asked J--.

"Oh, I'm trying to stay up here one day a week to get paper work done," said The Rev, "so I'm not being disturbed."

J-- started laughing, "yeah like that isn't a complete recipe for disaster ..."

"Exactly," said The Rev, picking up his coffee and taking a sip, "my cell and my home phone has been ringing and I am getting a tonne of emails in my work AND personal server. I'm getting less work done than if I was in the office right now ..."

"Good time for a break," said J-- lifting the mug of tea in salute.

"Exactly," said The Rev, "when the going gets rough the best place to go is for coffee with an old friend."

"Hey," said J--, his smile morphing into a frown, "careful with that 'old friend' business," he glanced around the shoppe, "folks might get the wrong impression ..."

"You got a birthday coming up don't you?" asked The Rev.

"Yup," nodded J-- in agreement, "another week and I turn the big 7-5!!"

"Congratulations," said The Rev smiling, "you don't look a day over 74!!"

"Thanks," snickered J--.

The two men were laughing as Ross wandered up to the table, "Mind if I sit down?" he asked.

"No," said J--, "it's your store. You can sit anywhere you want."

"Well, almost anywhere," said The Rev.

"Yeah," agreed Ross sitting down at the table. He leaned back in the chair and turned to J--, "so, did he tell you about our awesome showing at the Trivia Night this weekend?"

"Come in last again?" asked J-- with a wink.

"Not this year," said Ross smugly. As he spoke The Rev reached into his black nylon briefcase and pulled out a small trophy.

"Check it out," said The Rev setting the trophy on the table in front of J--.

"Consolation prize?" asked J--.

"Nope," said Ross proudly, "FIRST PRIZE ALL THE WAY !!"

"Really?" said J-- as he picked the Trophy up and read the gold coloured plaque on the base, "That's great."

"Yup," said Ross, "the Chipperdoodles came in first."

"Impressive showing after last year," said J--, "that last place finish was hard to take for all of you ..."

The Rev and Ross both laughed and nodded in agreement.

"Yeah, but winning the trophy this year is sweet revenge," observed The Rev.

"So where are you gonna display this beauty?" asked J-- holding the trophy up in his hand.

"Up on the mantel," said Ross seriously, his hand motioning to the ledge above J--'s head.

"Along with full page ads in the Trib announcing our win," said The Rev with a smile.

"Talk about your sore winner," laughed J--.

"So a spinning, lighted display for the trophy would be a little too much?" said Ross looking confused.

The Rev and J-- looked at each other across the table and began to laugh, neither committing to an answer ...

(Just for interest's sake ... The REAL Chipperdoodles team won the recent Kinettes/Kinsmen Trivia night and DO have a lovely trophy that will soon be lurking around the REAL Chipperfield's somewhere - rest assured we've talked Ross out of the illuminated rotating display case play Queen's song "We ARE the Champions!"!! and the Chipperdoodles team was responsible for creating the trivia questions for the Basswood Hall Trivia night last week too ... thanks to the combined wisdom of the real-life Jaydee, Bonnie, Ross and The Rev!! We're just sorry that Jaydee wasn't part of the K/K Trivia night ... Maybe NEXT year !! But for now - she can share in our victory nonetheless !!!)

Scenes from the Guest Book

Not satisfied with a simple signature,

a recent visitor left a work of art,

and perhaps a statement on how much he enjoyed

his visit to the REAL Chipperfields ...

I hope they come back again ...

Happy Birthday !!

This is the year where my circle of friends and I move into the fifth decade of life by marking our big 4-0 Birthdays ... I won't run through the inventory of those of us who have marked this aspicious chronological event ... Instead, I will simply note that around Chipperfields (the REAL place) the inspiration behind the character of Dani marks her 40th (or her 39th and holding) Birthday TODAY.

So to the real life Dani - I wish a HAPPY BIRTHDAY and may you have many more as you begin this year so full of exciting plans and dreams ...

Have fun girl !!!!

Promotion Ross Style

"I got an idea," Ross pulled out a chair and sat down at the table with J-- and a couple of the morning regulars who enjoying the warmth of the gas fireplace behind them and the sunshine pouring through the windows in front of the.

"An idea huh?" said J-- with a sly smile, "haven't we warned you to stay away from them?"

The regulars around the table laughed as Ross shook his head.

"No, this is a good one," he insisted.

"Let's hear it," said J-- placing the Brewit tea pot on his mug and decanting another shot of Organic Manitoba tea.

"Well, do you remember the old shampoo commercial where the young woman said "I told two friends, who told two friends, who told two friends ..."

"And so on and so on and so on," chimed in J--, "and then they showed the screen with more and more pictures of the gal ..."

"You've seen it?" asked Ross excitedly.

"Yeah sure," said J-- looking confused, "I saw it back in the 70's when it was on. But what does it have to do with your idea. Or is remembering it your BIG idea?" a grin passed over J--'s face as he lifted his mug up and took a sip.

"Wasn't that the commercial where the old guy came out and said 'I was so impressed that I bought the company?'" asked one of the regulars.

"Nay," replied the other regular, "that was a razor commercial, and it was the old guy who used to own the New England Patriots."

"Bet he's not as impressed now," said the first regular, "with the success the Pats are having."

"He's dead," observed the second regular.

"His Pats winning did him in?" asked J--

"Nay, he's been gone for a long time," observed the second regular, "but when he owned the Pats they couldn't win if the other team decided not to even show up. So this season would be a bit of a shock for him."

"What does all of this have to do with a shampoo commercial?" asked Ross confused.

"Huh?" said J-- with a stunned look crossing his face.

"What does talking about the Pats have to do with my idea?" asked Ross again, still looking confused.

"Nothing," answered the first regular, "we're just chatting about stuff. You're the one who brought up an old tv commercial."

"What's next?" asked J--, "Haul out a Marlin Perkins' double to do a spoof on Mutual of Omaha?"

"While Jim headed up river to wrestle the deadly Little Saskatchewan Man eating Alligator," said one of the regulars in his best imitation of Perkins, "I stayed behind and sipped the finest dark roast blend of coffee at Chipperfields."

"Don't forget the Carrot Cake," offered the second regular happily.

"Oh yeah," said the first regular, "just like the mummy alligator chomping down on its lunch, you can stop by Chipperfields to chomp down on a slice of delicious homemade carrot cake."

The three men at the table shared in a laugh.

"No, my idea isn't just remembering an old commercial," said Ross trying to reclaim and tame the conversation, "my idea uses the old commercial though."

"You gonna get one of the Chipperfield girls here," with his thumb the regular gestured over to the counter where JayDee was busy preparing a customer's order, "to go on camera and say - "it was so good I told two friends, who told two friends, who told two friends ..."

J-- and the other regular joined in the chorus, "and so on and so on and so on ..."

The other regular sipped his coffee before speaking, "I still think the Perkins idea could work though ..."

Ross paused before speaking, he glanced at the regular shook his head slightly then opened his mouth to speak as his face began to redden, "I wasn't intending to run a commercial or any thing like that," he paused and shrugged, "but now that you mention it ..."

The three men around the table began to laugh again.

"So, what's your idea?" asked J-- again, "or are you gonna make us guess?"

"Well, my idea is kind of like that old commercial," said Ross, "but instead of a tv commercial, I was going to encourage my customers to go and tell their two of their friends to come by and check us out, and then get each of those customers to tell two of their friends who will then come by and tell two of their friends to come ad check us out ..."

"And so on and so on and so on ..." J-- interrupted as he glanced around the shoppe, "so do you think you have room to accommodate the crowds that could result if all those folks showed up at one time."

"Not too mention the supply of coffee," added one of the regulars helpfully.

"Or the water," said the other regular, "I heard if you have too many five gallon jugs of water refilled at once you over tax the water supply."

Ross gulped, "I wasn't thinking every one would show up at the same time," he glanced over his shoulder nervously towards the office window where Bonnie was busily working beyond the blinds, "and the water thing only happened that one time when we filled 20 five gallon jugs in short order. And the water supply recharged in an hour ..."

"So do you think the word of mouth might actually work?" asked J-- intrigued.

"It couldn't hurt could it?" replied Ross.

"As long as it isn't another one of those schemes like the mail order Holy Water stunt you pulled a year or so ago," said J-- with a laugh.

"Hey that would have worked," offered Ross, "I just needed a little more time to get it off the ground."

"Yeah whatever," laughed J--, "let's not go there ..."

Ross nodded in agreement, looking visibly relieved.

"But I am curious about your notion of telling two friends who tell two friends," said J-- leaning in closer to the table, "and so on and so on. How do you figure this could work."

"Well, it's just using the old word of mouth thing," said Ross, "I want to encourage my customers to tell others about this place. Especially those folks in town who haven't darkened the door in our two and a half years of business."

"Sounds reasonable," said J--, "But don't you think if they haven't been here yet, they likely aren't gonna come in because everyone is talking about what a great place this is?" he waved his hand over his head in a grand flourish.

"Yeah, you can't make someone have good taste in coffee or tea," said one of the regulars.

"But you can through word of mouth," offered Ross hopefully, "encourage folks to stop by and check us out."

"That idea is crazy enough it just might work," said J--.

The two regulars stared at him with smirks on their faces.

"That's all I can hope for," offered Ross quietly, "That and everyone who stops by telling two more friends about us ..."

"I'll get started on it next time I'm bowling," said one of the regulars.

"And I'll tell everyone I meet next time I go down to Timmy's in Brandon," said J-- with a big smile.

Ross' eyes widened in wonder, "you serious?"

"Nay," said J-- holding the final syllable, "I would, but they're the wrong kinda people for a place like this ..." He paused to take a sip from his tea while he smiled like the Cheshire cat at Ross.

Ross just shook his head.

Dinner Time ...

Dani and Ainsley were standing behind the counter. The shoppe was unusually quiet for a Sunday night. They had most of the closing check lists done, so they took the lull to catch their breath and chat ...

"So, what have you done this weekend?" asked Dani, "aside from work."

"My family and I went to visit family up in Russell," said Ainsley, her face beaming with a big smile, "we left right after school and spent the night at the hotel there."

"Did you go swimming or skiing?" asked Dani sipping her coffee, her eyes locked on Alexis'.

"Both," said Ainsley, lifting her steamer to her mouth and taking a small sip before speaking, "we all went swimming on Friday night, then on Saturday we went skiing before the family supper ..."

"How was it?"

"It was nice," said Ainsley with a shrug, "but I prefer the hill here in Minnedosa. It's a little easier to navigate, and there are fewer hot doggers here."

"What about boys?" said Dani in a whisper, her eyes sparkling with mischief, "were there lots of boys up at the ski hill?" after a pause she smiled slyly and sipped her coffee as she winked at Ainsley over the rim of the mug as she spoke, "Bet there were lots ..."

"SHUT UP," said Ainsley, a red blush washing over her cheeks, "I don't want to talk about THAT ..."

"Oh there were boys ..." said Dani with a laugh, "otherwise you'd tell me."

"SHUT UP," said Ainsley, the red deepening on her cheeks.

"So," Dani, "what did you eat up there? When you weren't too busy flirting with the boys..."

"Shut up," Ainsley's face grew serious, but the grin pulling at the corners of her mouth and the twinkle in her eyes betrayed her mirth.

The two of them shared a laugh before Dani asked Ainsley again, "So did you guys go out for supper up there, or did you just eat at the hotel?"

"Oh we went to that pizza place that everyone talks about," said Ainsley eagerly, "Dad wanted to talk to the owner about advertising in Brandon, so we went there for dinner on Friday."

"How was it?" asked Dani, she reached up and adjusted the cordouroy hat perched on her head.

"It was good," said Ainsley, then with the snort of a stifled laugh she continued, "but get this. We ordered a pizza with a bunch of topping, but dad had an itch for fresh mushrooms, so he asked the waitress if they had fresh mushrooms to put on the pizza."

"Yeah?" asked Dani, leaning in slightly to listen, "and?"

"Well," Ainsley smiled as she continued, "She said 'oh yes sir, they are fresh mushrooms. I just opened the can when I came on an hour ago ...'" she paused and laughed, "can you believe it?"

"What did your dad say?"

"Not much," said Ainsley, "he was just shocked ..."

"I guess," said Dani.

"Dinner time with my family," said Ainsley turning to greet the customer who had just entered the shoppe, "it is what it is ..."

"Oh My God ..."

The usual assortment of regulars were gathered around the tables up front and handful of other patrons scattered throughout the shoppe. Bonnie was deep in a conversation with a young woman about the selection of tea available. Behind the counter Dani and Ainsley were busy filling orders for the customers standing by the counter.

It was by all accounts a typical winter morning, the shoppe was filled with the delightful chatter of conversation interspersed by the gutteral growl of the espresso machine. Suddenly the conversation stopped with a dozen pairs of eyes watching as Ross stolled passed on the sidewalk outside the front windows.

The espresso machine fell silent causing Dani glaced up with a perplexed look crossing her face as she wondered what had suddenly silenced everyone in the shoppe. She noticed that almost all eyes were cast towards the front windows of the store as though they were anticipating the arrival of someone or something grand. She was glancing about the shoppe when the door opened and Ross stepped into the shoppe with a broad grin across his face.

Dani's face lost all expression, though her eyes crinkled at the supressed smile and laughter she was fighting desperately to restrain.

"Morning," Ross offered his greeting to the table of regulars at the front by the fireplace.

They returned his greeting with smiles, shaking heads and quiet snorts as they glanced away.

As Ross rounded the corner of the counter two sounds greeted him simultaneously. The first was a loud shriek-like exclamation from Bonnie, the second was the sound of a coffee mug shattering on the floor as it dropped from her hands.

"OH MY GOD!!" exclaimed Bonnie as the mug fell, "What the hell is that?" she shuffled her feet as coffee splashed around her shoes. She glanced down at the remains of the coffee and mug uncertain what to focus on first.

"I got it," exclaimed Dani from behind the counter as she grabbed a cloth and dove into the clean up at Bonnie's feet.

"Thanks," muttered Bonnie as she wondered why Dani was giggling.

"No problem," Dani's words sounded choked and forced.

Bonnie looked back up at Ross as she stepped clear of Dani who was busily cleaning up the coffee.

"What?" said Ross, his jaw dropping as he struggled to comprehend his partner's reaction.

"WHAT ARE YOU WEARING?" Bonnie's words escaped her lips like a hiss as she clenched her jaw tightly, desperately trying to restrain herself.

"I was invited to go skiing this afternoon with J--," said Ross glancing down at the new wind suit he was wearing, "and my old suit didn't fit properly, so I when I was in Brandon I bought this one." His arms offered a Vanna White like motion over his purchase, which he was obviously proud of.

"You bought THAT?" Bonnie's eyes widened with shock tempered slightly with revulsion.

"It was on sale," offered Ross sensing something that was yet unspoken, "I got a good deal on it."

"It's not the cost that concerns me," said Bonnie.

"Then what is it?" said Ross obviously confused.

"It's just ..." Bonnie stood staring at Ross. She was at a complete loss for words as she tried to offer an explanation to her partner for her reaction to his clothing choice.

"OH MY GOD," Ainsley's voice cut through the moment of silence, "YOU LOOK JUST LIKE A TELETUBBIE!!" her laughter stifled further comment.

"That's it," sputtered Bonnie with a laugh.

"I gotta go," shrieked Dani as she gathered the shards of the mug and rocketed to the kitchen. The sound of her laughter was untempered by her exit.

"I look like a what?" asked Ross looking somewhat perturbed. His mood was not helped by the laughter of the customers and regulars scattered around him.

"You look just like the Yellow teletubbie," said Ainsley wiping away the tears from her eyes.

"What?" said Ross dumbfounded.

"In that yellow suit, you look JUST like him," Ainsley offered as she leaned on the counter beside the cash register to steady herself as she shook with laughter.

"I do not!" said Ross firmly.

"Yes you do," said Bonnie laughing, "I just didn't know how to tell you."

Ross turned and glanced at his reflection in the mirrors lining the wall of the shoppe, "OH my God! I do ..." his voice trailed off as he turned side to side and took in the vista of himself shrouded in the bright yellow fabric of the wind suit he has been so proud of a moment ago, "I hadn't noticed it at the store ..."

The murmur of laughter rolled through the store as Ross stared downcast at his reflection.

"I guess I shouldn't wear this then," he pulled from his jacket pocket a matching bright yellow knitted toque that he slipped on his head. The pointy top lacked a tassle, and instead the long knitted fabric had a knot near the end that made it look remarkably like the zig zag that sat on the head of the yellow teletubbie.

"OH MY GOD," shrieked Dani as she came back out of the kitchen, "now you really look like that freaky little Laa-Laa."

"Oh damn ..." Ross stood crestfallen as the entire shoppe roared with laughter.

The door of the shoppe opened and in strolled J-- wearing his bright purple windsuit complete with a matching purple hat that had a huge oversized purple tassle on top. The hat was perched on the top of his head with his ears poking out in an elflike fashion underneath its brim.

"Morning all," said J-- with a smile as he rounded the counter.

"Oh Look Laa-Laa," said Ainsley as she resumed her laughter, "Tinky Winky is here now."

Ross looked like we wasn't sure whether to laugh or cry ...

Dani erupted into another peal of laughter with the words, "OH MY GOD!!"

Bonnie shook her head and walked away, "Have fun you too ..." As she rounded the ice cream cooler she paused and glanced back at J-- and Ross and said, "Teletubbie 'Bye bye'" with a wave and a smile.

Happy New Year !!!

What a gift ...

The temperature outside was minus 27C ... inside I was sitting at the table closest to the fireplace and enjoying the heat on my back as I sat reading through some material on Community and Economic Development ...

As I read about mapping and assessing the assets of a community, I paused and glanced outside ... Main Street was deserted ... You could count on one hand the number of cars that drove by in a 20 minutes period and still have a couple of fingers left over. A couple of days ago I sat at the same table and heard a couple of Minnedosa's long term residents muse about how the town was buzzing on Saturday nights NOT that long ago. One remembered his parents driving the car downtown in the afternoon to get a parking spot outside the Dominion Cafe that night. The other talked about what there was to do on a Saturday night ... BOTH agreed to "how much things have changed."

Tonight there were almost no cars in front of either bar ... and until 11, the only cafe open was Chipperfields ... but even it was almost deserted ...

This is a community with much to offer ... Chipperfields Coffee Company (the real place on Main St) is a gem within this town. The food and beverage selection is simply top notch. The staff and management offer exceptional service, and pride themselves on putting their customers front and centre. The coffee, tea, and gift item selection is eclectic, funky, and just plain fun. And lately the focus on the creations of local artisans, photographers and entrepeneurs means you can buy unique gift items while supporting your neighbours.

But what makes Chipperfield Coffee Company (the real place) a community asset is the emphasis on being a business AND a place for the community to gather. The recent string of concerts, including the most recent appearance by the MCI Jazz bands, have brought together a variety of people to enjoy a night out while staying "home." And the availabilty of the shoppe for gatherings, meetings, and just hanging out means that a broad spectrum of Minnedosa society can come and go in the historic building that has been many things to many people ... Lately though, it has been a warm and friendly place to come and sit a spell and enjoy some of the best Minnedosa has to offer ...

I'm not sure how I would "map" Chipperfields, but I know that it is a significant Asset to our community. Looking at many of the communities around us that used to be bustling places on Saturday night, but now are nothing more than a highway sign pointing to the village site where once vibrant thriving business stood, there's a pressing need to breath life back into our town and our region ... otherwise, our highway signs might as well say "we were once here ..."

Tonight in the comfort of Chipperfields I realized how much potential our town really has ... Maybe one day that potential will be realized.

And we will have the dedication of the staff and management of Chipperfield Coffee Company not only to thank, but they will be showing us the way ...