Goodbye, Summer

I'm not sure if I should say goodbye to summer or not. Every time I think "This is my last chance to enjoy a coffee shop patio this summer," we get another heat wave. Now, it's well into autumn. The mornings are cold (yikes! 39 degrees) and the days are cooler, so I am still soaking up every sunbeam. The cold, dreary half of the season could descend any moment.

So, this weekend I sunned myself in Cafe Roche's window, looking over a busy neighborhood street lined with colorful trees. I enjoyed the slightly cool air coming in from the street. Sipping a gingerbread latte energized me for a new project. Looking out at the world around me makes it easier to be disciplined and get the work done!

Later, I chilled (50 degree chillin') on the Back Street Buzz patio listening to A Cup of Blues in the dark, breezy night. I think I got it backward - must remember to do the patio thing by day! At any rate, it will be wonderful if we can stretch the patio entertainment any further into the season. But, winter will come sooner or later, and then we can get cozy in our favorite coffee shops with hot drinks!

I'm also still looking for a time traveler - I have a vision of teleporting myself to every event on the Events page one weekend. Maybe when I'm President or Queen or Billionaire, my people will drive me there, whisk me in and out of the coffee shops, and all the events will be timed to coincide with my photo-ops.

Looks like another gorgeous, cool fall day is here today. Have a great day, fans!

You make me wanna . . .

Peaches, former shelter dog

Coffee shops with patios or sidewalk cafes make me want to move to their neighborhood, adopt a dog, and plan my morning dog walk to stop by the coffee shop. Even though I'm a cat person, I enjoy watching the dogs who stop by coffee shops on their morning walks. Well-behaved dogs, oohs and ahhs from their admirers, and hot caffeine make everyone smile. And when everyone is smiling, the world is a better place.  That's a big accomplishment for your neighborhood coffee shop. It appears small and unassuming on the outside, but inside it is very busy making people happy and more connected to friends and strangers alike.

What about you, coffee shop fans? What does your favorite coffee shop inspire you to do?

Groundhogs at Greensborough Coffee

One of the groundhogs eats a snack on the patio with Melissa Coe.

Nothing gets your mind off a bad day like petting groundhogs, sipping iced latte, and listening to great music on the patio. Hansel & Gretel, friendly groundhogs who enjoy broccoli and pats on the head, were representing Piedmont Wildlife Rehab and raising funds to help injured wildlife. Look them up on Facebook or Piedmont Wildlife Rehab, Inc.!

Coffee shop fans, tells us about your summer evenings on coffee shop patios!