Over the last few weeks, so many of you have told me such great things about this awesome team we have at the coffeehouse.  Over and over again, I have heard how well they handle your special requests with grace and ease.  Back when the idea of this business was just starting to form, I had thought the most important thing I could do would be to select the right coffee or have the best made-to-order food.  These last few months I have learned from everyone that those are things that can be found in many places but what keeps so many coming back to us are the smiling faces behind the counter.
​     I always appreciate the feedback on what is working and what may not be working but the common thread in so many conversations is how well this team does.  Who doesn't enjoy going in to a business and knowing that the people working really do appreciate you?  I give all the credit to these amazing women.  As I watch them interact with each other and you, I know that the best thing we have done is to have put this team together.
​     It all started with Steph, and I couldn't be prouder of her managerial skills or in knowing that she has allowed this great team to blossom while being genuinely good at everything.  I love watching Emily connect with everyone; she's so good with people and putting that together with her ability to do anything in the kitchen makes her such an important piece of the puzzle.  These two together are great at coming up with the best ideas to steer the ship!
​     Caitlyn joined us for the fair in August and decided to hang around, running the weekend crew, and I am so glad she did.  There isn't anything she can't do well!  Our kitchen queen, Jeanne, is our only culinary school grad, and she comes up with the most delicious and creative baked goods.  Her presentation skills and inspired cooking ideas make her such an important asset.  She even MAKES our butter!!  Samantha is such a fun person to have around, and if you want an amazing latte, she can steam/foam milk really well.  Last, but not least, is our newest addition, Riley.  She is eager to learn about everything we do, is a fast learner and super dependable in the kitchen.
​     Having helped out at the fair, and coming in to help when their busy schedules allow, our team is completed by Melissa and Kim who bring mad kitchen skills and in addition to being really good at what they do, are just fun to have around in a busy kitchen!
​     As we plan holiday events such as pie orders and Christmas parties, we will keep working hard to maintain that high standard everyone has come to expect from us.  We hope you will consider us for your gift needs and our newest option is the coffee catering for coffee and espresso for your business or family events.  We love being part of Hardwick, and look forward to seeing you on the common!

     One of the things that I missed almost more than anything else when we lived in Florida was the turning of the leaves.  It could also be the smells that are unique to fall but without a doubt, it was the colors bursting from the trees as they prepare to hunker down for a cold winter that I longed for every year.  City dwellers can get the colors but they miss the joy of growing up with fall in smaller settings.  The chore of raking leaves was inevitably followed by leaf wars that required you to re-rake every time.  My memories are filled with images of jumping into huge piles of leaves and breathing in the last of the outdoors, listening to the sound of wind rustling through the drying leaves still on trees.
​     Here at the coffeehouse, we've taken down bright summer blossoms we enjoyed through the warm months and have replaced them with pumpkins and mums.  The thermometer creeps slowly down, and our thoughts are turning to preparing for the upcoming winter but as long as possible, the porch and patio will remain open to soak up the last of the season's sun.  What better place to watch the leaves turn to bright yellow, orange and red on the common?
​     As one would expect, we have seen a decline in demand for iced drinks but for those brave souls who crave a great cold brew in 10 degree weather, have no fear for we will not let you down!  Mr. Large Iced Vanilla Latte, you can count on us!  Find yourself needing an iced mocha to get your mojo on, you know where you can find us!
​     As for the food?  Who doesn't love a cup of hot soup on a chilly day?  Want something more substantial?  Check out our specials because they do rotate, and you won't want to miss them.  Yesterday's special sandwich was a spicy ham & cheese on a toasted pretzel roll.  A-Maz-Ing!  Last week we offered a chicken, sun-dried tomato, pesto wrap that was to die for!  Friend us on Facebook to find out our specials.  When the kids are in school, what better place to savor a hot Latte and enjoy a book, an easy chair and a fresh-baked muffin!
​     I would like to offer my continued thanks for everyone's support, and we look forward to seeing you on the common.