08/21/2024
August 21 2024
One last post as I flip the sign to closed for the last time. Sorry/not sorry if its felt like a long goodbye but its not often that we know ahead it will be the last time we do something. So as I baked my last bun, sent out my last lunch and poured my last coffee I have been fortunate enough to savor those moments along with the memories of how we got here. Thanks to all of you who have reached out, shared memories and hugs thanking me. I have felt the love. I think we see the world thru our lens and lose sight of how our world impacts others. It’s been humbling to experience.
Who could of imagined when we brown papered the windows over 25 years ago, remodeled the space and opened it to the public, what this business would turn out to be. I had dreams, I had expectations and the reality of the entire experience has been so much better.
This cafe raised our family. When we started we still had kids in elementary school. Our children grew up here. They learned a great work ethic, they learned how important customer service is. They saw that by supporting your community they support you. They shared the family table every single day and by doing that they learned that strangers become friends,and friends become family.
This cafe saw those same kids leave the nest, figure out adulting and become parents themselves. Then they gave the greatest gift of all - our precious grandchildren. Watching life thru the eyes of little humans is amazing and we look forward to more time spent.
This cafe saw me thru some big losses. That whole circle of life. Self employment comes with no sick leave, no bereavement leave, so there were a lot of days that I wiped tears in the back room, put a smile on and poured your coffees. In retrospect, that taught me not to dwell on my problems. I had to “cowboy up” and keep going. It showed me that an entire community can lift you up on dark days. Also that same community can celebrate your triumphs. I soon figured out that we all have a story - and sharing helps.
This cafe pushed my limits all the time. It was my mission to say yes first and figure out how to make it happen later. Cater a wedding for 250 (out side appys at 3, full supper at 6) yes. Teach a cooking class - yes. Accommodate all sorts of eating restrictions and still make everyone feel welcome - yes. Cater 4 weddings a year - yes. Take out Turkey supper for 350 people in 45 minutes - yes yes. Outside voice was saying yes - inside one said how the heck are you going to make it happen. Lots of sleepless nights and long days. I have to say I loved the challenge of figuring out the logistics of making so many great events happen.
This cafe challenged me creatively - who else gets to learn a new country’s cuisine each month for an entire year.
This cafe taught me resilience. When your self employed you wear many hats. I was the cook, the purchasing agent, the pr manager, the book keeper and the cleaner. Each with its own set of skills and challenges. Self employment is not for the faint of heart but the rewards are immeasurable.
This cafe took me out of my comfort zone on the daily. I suspect by nature I am more introverted than extroverted. Let me tell you, when you have a open kitchen and small tables and you want to make everyone feel welcomed - you get over the introvert side in a hurry.
I hope this cafe was able to fill your bellies and warm your souls.
This cafe needed baking, meals and catering to stay afloat. So every coffee, soup and hot meal you bought, helped. Every time you asked me to cater your wedding, your funerals, your staff functions, helped. So while I still have a bit of a soap box - please please please. - shop local first. Shop a store with a door. We don’t have to look very far to see if you don’t use it you will loose it! Retail is hard, rural retail is brutal and it just takes a little from all of us to make sure those doors stay open.
This cafe taught me a lot. I am grateful for the life lessons learned and the relationships formed. I am going to miss it and miss you. I am also really excited for the next stage. Retirement - where you have earned the reward of being time rich.
So today as I flip that sign for the last time - I don't say goodbye - I say see you again.
It has been my pleasure. It has been my privilege. Thank YOU
