christmas morning walks

woke up this morning and brushed my teeth, put on some clothes and went for a walk along the boardwalk with views of manhattan. the sky was big and blue, i thought what a nice thing on christmas day.

now i know folks like to have a white christmas, and i must admit there is something nice about seeing the cute little snow flakes falling on christmas eve. but in new york, lots of snow, and heavy snow storms are not unusual. so i know there will be plenty of time for snow with january vying for its turn in the winter months. for now, for me, it's nice that it's not too cold yet, and the sky is big and blue, with nice views.

i just thought it would be a nice way to start the day, it was. sweethearts and families and children up and out taking advantage of the morning. strangers smiling at one another, wishing merry christmas. why can't christmas be everyday?

while walking i noticed a number of folks with coffee in tow. i envy coffee drinkers, it really does seem like a pleasureable experience. coffee gives me the shakes, so i can't drink it, but for those who do, they seem to enjoy it so. such a sweet indulgence, no? a moment between you and your coffee... and new yorkers do like their coffee to go. something about it, having a boost while on the way to the next 'thing to do.' but this morning, walking along the boardwalk, there was no rush. folks were almost still, taking their time. couples holding hands, mommies and daddies pushing baby carriages, children testing out their new bicycles that 'santa' delivered only hours ago. hope all is good for you and yours this christmas.

the starbucks appeal

i've often wondered what is the appeal of starbucks cafes, and i think i am beginning to get an idea why. i don't visit starbucks often. i don't know the politics of the 'situation,' and i think there are many from the mumblings about towns that i have heard. i'm not a coffee drinker, and for me their tea is tasteless. that said, no one can deny they are successful.

yesterday while waiting to meet s in front of starbucks, simply a meeting place, it being cold, i snuck inside to get warm, and thought why not have a nice warm cup of tea while at it. the christmas carols were piping through the sound system filling the cafe with christmas spirit. the lines were long with groups of families and friends getting their tonic of choice, from little boys getting hot chocolate with swirls and swirls of whip cream, to mom's grande mocha something or other.

i sat down with my green tea chai latte (with soy)... it does get pleasingly complicated doesn't it? ... and waited for s. taking off my jacket, pleased at the warm woolen sweater i had chosen for this chilly day, i wrapped my paws around my warm beverage. swarms of folks made their way in with the lines almost out the door. i wondered what is the appeal. less expensive and probably better coffee can be had elsewhere.

while i sat there getting toasty, singing along to the christmas carols quietly and looking forward to chatting with my friend, it dawned on me. starbucks isn't just a cup of coffee, it's an experience. a place where you meet with friends and family and indulge yourself in sinful pleasures like chocolate and whip cream and coffee and tea done up in a way grandma never has. not that it is better, it's just different...