Blog

"You don't need one without seeds today?" No, but thanks for noticing. Gabe is off today. Picking up subs at the side door for our busy spring and summer Saturdays at the bike store - the order varies little from week to week. An extra one this week, minus two next week, add the cookies today. Shopping the family-owned bakery where conversations are exchanged, these details are noticed. Gina at the cleaners notices I haven't been in for months and she welcomes me back, wishing me better health. Our favorite family-owned restaurants welcome Jeff and I and we are glad to see them. I would throw them for a loop if I ordered anything to drink besides a Coke. Being recognized and welcomed keeps us returning. We don't expect everyone to know our names, but facial recognition and a "glad to see you" look keeps us returning. We support the non- corporate businesses as much as possible, knowing how hard they work and care about their customers. Saving a couple dollars to have a robotic interaction is not worth it to us. Our bike store customers are treated as we like to be treated with many becoming like family. Exchanging updates about families, vacations and achievements are part of each day. We share in their happiness and our hearts break when their hearts break. Support from our customers while our son served in Iraq was much appreciated and helpful as worry eases when shared with others. New customers witness our interactions realizing we are a fun and caring place to hang out. Broke down out on a ride, and have no wallet - no problem. Call when you get home and pay over the phone. The corporate stores give me 99 cents in change if I don't have a penny. Most likely, you expect a landscape or floral painting from me. Though that is not always what you get, I hope the landscape feels familiar and welcoming.