Too much down time on a Saturday pm. Thanks to everyone who DIDN'T call me tonight just to see what's up. Idle rambling alert, be forwarned. To be forwarned is to be forearmed. But then again, wouldn't you look pretty dumb with four arms? Get it? "FOUR arms"?...

Anyways, I have been considering the differences you might notice between the establishments called "Coffee Shops", and those called "Coffee Shoppes". I think that if'n you go into a coffee "shop", it's pretty much a restaurant. I mean, I used to go to a coffee "shop" when I was living in New Mexico (Albuquerque ; The Duke City) and you could get breakfast there, sandwiches, and it had just regular restaurant type look to it. Big windows looking out on Central Blvd. a.k.a. "The longest Main Street in America". Not much different than any other eating establishment. However, a coffee "shoppe" is another matter it seems. First, there's the word - "shoppe" Why the different spelling, hmmm? "Shoppe" suggests some sort of English connotation to me, such as "Ye Olde Coffee Shoppe", etc. I see the word "shoppe" and I instantly expect the place to be somewhat darker inside with rectangular wooden tables and sturdy leather seated chairs. Probably wood paneling, maybe cedar or knotty pine, maybe some booths with "burgundy" colored leatherette fabric. And I expect slower service (not bad slow, just less hectic) in a "coffee shoppe", which seems to be the kind of place you might want to linger; maybe write some postcards (remember them?) or just read the paper after eating some pancakes or a couple of donuts.

And then there is the other category of "coffee house", or, perhaps even "coffee haus", which obviously implies something along the lines of a Germanic caffeine experience. Maybe there you could have some nice apple strudel with your coffee (koffee?).

I often wonder why or how an eating establishment picks its name. If it's named after the owner, that's usually obvious. Or a type of food, that's usually clear. But sometimes, I see a name that just doesn't work on any level. For instance, once I saw a place called "Pizza Cabin". I don't get it. Is there some connection that I am unaware of between cabins and pizza? Did the early pioneers often have occasion to enjoy a nice pizza pie in their wilderness cabins back in the olden days? Had they ever even heard of pizza? Had pizza even been invented yet? So why "Pizza Cabin" for a name? Just wondering. But if you can have Pizza Cabin, what's next? Taco Basement? Spaghetti Tent? Ye Olde Haggis Trailer? Jus' rambling.

be good.

OK, here's the deal. Having heard from several interested parties associated with the RGNC, and realizing the empty little spot that this blog has managed to fill in our daily routine from time to time, we have made the decision as a group to get back on the horse and see where it takes us. Some of us will be gone for the summer, unable to contribute very often. Therefore, those who remain in America for the next 2 months will be running the show. I admit to being one of those who, as is my wont, will be travelling far and wide for the next 2-3 months. So, forgive my lack of participation in advance. I'll try to post from whatever wide spot in the Mediterranean basin I can find.

Meanwhile, who's doing what lately? Somebody blog something, for crying out loud.

be good.

Still a few embers glowing, so the fire ain't out yet. I'll stop by from time to time and blow a little bit. If any of ya find a twig or two and want to toss 'em on, that'd just be great. From what I have gathered regarding the founding members of this group, there has been a rich history of fading out and back in, regrouping, transitioning from one thing to another and the like. So it may be here. Considering the musical roots of said group, I think its safe to say "It ain't over till the fat lady sings". I'll do my best to keep her off the stage, for a little while anyway.

Be happy and careful