Quote of The Day

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Sunday Scribblings Coffee


Sunday Scribblings this weeks prompt is "Coffee," a subject dear to my heart!


I LOVE a morning coffee, which my dear son in-law will often bring up to the computer for me on his day off. Never quite knowing how much I appreciate that. For all the coffee in my life that I have served it's very exciting to be on the receiving end.


I've always been a social coffee drinker and rarely start a pot just for myself. Except for that morning brew, which I will set up the night ahead for the kids. I alternate with those Mary Naylor mugs which are unfortunately getting very chipped now!


Not one to frequent Starbucks I do buy the beans from Costco, it's a favorite indulgence, my reward for rarely buying a coffee out! Because of my history of drinking really high quality brew my stomach does not take kindly to inferior blends.

For sixteen years my father worked for a coffee company that a family friend ran. He always brought home special blends of coffee that smelled so scrumptious. Starting from the age of eight, the rule was, first one up started the coffee! We had a pot of coffee brewing from early morning until late at night, with many pots in-between.


At first we perked in on the stove which I have on occasion done when my drip pot has failed me. In later years they had a plug in percolator! Mom had a beauty salon in our home growing up. I was expected to make sure a fresh pot of coffee was on, serve her customers and wash the mugs! Mom didn't hesitate to offer me coffee from the age of twelve on. I drank it on occasion and always loved it.


One day about twelve years ago I bought a bag of rice, either at costco or my regular supermarket, I can't recall. When I got it home I noticed it had different writing on the back. I was flabbergasted to realize that it was the name and address of the coffee company my dad worked at for sixteen years from the Nineteen- fifties when I was born, until early Nineteen-seventy!

The business had been started by my godfathers dad, and was named Johnson Brothers coffee and lasted two generations, until it was sold. I'm named after my godmother, his first wife, who was also my mothers best friend. Her daughter Kym, who I refer to as my cousin, is the granddaughter of the man who started the company. The business was long defunct when I bought this bag of rice. I have no idea whether they were old burlap sacks laying around somewhere. For Kym and I it's a message from beyond with both of our dads and her grandfather gone. A reminder of the good times we had as children. Our dads, coffee beans, camping, and the bond that binds us to this day!


14 comments:

linda may said...

What a strange coincidence for that bag to find it's way back to you. You could make something out of it as a special reminder/keepsake.But on the other hand it would be a shame to change the original. Be creative.

Cynthia said...

I love your post here. What an
wonderful as well as intersting
childhood, and to find this
burlap bag! wow.
I just adore the idea of coffee
on all day long.
You have a very brigh, brillant
blog.

paisley said...

i so love the story on the rice bag.. i am with you,, i believe it was there for you and you alone......

Roan said...

What a wonderful find. Even if the company is long defunct, the bag is a prize. Coffee and friendship, they go well together. Enjoyed your post. BJ

Rambler said...

now the bag would have been a pleasant surprise isn't it :)

Queen-Size funny bone said...

wow if that doesn't make you think. I never got into coffee and I relly don't know why but have a cup on me. If I was closer I'd bring you a cup.

Granny Smith said...

The more I read of SS posts and comments this week, the more I am impressed with how what we drink is linked to memories of our pasts. I love those beautiful mugs in the photo, and would probably choose one to drink from, chipped or not.

Lucy said...

that recycled rice bag! while it's mysterious in an OH SO nice, type of surprise,it also seems like a health violation! haha
I mean WHY are they putting rice in a used, old coffee bag?? BizarreO, NO? It must have been meant for ONLY you.

I love when you tell anything that has to do with Mom and her salon. You always make me realize I should have my kids help more often!
Bryan is My 4th favorite young man!
and I adore your funky mugs! I feel like you do about my love for coffee! Although, STarbucks and I just don't mix! xxox
hope we get to share a pot someday

Jennifer Hicks said...

doesn't coffee always taste better when someone else serves it to you?

Tumblewords: said...

I'm so glad the photo of your charming cups headlined your post - That's a fascinating truth is stranger than fiction story about the rice bag, too. Lots of interesting tidbits in your post - I so enjoyed it!

Anonymous said...

What a cool synchronicity, finding that bag - that's such a sentimental souvenir!

Tammy Brierly said...

What a cool story sherrie! I love my French press. XXOO

Forgetfulone said...

I really enjoyed your coffee post. I love the aroma, but I never learned to drink it. I love to buy coffee for people. I guess I kinda wish I did drink it. Great post.

Carol said...

♥♥♥♥

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