South Africans (or at least the ones I know) celebrate Sept 1st as the unofficial beginning of Spring... kind of like Labor Day Weekend being the unofficial end of the summer in the U.S. (Oh, that's this weekend, isn't it?). So, right out of the blocks on Thursday, on my way to this week's Crawl destination, I received a call from a friend here wishing me a Happy Spring! Then, once at Deo Volente, Fran de Beer surprised this week's Crawlers, Keith de Beer, Stella and Beryl Dawson, Beth Vieira, June Nash, Gail Darne, and me with daisies from her garden to celebrate the occasion. Thank you, Fran... what a great way to start the day! Someone must have tipped my husband off about the Spring thing because he arrived at home on Wednesday after work with roses for me that he bought on a street corner for R20 and an apple! How romantic.
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| This Week's Crawlers Beryl, Stella, June, Fran, Keith, Beth, Gail |
Deo Volente, located at 29 5th Ave in Newton Park, has been an integral part of this area of PE for two and a half years. Owners and patrons of the many businesses in Newton Park keep Margie and staff busy M-F, 7-4:30, and Sat. 8-2. The shop seats about 32 customers for regular business and about 50 people for small functions.
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| Meet the Owner Margie Peel |
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| Meet the Barista Emmanuel |
Now, I am a real fan of hardwood floors, so when we entered the shop and I saw the beautiful wood floors with complementing wood tables to match, I thought that this is how I would furnish a coffee shop if I ever opened one. In an effort to support local talent, Margie has decorated the walls of Deo Volente with works by PE artists and photographers. All the pieces are for sale so the decor is constantly changing as patrons purchase wall hangings that catch their eye. The walls are filled with pieces of varying styles so it's not difficult to find something you like. At some point during our visit, everyone took an opportunity to check out the tremendous selection of paintings and photographs. In keeping with the local theme, Margie has chosen Masterton's "Out of Africa" blend for the shop's barista, Emmanuel, to use as he whips up all of the coffee beverages. When I make a Masterton's run I usually go for the "Cameo on Black Velvet" beans and a blend called "Dawn Patrol." I really like both but "Out of Africa" was out-of-this-world! The cups were nice and hot, as well. Thanks, Emmanuel, my cappuccino and Americano were awesome!
With all this talk of Spring my brain automatically thinks April/May time frame. Along that line, the Crawlers then discussed April Fool's Day and the lengths some people will go to to pull off a good prank. As a teacher in NY I always gave an outrageously difficult pop quiz on April 1st, putting my students into a real panic. I'm certainly not the only teacher to do this so I just don't get why the kids always fell for it!?!
Also with Spring comes the realization that Christmas is just around the corner... WHAT?!? Sorry, hemisphere confusion strikes again. But, we really did then get onto the subject of Christmas. I definitely need to get going on writing my cards. When I sent birthday cards to my father-in-law and sister earlier this year it took two and a half months to get to the U.S. I'd better get my holiday cards mailed soon!
~Thank you to Margie and staff... Deo Volente was the perfect shop for the Crawlers to celebrate Spring
Day!
~Thank you to all who wished me a Happy Spring Day on Thurs!
~Thank you for the roses, Louis!
~Happy Spring to all southern hemisphere readers!~Happy Labor Day Weekend to all U.S.readers!
Until next week,
Ellen
