Coffee is Spiritual

Starbucks has a new ad campaign where they announce "Coffee is Culinary". I have no idea what that is supposed to mean, but did you know coffee is spiritual?

According to the Gourmet Coffee Club, the delightful drink had been a part of Arab culture for centuries, but not so in the western European world. When the drink was first introduced, priests attacked it, and forbid its consumption, believing it to be the drink of the devil.

The thought was that Satan had invented the drink for the Muslims as a substitute for the wine they were forbidden. In the late 1500's Pope Clement VIII was asked to settle the dispute. A cup of the brew was brought to him. He sipped the coffee and found it delicious. Right then and there the Pope blessed the drink, and baptized it as well, permitting its enjoyment by the western world. The Pope reasoned that banishing this drink from the Christian world would be a sin.

So enjoy a second cup of coffee today. It won't get you any closer to Heaven, but it will make life here on earth more pleasant.

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like...Fall

I returned from a business trip the other evening. The lovely Mrs. Smith greeted me at the door with a smile. "So, do you notice anything different?" she asked. Why do women always wait until the worst possible time to spring a pop quiz on you? So, I smile convincingly and reply, "Sure honey, your hair looks great!" I lie. "No" she says, "I didn't get my hair fixed." Uh, oh, I've got one more chance, better make this good.

Thankfully, Mrs. Smith decided to let me off the hook. "Look around the house" she announced proudly. I took a second look around the house. It was like Autumn had vomited orange and brown everywhere. Pumpkins, gourds, and all things FALL were all around the house. "So, what do you think?" she asked. Now, I'm not the brightest bulb on the string and I've even been called a slow learner. But I have learned a few things in our 20+ years of wedded bliss. "WOW! honey, it looks great!"

Decorating for Fall? When did this start? Why was I not invited to the meeting? I just don't get this decorating for Fall. Christmas I get. But Fall? Somehow I suspect the folks at Hobby Lobby are to blame for this.

Oh well, if the trend at the mall is any indication the Fall decorations wont stay up long. It's almost time to put up the Christmas tree.

The Turtle Restaurant

The Turtle Restaurant
512 - 514 Center Ave
Brownwood, TX 76801
325) 646-8200

You probably don't associate Brownwood, Texas with fine dining. But you will after a trip to The Turtle Restaurant. Located in a restored building in downtown, The Turtle features wonderful salads and soups all made with the freshest ingredients that set the stage for delicious and innovative entrees.

Looking for fast food? Look somewhere else. The restaurant takes it name from the fact that each meal is hand made. Here food is celebrated, with a loving touch that borders on worship.

If you're looking for a bargain, try the lunch menu. Where else can enjoy a chef prepared meal for less than you pay at the chains out on the highway?

A true gem.

(Reservations suggested for dinner)

John Peter Smith Ends Self-Imposed Exile

FORT WORTH - Noted Cowtown resident, John Peter Smith announced today that he was ending his 10-month blogging hiatus and would shortly begin unleashing his wit and wisdom on unsuspecting web surfers everywhere. "It's time to put the past in the past" he said.

The long-time Fort Worthian had suspended blogging as a protest of the miserable performance of the dallas Cowboys in the 2006 season. But with the 'Boys off to a 4-0 record, Smith said that his point had been made. "Obviously, I've been heard loud and clear over at Valley Ranch" he said.