Earlier this week I had a meeting in Phoenix with a colleague, Elsbeth Oggert. She introduced me to an amazing cafe on the corner of Roosevelt and First Ave. Fair Trade Cafe.
"The Fair Trade Cafe & Gallery supports sustainable economic independence and fair trade for communities locally and across the globe. We brew only fair trade, organic, great-tasting coffees and espresso." Oh. Yes.
It is a quiet, clean, pleasant place patronized by very nice people. Well, they seemed nice. And the people who run it are gracious and efficient. I enjoyed a sandwich that was unusually good. Stuffed with sliced turkey and sprouts and other good things, it was so filling I had to take half of it home. In a sustainable box, of course.
Did I mention it has free WiFi? And a very nice bakery case? And best of all, I had an excellent meeting with Elsbeth Oggert. There is so much to learn in the area of Web development.
Yesterday was a fun-filled day. I drove to downtown Phoenix to meet some special relatives I hadn't seen for awhile. Finding a parking place wasn't a piece of cake. The streets were crowded with all kinds of vehicles and people...there were some costume events taking place. I was headed for the U.S. Open National Volleyball Championships.
Helping me with parking and checking out, Josh, then Josh and Mike, were terrific (Third Street & Jefferson). Thanks to their efficiency and attitudes - plus having had a delightful afternoon with Jerry and Christina Kukuruda, and Derek Engstrom, Dana Kukuruda, and tiny Yorkie, Ellie (and dinner at Sam's Cafe) - I drove out of Phoenix feeling super-spoiled. And loving it.
Time for an early morning meeting in Phoenix. Community service organization. I had email directions and my Google map directions.
In Phoenix, there's a big difference between streets and avenues, and my directions were slightly off. After about five tries, I stopped at an AM PM to find a phone book so I could get the office number and directions.
Gary helped me get the book, and once I had the number, I used my cellphone to call the office. Only problem was that I couldn't hear the person in the office. Not surprising, given my hearing loss. You can hope the hearing aid and the phone are compatible, and that all people and lines are doing their part, but stuff happens.
Once again: Gary to the rescue. I handed him the phone, he got the directions, and gave them to me. Duck soup.
Thanks, AM PM for having people like Gary on staff. He would have been within his rights not to help, as he was busy, but he took a few moments to give my day a Judy Jump Start.
I found the office building within moments of leaving the AM PM parking lot.
