Tipping at Christmas

This morning I took a Christmas card and a $20 bill into Panera's, addressed to "The morning staff," and included a little note of thanks. It seems like a big chunk when you give it at once, but not amortized. I'm there about 4 days a week, 42 weeks of the year, so that's what, about a 12 cent tip per visit on a $1.69 cup of coffee with several refills, a seat by the fireplace, regulars and friends to chat with and 3 papers to read? Two of the staff members came over to my table later to personally thank me. That was nice--and it gave me a chance to share about "the olden days."

A swamped Panera's

Panera's on Bethel in Columbus and at 5 points in Upper Arlington were life lines for Arlington and Columbus the last 2 days--and it may run longer. At 5-points yesterday they had people banging on the doors at 5 a.m. (opens at 6 a.m.), and they were swamped all day and pretty much cleaned out. Their Cincinnati supplier was also out, so products have been coming in from Detroit.

I sat in my regular spot today by the fireplace and watched the line snaking out into the parking lot with all hands on deck, remaining cheerful and helpful. What a good crew, Panera! Thank you!

Our area of Columbus got about 75 mph winds Sunday evening, the result of Hurricane Ike meeting a cold front from Canada. Schools, libraries, businesses and some city services are closed. One parent told me Arlington schools wouldn't open until Thursday. There's a tree across the street that is being held up by the power lines--I hope someone gets back from Texas soon and rescues it.

A bit too much

The regulars have been watching the redecorating of the 5 points Panera's. We've moved with the furniture, the carpeting, the spackling, priming; we've stepped in the entry and discussed the color board of the decorators. But this morning more art work had been added. They've overdone it. It actually looks better in this photo than when you're in the dining room. They started with a selection of very nice drawings--discrete, tasteful--to the right of this arrangement. They've also put in waaaay too much furniture. The new chairs are about 1/4-1/2" higher than the old ones, and don't fit me as well, although I realize Americans are getting bigger and heavier. If you've ever had any of Panera's pastries, you know they are contributing to America's obesity problem--the desserts and breakfast selections are fabulous, unless you eat salad for breakfast. But now they've put in so much new furniture, I have to turn side-ways to get from the counter to my seat by the fireplace. And I'm not overweight. I don't know how the lunch time people do it--this place is packed at noon.