I grew up in a town just south of me, called Loveland, Colorado. Since Friday I have been house/cat sitting for a friend of mine while she visits friends on the east coast, where it’s been warmer. The gig has been okay. The cat, Mittens, and I are getting along fine. The one exception was Easter morning when he decided to wake me at 4:11 am. I told him no we re not going to any Easter Sunrise service. He gave me that look and went back up stairs.
In downtown along main street is a large coffee shop called the Coffee Tree. If my memory serves me correctly this is where a barber shop once was and I began my working life with a shoe shine stand. Made my first million there. 🙂
Needles to say, I have been coming down here for morning mocha latte and loving the memories. I’ve found a comfy chair with my name on it. I like their music and it’s not loud. The kids are always smiling, greeting you as soon as you open the door. This past Saturday morning after coffee I ventured around on the streets with my camera, reflecting back to these streets I use to wander. I remember the Loveland Reporter Herald building where I would pick up my newspapers, roll them and then load them on my bicycle for delivery. I remember the dentist office, the Woolworths store, J. C. Pennys, Drapers Drug store, McCauley’s Jewelry, Hancock’s Photography, Brown’s Shoe Fit, the Home State and First National Banks, the Rialto Theater, the post office, Klitzke’s Bicycle Shop. As a young one I participated in the world famous Pet and Doll Parade down main street. Even though the weather was cold and cloudy, I enjoyed the mocha and the walk through town. Memories and a mocha!
10 Comments
Steve Skinner
It doesn’t get any better than this!
Monte Stevens
Thanks, Steve.
Tom Dills
Those are great memories, Monte. It would be interesting to revisit the town I grew up in, as I’d likely have a similar experience. They probably have a coffee shop!
Monte Stevens
Yes, I imagine they do have a coffeehouse. 🙂 And, you’d probably enjoy the memories.
E.Brooks
Your wonderful nostalgic visit to the town of your youth reminded me of an article I read…it took me a while to find it if your interested.
Look back in joy: the power of nostalgia
Long considered a disorder, nostalgia is now recognised as a powerful tool in the battle against anxiety and depression.
Monte Stevens
Thanks for the link, Brooks. I must say enjoyed wandering of the streets and my memories. Not sure I’m going to “go and pee in the sea”, though.
oneowner
Watch out or Mittens won’t give you a favorable performance report.
Monte Stevens
I was lucky this time and got a decent performance report. Whew!
Mark
I once read a story about a kid and his million dollar shoe shine. Little did I know it was you!! 🙂
Cedric Canard
Shoe shine boy huh? My first job was carrying bricks around a construction site. I think I would have preferred shining shoes. I imagine it would have been somewhat less back-breaking 🙂