Monday, March 9, 2015

Black on White

Ever had a coffee at a shop run by nuns or your former elementary school teachers? Well, I think I did yesterday, sort of. Met Paulie for java and talk yesterday at a small coffee shop overlooking the Fore River. The coffee was delicious. The gals dispensing the brew were welcoming and very friendly. The two rooms were warm and inviting, but the 'messages' were a completely different story. Were they for real? There must have been at least 10 places sprinkled around the small shop with signs cautioning you not to do things. If you dislike the word "Don't", I'd suggest you get your java elsewhere. After grabbing my drink, I went to the small table opposite and was faced with signs "Don't Put Trash Here". "Recycle Here, Not There". Next to the overstuffed, comfy chair that I settled in was a Rennai heater securely taped shut with the words "Don't Touch This". Later, a short visit to the restroom found quite a few signs. "Rule #1 Don't Put Anything In This Toilet But Toilet Paper". Rule #2 If You Do the Toilet Will Overflow and I Will Be In After You. You Will Clean It Up With A Mop". Another sign read "Don't Leave the Seat Up". There were others, but these were the most intimidating for me. I mentioned it to Paulie and asked him if Sister Deloras ran this joint. We both shared some guffaws on that one. 
By the way, this establishment will go nameless, but it is run by two gals.
How come with all the "Don'ts", I thought the ownership might have been a guy.
Am I missing something?
My question for Paulie: Are these for real?
Are they jokes?
What do you think?
Don't get me wrong.
I like this place.

19 comments:

  1. Most jokes have a punchline. I didn't hear one here, so I say it's for real.

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  2. That "I will be after you" sign took me right back to grade school. Those sisters were very intimidating.

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  3. Now you see it doesn't surprise me that it's two women who are in charge, especially with the 'put the seat down' sign :) Doesn't sound terribly relaxing Birdman, a bit like those places that whip your cup away as you take the last sip :)

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  4. Such nuns would be surely from the order of the Sisters Of Little Or No Mercy.

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    1. ... they were of little mercy (at least to me). GRIN.

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  5. i like the threat about the toilet stop-up. :)

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  6. Connected with little BirdMan!

    ALOHA from Honolulu
    ComfortSpiral
    =^..^=

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  7. "don't" get me wrong, haha...i've been in places like that and find them very annoying with all their rules!

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  8. Two gals in the wrong line of work. It would be very nice if people didn't have to be told what to do but if you're running that kind of business it comes with the territory. I worked in a major hotel for a while. I wish that toilet seats up or down were the worst we had to contend with.

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  9. Really like the composition of this photo with the tree front and center. Your reference to nuns amused me. I, too, had part of my education (the best part!) instructed by nuns, whom I still admire. I however shall never forget Attila, the Nun nor Sister Mary Nazi. Had a great time with the rest of them.

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  10. If I were served a cup of coffee by Sister Mary Tarsisius I'd wet my pants. She was negative and bossy, too.

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  11. Lovely image!!

    Reflection of the negativity around in the coffee shop?

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  12. Too many negatives for me but if the coffee was good I'd consider returning.

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  13. In the men's room next to the pro shop at my golf course, there is a big sign telling the men that the used paper towels go in the trash can below the sign. Really? How many people would put them in the toilet next to the trash can? The answer: Enough idiots to cause the toilet to get plugged two or three times a week? Yes, Birdster, we have a lot of idiots at this club.

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  14. Oh please, where is it and what's it called? I guess I can understand that they have certain standards...perhaps they could have worded things in the postivie mode. Do put your trash here, or something...

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  15. You know, I don't know- I never walked around and didn't notice how pervasive- but a weird vibe when leaving- we'll go back and make up more s--t...

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