Local Businesses

There are thousands of reasons we prefer local businesses over big chains, not the least of which are the superior products (whether it's food, jewelry, or a cup of hot chocolate) and personalized service. Today, that was exemplified when Mira and I walked to the square while Ryan was in aikido. We stopped into the local coffee house, and the counter person asked Mira if she'd like some hot chocolate. I asked if they could make one with soy milk, and he looked at her and said "for you, we can do it." Now, he probably would have done it for anyone, but it made Mira feel really special that he said that. THEN, when he made this in her hot chocolate, her day was made:

I'll bet you've never gotten a beverage you wanted to take a picture of from Starbucks.