larry

It was snowing pretty big this morning, and we were almost an hour late when we got to the caffe. When we got here, we noticed that our patio and the back entrance, along with the main part of the parking lot has been shovelled.

That was very nice. We thought, "Ahh... it's Manuel from upstairs!"

After we finally opened up, Larry came in. Larry is a wonderful gentleman who comes to the caffe and get Mochas. He lives just a couple buildings down next to the caffe, and a lot of times he'd be the first customer of the day at the shop.

So I made him his mocha and we talked for a while, and I learned that he was the one who shovelled all the snow on our patio and in the back! Both John and I were surprised and thanked him, and he just smiled and said, "Oh, that was nothing. I was up at 4 this morning anyway."

Aww. That was so nice. We just got our huge shipment in from Taiwan so John was actually going to be late to meet with the delivery people if he had to shovel all the snow. Larry saved our day! :)

and he loves rice

I think our dogs love rice, but I know white rice is not necessarily the best food for dogs, so I'd only mix some rice in with their regular food once in a while.

Recently I've noticed that Nuki may actually LOVE rice, because one of his favorite spot to hang out around the house is in the kitchen, where the rice bag is.


Sometimes it almost looks like he's guarding the bag of rice in a way. hehe.

roasting roasting roasting

It's that time of the year where people are getting fresh-roasted coffee beans for Christmas presents at the caffe. Yesterday a customer ordered 40 lbs. of coffee to give to his friends and colleagues, plus there are many more who are getting their Christmas coffees before the holidays.

And that means John's been roasting, roasting, and roasting. I'm not qualified to roast anything just yet, but I do manage to fold the coffee bags all neat and pretty.

peeping ginger

I was organizing some of my photos and noticed that many of the dog pictures that were taken inside the house would also show a tiny pair of sparkly eyes...


like this one...
It's Ginger peeping on top of the stairs and behind the dogs!


She likes to check out Naicha as well.
She's kind of silly, though, because when I try to take her picture, she'll run and try to be shy. Hmm...

new roasting room

I know I haven't been updating my blog often these days. It's not because I'm lazy or anything (eyes shifting) but because I "lost" my "office" at the caffe not too long ago.

The tiny little coffee roaster John's been using to roast the beans at the shop was not going to keep up with the demand anymore, so with some generous help we finlly could get a new roaster.

With the new and larger roaster we had to build a new roasting room, and our friend Adam and Curtis started off building it a couple weeks ago.


Adam and Curtis getting ready to start building.


These guys are fast!


Almost done!

Adam and Curtis have actually finished the building of the room, and we've had all the wood stained black so far. We're waiting for the big glass windows and door to be installed soon. I will post more photos later on.

I think the new roasting room looks great! I'm just wondering if I should have John install a couple blinds on the windows, so I'll be able to "hide" in the room and nap sometimes.

our annual angel tree for homeless pets

This holiday season, caffe d'bolla is giving a slice of Heaven to our four footed friends! caffe d'bolla is hosting an angel tree to support the needs of the animals at No More Homeless Pets.

Frisky felines and playful pups need food, treats, toys, blankets, and most, a home. I've made ornaments out of the photos and profiles of the pets that need homes (and special thanks to Joyce!), and you can pick up an ornament and fulfill a homeless pet's wish. caffe d'bolla will reward the fulfilling of gifts on the angel tree with lattes, in-house fresh-roasted coffee, and gift cards.

caffe d'bolla continues to be dedicated in helping homeless pets and is donating time, effort, money, and tasty drinks for a 'Good Cause for Paws'. Come help bring plenty of wags and purrs this holiday season!

Fulfill a wish today!

KZCL 90.5!

I was at KRCL earlier today and learned that "Chinese Radio" is the first show that's broadcasting on KZCL 90.5 FM in Cache Valley! I know KRCL has been waiting for this day for years... and I'm glad more and more people are able to hear the great programs on KRCL.

And of course, people can hear KRCL programs online at www.KRCL.org! We actually learned that we had a listener in Kentuky! :)

Angel Tree for Homeless Pets

The annual Angel Tree we put up for Homeless Pets is up today! I used to have to work hours to have the pets' photos and files ready, and to hang up all the ornaments, but this year my friend Joyce and Otis helped, so the tree was up early!

I hope people will come and pick up a card or two, and help fulfil a couple little dogs or cats' wishes. :)

Only at caffe d'bolla! As usual, we will reward everyone who fulfill a pet's wish with the best espresso drinks and fresh house-roasted coffee and espresso. :)

making little ornaments

I've been busy making Christmas tree ornaments out of the photos and profile information of adoptable dogs and cats at No More Homeless Pets in Utah, to hang on our angel tree for homeless pets at the caffe this year.

My friend Joyce is going to help out with the project this year! Yeah! She loves animals dearly, too, so the two of us are going to make the project great!

I hope people will be generous and bring lots of love to the homeless pets this year, and if they are capable, give some of them a permanent home.


This is the tree and presents for the pets from last year!

i love carnitas!

John and I went to Red Iguana again yesterday... there were so many things on the menu I didn't really know what to get, so I decided to get their Carnitas again. It was so good!


It was only around 4pm when we were there, but it was already getting a bit dark in the restaurant.


John got their Mole Negro with chicken. The sauce was really really dark!


Hmm... yummy chips and salsa, and horchata!


It was getting dark at the restaurant until the manager pulled up the blinds... we could finally see things.
I know there are other yummy things on the menu, but I just couldn't say no to their carnitas... maybe I'll try something different next time... just maybe.

breakfast at Golden Isle

Every Saturday and Sunday Chinese breakfast items are served at Golden Isle restaurant here in town. Usually they serve fresh soy milk, Chinese fried bread, buns, and noodles, etc..

We usually don't have Saturdays off these days, but since we took the day off, we went there for some late breakfast.


Fresh soy milk is the best! Make sure you only get a small order of the soy milk here... the large one is LARGE.

\
Delicious Chinese fried bread stick... yummy!


Green oinion pancake... very chewy and tasty.


Little steamed meat buns. Dough-ier than we expected.


Golden Isle
671 West 5300 South
Murray, Utah 84123

(801) 288-2266

bubbly

I first saw Colbie Caillat on Last Call with Carson Daly a while ago... I believe that was her TV debut, performing "Bubbly."

Back then you don't hear her much on the radio or anywhere else, but now the song is a total hit! I love it.


You can see her MV from Universal Music Group on YouTube.


Bubbly - Colbie Caillat

(Speak)
Will you count me in?

(Sing)
I've been awake for a while now
You've got me feeling like a child now
`Cause every time I see your bubbly face
I get the tinglies in a silly place

It starts at my toes and I crinkle my nose
Where ever it goes I always know
That you make me smile
please stay for a while now
Just take your time where ever you go

The rain is falling on my window pane
But we are hiding in a safer place
Under covers staying dry and warm
You give me feelings that I adore

They start at my toes make me crinkle my nose
Where ever it goes I always know
That you make me smile
Please stay for awhile now
Just take your time where ever you go

But what am I gonna say
When you make me feel this way
I just...mmmmmm

It starts at my toes makes me crinkle my nose
Where ever it goes I always know
That you make me smile
Please stay for awhile now
Just take your time
Where ever you go

Da da da da da da da da da da da da da dum
Bom bo da da da da da da da da da bom
Mmm mmm

I've been a sleep for a while now
You tuck me in just like a child now
'Cause every time you hold me in your arms
I'm comfortable enough to feel your warmth

It starts in my soul and I lose all control
When you kiss my nose the feeling shows
'Cause you make me smile
Baby just take your time now
holding me tight

Where ever, where ever, where ever you go
where ever, where ever, where ever you go

Oh wherever you go I always know
'Cause you make me smile baby just for a while

(lyrics from metrolyrics)

big naicha

Naicha weighs about 140 lbs., which is about average for her height.

But she just looks REALLY BIG sometimes.


John says, "Naicha is a big rug."

mini pine cones

I was away from my laptop for a little bit and came back to these tiny little pine cones. Apparently John and the dogs found them in the yard for me. They are so small and cute!


John said he saw them in the yard, and thought I could make some earrings with these. Maybe.

With the many pine trees we have in the backyard, I will have plenty of pine cones to work with.

hot doughnuts

It's a bit cold this morning, and I was hungry... then I thought of the yummy hot doughnuts we had for breakfast at Lola in Seattle.

The doughnuts were actually doughnut holes, or a version of Dutch doughnuts, made to order, with vanilla mascarpone. They were so good!


Maybe I'll convince John to find a recipe and make me some this weekend.

"bless your heart"

One of the nice things I often hear people say these days is, "Bless your heart!"

For some reason I had never heard this particular expression until fairly recently. Usually people say "Bless your heart!" when they see beautiful latte art in their cups, tasted John's coffee and espresso, or simply because they are enjoying the moment. I guess "Bless your heart!" is more than often used as a "Thank you!" in these cases. It makes me feel appreciated and happy.

I thought it was interesting, because people say, "Bless your heart!" not "Bless your soul!" or anything else.

Anyhow, I'm glad I make people happy with my coffee and tea, and with the medical researches showing the goodness of coffee and tea, I think drinking coffee and tea can bless everyone's heart... literally! :)

nuki got his hair cut

Nuki got his hair cut today. He got his belly shaved a bit, hair all washed, dried, and brushed. He's all clean and pretty, and you can see his toes instead of just a bunch of fuzzy hair on his feet.


And of course it rained right after it was done. Every time!

giorgio

We met Girogio after we opened up the caffe. He used to live in Salt Lake City a while back, but had been working in Dublin for the past couple years.

He came back in town a couple months ago so we've been able to chill with him for some when he came to visit. He always says, "caffe d'bolla is the best coffee shop in town," and he'd also tell me that I'm the coolest and best barista *blush*... even though John insisted that when Girogio says, "you," he meant both of us. I guess we'll really have to ask Giorgio to be more specific sometimes. hehe.

Anyhow, he's leaving for Europe again within a day or two, but then he'll be back in January! Yay!


Boooo my chubby arm in this pic. It's the funky camera angle.

korean chocolate-y "pocky"

When Joanne got to the radio station to help me with the program on Wednesday, she also brought me a box of Korean "Pocky" for me.


I call it "Pocky" because I can't read Korean, so I don't know exactly what it says on the box, but these wonderful chocolate-y goodness do look like "Pocky"s.

And the best part is, the cookie sticks themselves are made of Cacao, and then covered in chocolate. They are just chocolate-y to the core!

WuBai & China Blue

I think Ryan at KRCL was a bit surprised to hear WuBai & China Blue last night, and it was a good sort of surprise, I believe, because he "wow"ed a few times. :)


A lot of people I know here thought Asian music is all about pop... WuBai & China Blue can prove that's not the case. They are AWESOME!

start planning for Kansai trip

I've started planning on our trip to Japan this year. We're still going to stay at a hotel in Osaka, visit fun spots in the city, and venture out to Nara, Kyoto, Kobe, and new this year, Takarazuka.


I think it'll be a super fun trip!

Guang Liang: Tong Hua (PinYin version)

This song is from Guang Liang, and "Tong Hua" means fairy tales. The MV is sort of a sad story, but it's beautiful, and people love it. Many of my friends who don't speak Manradin want to learn about the song as well... so here it is: Tong Hua in Pinyin (without tones), so you can sing along. Just don't cry too much when you watch the MV. :(



Tong Hua

wang le you duo jiu
zai mei ting dao ni
dui wo shuo ni zui ai de gu shi

wo xiang le hen jiu
wo kai shi huang le
shi bu shi wo you zuo cuo le she me

*
ni ku zhe dui wo shuo
tong hua li dou shi pian ren de
wo bu ke neng shi ni de wang zi
ye xu ni bu hui dong
cong ni shuo ai wo yi hou
wo de tian kong xing xing dou liang le

**
wo yuan (yao/hui) bian cheng tong hua li
ni ai de na ge tian shi
zhang kai shuang shou bian cheng chi bang shou hu ni
ni yao xiang xin
xiang xin wo men hui xiang tong hua gu shi li
xing fu he kuai le shi jie ju

repeat *
repeat ** x3 (yuan/yao/hui)

yiqi xie wo men de jie ju

princess cake

My friend Joanne brought me a slice of Princess Cake from IKEA. I had never had it before, because every time I go to IKEA I only remembers to eat the Apple Cake.

The Princess Cake, or "prinsesstårta" to be exact, has layers of cake and raspberry jam, and topped with a layer of whipped cream. It's then covered by a light green Marzipan. It's beautiful, light, and delicious.


Apparently some people make these princess cakes PINK... That's awesome. After all, it probably is even more "princess" that way.


photo from Kirsten's Danish Bakery

"open center" rosetta

I've been experimenting with slightly thinner steamed milk to create finer lines when free pouring latte art. I love seeing the rosetta with "hallow centers" in each little leaves.


I'm still working on making it more balanced.

strawberry cup

This is my favorite cup to use at the caffe these days. It's a 1990 Roy Kirkham English "Fruit Garden" collection bone china. There are many strawberries and strawberry leaves and flowers on the cup, its handle, and even on the inner side.

John said, "It looks very English." And I said, "Exactly."




It also reminds me how much I really want to have my own little fruit garden!

jeep jeep

I was driving and saw this Jeep in front of me at a red light... and there's Eugene the Jeep on the spare tire cover! It's so cute!


And now I'm having this image of Eugene the Jeep "jeep jeep"ing in my head that won't go away.

happy halloween

happy halloween from Yama!

package of love

I received a large package from my mom a couple days ago... it's a package full of love! :)

My mom sent me an awesome portable halogen cooker, some Taiwanese snacks and treats, and some household goods.


I think I'll have to figure out a way to eat the snacks and treats very slowly, or they'll be out pretty soon.

yummy treats

Joyce and Otis brought me these wonderful little Japanese marshmallows with azuki (small Japanese red beans) filling... they are so beautiful and so yummy!


They also brought me this box of Marble Pocky. It's chocolate mousse flavored... delish!


I think people are too nice to me sometimes. They know I like treats and they bring me some. Thanks guys!

mini stuffed pizza

These mini stuffed pizza slices from Farm Rich are easy to prepare and yummy. The crust is soft and slightly chewy, and the I'm happy that the company didn't skim on the mozzerella or pepperoni. Yum!

c is for cookie

I've changed my cell phoner ringer to "C is for Cookie" by Cookie Monster. It's awesome... and then I spent the whole evening watching many of the wonderful "vintage" Sesame Street clips...




C is for Cookie

Now what starts with the letter "C"?
"Cookie" starts with "C"!
Let's think of other things that starts with "C"!
Uh... Uh... Who cares about da other things?!

(CHORUS)x2

"C" is for Cookie that's good enough for me,
"C" is for cookie that's good enough for me,
"C" is for cookie that's good enough for me,
Oh! cookie, cookie, cookie starts with "C"!

Hey, You know what? A round cookie with one bite out of it looks like a "C"
A round donut with one bite out of it also looks like a "C" but it is not as good as a cookie
Oh, and the moon sometimes looks like a "C" but you can't eat that
So...

(CHORUS)

Cookie Cookie Cookie Starts with "C"
Cookie Cookie Cookie Starts with "C"

the lump under the blanket

Sometimes I'd see this little lump under the blanket, and when I peek under the blanket to check it out, this is usually what I see:


And he'd give me this, "hmmm. what." look.

maple cookies

I bought these maple cookies a few months ago, but had not been seeing them again until a couple weeks ago. Of course I had to buy some. I wonder if these are "seasonal" cookies the shops carry.

Hostess Cakes makes these. They are sandwich cookies with maple leaf cookies and maple syrup creme filling. They are so delicious, and are perfect with an Americano or a caffe latte in a pleasant fall afternoon.

silly cups

We use these more eco-friendly cups at the caffe for iced drinks. They are thiner and softer, but can be sealed on the top (so we don't need to use lids).

I love these cups, but once in a while we'll see silly ones liked these:





We can't really use them on customers, but at least we can still seal them up when we make drinks for ourselves.

And at least they are unique and cool looking.

1234

The new song from the new iPod commercial is Feist's "1234." The MV is sort of silly, but it's definitely a fun song!



1234

One Two Three Four
Tell me that you love me more
Sleepless long nights
That is what my youth was for

Old teenage hopes are alive at your door
Left you with nothing but they want some more

Oh, you're changing your heart
Oh, You know who you are

Sweetheart bitterheart now I can tell you apart
Cosy and cold, put the horse before the cart

Those teenage hopes who have tears in their eyes
Too scared to own up to one little lie

Oh, you're changing your heart
Oh, you know who you are

One, two, three, four, five, six, nine, or ten
Money can't buy you back the love that you had then
One, two, three, four, five, six, nine, or ten
Money can't buy you back the love that you had then

Oh, you're changing your heart
Oh, you know who you are
Oh, you're changing your heart
Oh, you know who you are
Oh, who you are

For the teenage boys
They're breaking your heart
For the teenage boys
They're breaking your heart

new friends

I met a lovely couple from Taiwan (and/or Kansas) a couple months ago, and learned that they loved animals, too, so I've been enjoying our conversations every time I see them.

And yesterday they brought their cute long hair Miniature Dachshund, Torsion, to see me at the caffe... he was soooo tiny!


He was shy at first, but after walking with him for a little bit, and feeding him a piece of bread, he had since become my friend.


It's a great thing to meet new friends... both humans and animals!

you can't see me

Naicha's favorite spot inside the house has been by the dining room table these days... between the big window and the curtains.


I'd call her once, and she'd higher her head, but she's still behind the curtains. And then I'd call her again, and she'd stay quiet and not even move.


She probably thinks,"You can't see me anyhow."

vintage morton salt advertising mug

I found this wonderful little vintage mug the other day, and it has become my favorite mug to use this week. hehe.

I did a quick research, and found that this vintage Morton "When It Rains It Pours" mug was manufactred in Japan in the late 70s, and ended on 1980. The pattern on the cup features the Morton 1914 design. I think there were a couple more other designs as well.

Morton also released a new set of 4 mugs of the designs in 1998... I believe they are more white and bright in color.

The mug is rounded and smooth to the touch. I love it!

puccho

My friend Joanne gave me a stick of orange Puccho candies. It's chewy, slightly creamy, and has little orange bits in the center!

And the Puccho characters are so cute!

anti-nausea natural remedy

John woke up very early this morning and threw up, and then the Naicha and Yama got a little sick, too. John figured it was probably the hamburger he made for lunch yesterday (which he also shared with the dogs)... something must have been wrong with the beef.

After going to the bathroom outside, both of the dogs got better (for some reason Nuki didn't get sick at all.) John threw up a couple more times where nothing was probably left in his stomach, and was feeling really uncomfortable.

He then looked online for some anti-nausea home remedies, and most people recommended ginger. You can either chew a little piece of ginger, or put some grated or ground ginger in hot water or tea to drink.

We happen to have a small jar of grated ginger, so I mixed a teaspoonful of it with a cup of green tea for John. I don't know if it was really the ginger, or John was already recovering, the tea did supress the nausea.

After that John was able to eat a little bit of rice soup, and felt a lot better... so I guess ginger does work as an anti-nausea remedy!

naicha

This is Naicha... come running toward me when I say, "Naicha!"

... or "Nuki!", or "Yama", or "Ginger!", or "Jasper!"

keep writing!

A professor from the University of Texas has conducted a research since the mid 1980s and found that when a person writes 15 minutes a day, 4 days a week, his or her health improves.

Writing is a wonderful way to relieve stress and pressure. I never thought of it that way... but I can totally relate. Not too long ago I was feeling really stressed and I actually wrote a little poem about it, and magically I felt better, and when I read the poem again later on I smile (for some reason).

So keep on writing. OK these days I should say, keep on blogging. Write about happy things, and sad things, and things that make you think and wonder. It's therapeutic and fun!

the fall is here

It seems like everywhere you look, you can tell the fall is here...


These vines are on the fence in front of our front yard. I could swear they were green yesterday.