Ending August The Way I Began It!

August is ending for me the way it began, as I tried out a new cafe. This time, my travels took me to White Tree Cafe and Coffeehouse in downtown Irwin. It was a cool day like the first day of August. While on my way, I also had my autumn jazz playlist on just like I did when I visited Coffee Bean and spent the afternoon in Ligonier. It was appropriate music for the fall-like temperatures experienced on this last Friday of August. Instead of the closing days of summer, it felt more like Pumpkin Fall. 

That nip in the air didn’t stop me from enjoying myself Friday morning. I ordered the Cinnamon Roll Latte, part of their August specials. Inside, I was impressed with the amount of literature you could read and even buy for yourself. If you like to read like Rory Gilmore in those Chilton years, this is your place. Next time I visit, I might have breakfast too. The cafe is located in the old Irwin House. I ordered my drink and took advantage of the outdoor seating, watching the world go by in downtown Irwin. 

Before I set off on my next adventure, I walked down Main Street and found a bookstore that caught me called Completely Booked. They used to be in Murrysville in the Blue Spruce Shops. I might stop there next time to see if Kamala Harris’ new book is in stock. 107 Days comes out September 23.

I did some Fall food shopping at the Market District in Murrysville. Originally I was going to go out to the Giant Eagle in Monroeville but missing my turn a few times, I just decided to go to Murrysville instead. I picked some seasonal coffee and teas, as well as autumn-flavored snacks. I spent within my price point of $25-$50, staying on the lower end of that. We are getting ready to enter meteorological Fall, and the first day of Autumn is September 22. Last week, I was going to try out Latte Lane in Cheswick before doing my Fall food haul at the Market District in the Waterworks. I couldn’t get anything going last week. Blame all of the Pittsburgh influencers whom I follow on Instagram. Later next month, I’ll pick some more Fall flavors at a location TBD. 

There was a change of plans on Thursday as Mr. Clougherty and I postponed our dinner plans, thus rescheduling them for next week. We will still eat at the Olive Garden. Upon moving our dinner date, I’m considering making an adjustment. That is, I’m proposing doing away with our late September meeting and also, pushing October’s dinner meeting up a week. He’s flexible, as am I, and it shouldn’t be an issue to move things around. The cancellation could have opened up plans for me to spend time at the Night Market Thursday, It was in the cards as I could have taken the bus downtown. I was even going to go to Millie’s to get ice cream and make an affogato as the Cutie Cart was there. I did have stuff to do at home, so I took care of things and hung out there instead.  

Finally, I’ll recap Bible Study from Monday night. Before that, for me this week saw the 25 year anniversary of the beginning of my college experience when I moved into my dorm at the Hiram G. Andrews Center in beautiful Westmont. 

This weather has been a role reversal from the end of Spring, when Bible Study got moved online due to the damp and cool weather pattern. The last few months have amped up our drought prospects, and ramped up the heat and humidity. But, I digress. 

We learned the importance of having the Fear of God in our hearts, and living a Christ-centered life. What we’ve been dealing with in the past or going through shouldn’t define us. It’s just a part of who we are. With everything going on in the world, now is the time to get right with God and be crucified with Christ. 

We began the outdoor Bible Study by singing “Jireh” by Elevation Worship. I enjoyed hearing that song in my not-so-distant church days. I wrapped up the summer menu by ordering a Funnel Cake Latte. In my next blog, I’ll talk about some of the drinks I’m excited to get from the new Fall menu as I look ahead to September.

Is the Pumpkin Spice Latte on my radar? Absolutely.