Memorial Day and upcoming Steve Miller Concert

Memorial Day, observed annually in the United States on the last Monday of May, originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the fallen Union soldiers of the Civil War. Today, Memorial Day has extended to honor all Americans who have died in all wars, a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Here at Respite Café it typically marks the start of the summer season, a long weekend increasingly devoted to shopping, family gatherings, fireworks, trips to the beach.

Some people travel hundreds of miles to renew contacts with neighbors and community by opening up their cottage for the season, celebrating with “dinner on the ground”, the traditional term for a potluck meal in which people used to spread the dishes out on sheets or tablecloths on the grass.

This brings us to the 27th annual Celebration fundraiser for Holland Hospice that took place on May 17, 2012. The event started at 6:30 p.m. with Champagne and donated appetizers by Respite Catering to graze on while the Ten-bid Action began. There was a Welcome Invocation, Dinner, followed by the Ten-bid Auction Awards and then the excitement escalated with the Vocal Auction.

The first item would go to the highest bid for eight people to attend a sold out Steve Miller Band concert at Meijer Gardens, to be held on June 17th. Respite Café is providing a picnic for the evening and of course they will arrive in style in a limo from Lily’s limo all donated by Lily’s Limo and Respite Cappuccino Court as well as underwritten by sponsors.

I began menu planning and came up with a Smörgåstårta – a Scandinavian dish that is popular in Finland, Sweden and Estonia. This salty cake is compositionally similar to a sandwich, but it has such a large amount of filling that is served cold and sliced like a dessert cake with garnished top. Ours will be filled with our “Fertility Special” as well as “rappin with a Chick”, frosted with our Cucumber Sauce and topped with slices of boiled egg, radishes, parsley, carrots, cucumber, tomato, and chicken breast. The sides will be Carrot Salad, Green Grapes, Spiced Almonds and Lingonberry filled sugar cookies.

I realize that this cannot compete with the feeling of vacation on the shore of Lake Michigan or the classic rock legend with more than 18 studio albums and 3 live albums but hopefully we can be the “frosting on the cake”!

What does Christmas Smell like to you?

Christmas smells like Spiced Respite Coffees, Chocolate Yule Logs with kumquats, and Pine Trees.
Christmas smells like White Peppermint Bark, Matte Tuscana Tea and Crunchy Snow.
Christmas smells like butter on warm West Coast Sour Dough bread, Respite House Blend Coffee, and Twinkling Stars.
Christmas smells like Respite House Blend Coffee!

This time of the year always reminds me of the small portion of my life living in Germany, four years off shore from the good ol’ USA. That is where I first became whickedly crazy about good coffee, while sitting at a table with my German Landlady practicing my broken German. She would be all day preparing her soup at the wood burning stove while we enjoyed a cup or two of strong coffee that allowed us to discuss cultural differences at a very fast speed. The strong coffee was good for another reason too…

I was married then and my spouse and I traveled often our last year living abroad. Across Europe: Turkey, Italy, Spain, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Austria. We visited many locations within the Country as well: Munich, the Black Forrest, Trier, East Berlin (when Check Point Charley still existed) to being bedazzled at the Christmas Market in Nurnberg, a welcoming sumptuous and festive event.

I took in the sights and sounds of a city opening itself up to the joy of the season in the glow of elegant twinkling chandeliers made entirely from millions of Christmas lights. Outside in the middle of a city street the clicking of my heels across the shiny cool coblestones kept beat with the grand pianos set up outside where musicians played traditional music of the season. I bought handmade ornaments and ate cookies and toasted spiced almonds by the pound. But more than anything what I remember is the scent in the air — orange, cloves, cinnamon and coffee mingled together speaking to me, the spiced holiday drink guaranteed to deliver cheer in a mug.

The airpots of bubbling and steaming coffee were a welcome sight every time I came across them filling me with the warmth of the season. I would like to share this spirit with you. You may come into Respite Cappuccino Court to enjoy Fairly Traded Organic Flavor of the day, or our unique House Blend hinted with vanilla, mocha, and nut during the days before Christmas or take one to go to enjoy when you arrive home. If you have yours to go don’t forget to purchase some Fairly Traded Organic Respite Coffee for the next morning…your going to need it! Merry Christmas…it’s almost here.

Holiday Memories Part 4: Christmas Day

Christmas day is usually an extreme contrast to the previous night’s event. A quieter more intimate setting is the scene for Christmas morning. As kids my sisters and I would wake just as the first rays of the sun were hitting the sleepy town of Douglas and immediately bolt to the living room to make sure Santa did indeed leave gifts and then to Mom’s room to wake her up. Impatient to rip open the gorgeous wrapping paper and find out what was hidden underneath it, we were usually disappointed but somehow never surprised to be blockaded by the Waddell family tradition employed by one sleepy parent; the kids have to make breakfast and eat it before any gift opening would begin. In my younger days I HATED having to do this it always seemed so unnecessary to wait that long when breakfast could be eaten AFTER presents were opened. As an adult however, the smell of cinnamon roaming throughout the house as the cinnamon rolls are cooking and the feeling of squeezing an orange to get that fresh squeezed orange juice in the glass is what I look forward to the most. I still get up at the crack of dawn on Christmas Morning, but now I love being able to fill everyone’s bellies with the warmth of a fresh baked cinnamon roll, or fresh made waffles with a sweet strawberry topping, it is what makes Christmas morning feel like Christmas morning to me, and is truly what I believe brings my family together. That is why I have decided to start offering these same cinnamon rolls that have been a family tradition in my family for many years to you. Respite Cappuccino Court, located in Downtown Douglas, MI, will begin taking orders for these Cinnamon rolls on November 25th and will be delivered on December 18th ready to bake for your family on Christmas morning or whenever you wish to. I am hoping that by offering the same Christmas morning experience to you as I have had growing up, it will bring your family together this holiday season as it has done for my family over many of years. As always Respite Cappuccino Court and its staff wishes you the very merriest of a holiday season and an even happier and merrier new year.
Jacqueline Waddell

Holiday Memories Part 3: Christmas Eve

With the realization and acceptance of the warmth of the Holidays comes the next step in my climb to the big day of the season. This is usually directly proportional to my level of busyness as I am filled with the need to give and pass on this truly amazing feeling. Gift buying for my family has never been an over the top thing. I was raised by a single mother who worked day and night to get her youngest child, Respite, off the ground. We were taught from an early age that it was not the amount of gifts, nor the price of the gift that mattered, it was the thought that was put into said gift that really mattered, and for this I truly thank my mother. For without this I truly don’t think I would fully comprehend the true spirit of the holidays.
I remember distinctly one year complaining about not being old enough to make money which meant I couldn’t afford gifts for anyone. That was the year my mother came up with the bright idea to make gifts for the family. Since then, even as adults who are able to purchase gifts, my sisters and I have always made our Aunts, and Uncles their gifts taking time to really think about and individualize these gifts.
In the early days gifts were things such as home-made soap, candles, hot fudge canned and decorated, cookie dough wrapped up in pretty little packages, toffee, and peppermint bark wrapped and topped with a beautiful red ribbon bow. As the spirit of the holiday season grows a little louder inside Christmas Eve hits, like the forte to the holiday crescendo, all the family, minus a few that are only able to join in spirit, gather together yet again at Grandma and Grandpa’s house in Douglas.
As you walk in through the sliding door and carefully navigate through the mountains of snow boots and coats you are overwhelmed with the smell of home-made pizza, (that we only allow Grandma to make ONCE a year, Christmas Eve) and the sights of little snack bowls strategically placed on every surface. The sound of laughter is once again ringing in your ears as well as the sounds of about 20 different conversations, each one trying to outdo the noise level of the other. A perpetual smile is plastered on everyone’s face as you walk into the front room and then the sight of presents stacked to the ceiling hits you.
As a child it is an awe-inspiring sight that is closely followed by your jaw hitting the ground and the electric feeling of excitement coursing through your body. As an adult it is just as thrilling to see how every- body is going to fit in the tiny living room, still have room to breathe and open presents, but somehow it always works out. Santa is played by Grandpa, as the real Santa is busy with other things, and his elf is usually one of the youngsters circling around like vultures ready to rip the paper covering the gifts to shreds. We still follow the tradition of opening one gift at a time to give everyone a chance to ooohh and aahhhh over your gift as well as for you to be able to give thank you.
After all gifts have been opened and torn wrapping paper is appropriately spread throughout the house it is time for the adult’s favorite part of the Christmas Eve celebration: Rum Slush’s. Adults sit and sip their rum slush’s as children begin to play with their gifts unaware of what tomorrow will bring them. There is a definite feeling of togetherness and warmth palpitating throughout the house. As the witching hour approaches individual families begin to leave, goodbyes, well wishes and see you tomorrows are heard along with the closing of the sliding glass door as another fantastic Christmas Eve quickly comes to a close. However, only after Santa’s ½ pound chocolate chip cookies from Respite and Rudolph’s carrot are put out.

To be continued………..

Fancy Nancy Comes to Respite

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

On November 24th, 2010 Respite Cappuccino Court introduced its first Fancy Nancy Tea Party where little girls were magically transformed into little princesses to honor Princess Joz Graham’s 4th Birthday Party.
The adventure began when 6 little girls: Jozlin, Annie, Kennedy, Emmy, Aliana, and Leela. With freshly clean and brushed out hair they received a hairstyle fit for a princess, tied on a tutu, were draped in a boa and presented with their very own princess wand, finished off of course with a touch of fairy sparkles.
They enjoyed light crafts with glitter and glue decorating their own placemat and then everyone settled down in their chairs to enjoy a reading of Fancy Nancy’s Tea Party read by the owner of Cabbages and Kings Book store located Downtown Douglas.
The girls learned fancy words and manners and put them to good use at their tea party where they enjoyed a pretty table clothed in white damask, silver tea pots displaying pink roses, Frambouis French Sodas, skewered chocolate covered marshmallows with multi colored sprinkles, colorful spiced gum drops, and trays of dainty chocolate mints only to be eaten AFTER the healthy meal of course.
Nutrition was abound with Organic carrots and oriental corn on the cob, fruit kabobs consisting of grapes, bananas and strawberries, cheese sticks, turkey pinwheels and cream cheese rolls with blackberry jam. The grand finale was the individual Princess cupcakes which every little girl enjoyed while helping Joz celebrate turning four.
“It’s hard not to feel as happy as Fancy Nancy at this charming little tea party, operated by Fairy Godmother Jacqueline Waddell,” said Renee Waddell, owner, “The tea parties offer hair style, nail color, make-up and a total package including tutu, boa, tiara and photographs.”
There will be a public party every third Wednesday starting in January and running through April at 6:00 p.m. (reservations are required) where girls 3 years old and above are welcome to participate in 3 available packages:
Fabulous Package – includes hairstyling and shimmering makeup and tea party – starting at $15.95 plus tax.
Magnifique Package – includes hairstyling, shimmering makeup, nails, and tea party – starting at $20.95 plus tax.
Splendiferous – includes package #2 plus the photo package one 6 x 8 and four 4 x 6 photos in an elegant photo holder and complete tutu with accessories – starting at $55.95 plus tax.
Respite’s Fancy Nancy Tea Party offers a wide variety of beautiful accessories to borrow or to purchase – including boas, ponytail hairpieces and tiaras.
To reserve your spot at the next upcoming Fancy Nancy Party please contact Respite Cappuccino Court at 857.5411 between 7:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. daily.

Holiday Memories a four part series: Part 2 It’s begining to Look a lot like Christmas

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

The Christmas season for me is a crescendo of events. It usually begins with internally obtaining that jovial feeling of absolute happiness and warmth that one feels during the Christmas season. This has been done many of ways throughout my life, from volunteering at Christian neighbors, attending one of the many wonderful events the Saugatuck/Douglas area provides, making hand-made Christmas cards for the elderly at Grace (the retirement home in Douglas, MI formally known as Harbors Health Facility), and buying that yearly Christmas ornament to represent how special the past year has been.
More recently I was struck with the spirit of the season while walking from the Douglas/Saugatuck library, it is one of the most comforting and content feelings I have ever remembered having. After participating in yet another terrific toddler hour at the library, my son and I bundled up in our winter costumes complete with hat and mittens and made our way to the double doors of the library. Upon opening the doors we were heralded with a one of the best snow falls ever. The thick, heavy snowflakes were floating effortlessly from the sky giving one the feeling of being in a snow globe, while Christmas music from Ed Greens shop floated down the street from the main shopping area of Douglas to the Library. Instantly the decision to go for a hot chocolate entered both my son and my heads and without words we looked at each other and nodded as we began our short jaunt to the only place in town we would go for such a momentous hot chocolate and maybe a sweet treat to pair with it, Respite Cappuccino Court.
As we continued our path passed the City Hall, Will and I hand and hand, I was hit by the feeling of nostalgia as if I had been transported back to Downtown Douglas 100 years before that day. The road was lined with trails (from cars that had previously passed down this road) that could have easily been made by a sleigh pulled by horses with silver bells on their harness’, the sidewalks were shoveled by hand , mountains of snow surrounded us on either side, people were seen greeting each other with hugs, smiles and laughter at the post office, and the occasional friendly fire of a snowball from non-other than William was felt on my back followed by the heartwarming giggle of a child. It was all so magical. The magic continued as we stepped through the door at Respite and began taking off our wet winter wear and sat in the front window with our friends Annie and Erin chatting over our hot chocolates and cookies while watching the Christmas Shoppers walk by with their intensely thought out gifts for loved ones.
This year the tradition will continue and we hope to see many of you walking past the window with some fabulous gifts purchased in our lovely downtown area, and we hope even more to see you walk through that famous side door and join us at Respite for a nice cup of hot chocolate to prepare you for round two of the Downtown Douglas Shopping experience.

To be continued………

Holiday Memories a four part series: Part 1 Thanksgiving.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

With the holidays fast approaching many of us are filled with a plethora of emotions. Ranging from hectic and stressed to calm and overjoyed. The months of November and December are filled with singing, eating, searching for that perfect gift, eating, receiving the perfect gift, eating, laughter, eating, love, and comfort and did I mention eating? Being raised in a large Italian family, there was always an abundance of eating during the holidays, I have come to cherish those memories and laughter that all began with a meal.
Beginning in November, with Grandpa’s Birthday, the troops are called into Grandmas house and begin to feast on the meal laid out before us (usually barbecue, homemade coleslaw, and whatever sweet she feels like making that morning) Conversation always turns to how old the old man is getting and how everyone is planning to spend their holiday season. After successfully gaining 10 pounds and laughing until our stomachs hurt, we hug, kiss, and say our good-byes with the glow from the beginning of what is to be a memorable holiday season on our faces.
Next comes Thanksgiving dinner. Now for most families this is usually a big dinner, but for the Phillippe family it’s HUGE. It is the only time of year that all 37 member of our family and a few Respite family members join together. This tribe of 37+ spreads across three generations, spanning from 73 years in age to 1 year. It is very special to our family as well because it is one of the few times out of the year that the Tiers Family (Kelly’s husband Troy serves in the U.S Air force and they are stationed in Washington D.C), Cassi (serving in the US Navy and stationed in Norfolk, Virginia) and Mike (serving in the U.S Army and stationed in Afghanistan) get to come home to the family. As is a time honored tradition EVERYONE is required to bring a dish to pass, this leads to an abundance of delicious nourishing food made with loving hands.
The smell of turkey, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, Grandma’s home-made stuffing, sweet potatoes, gravy, and home-made rolls waft through the air and mix with the buzz of conversation to make a sweet concoction that one wishes they could bottle up and save for those long winter months ahead. Our Thanksgiving table is usually set with not one turkey, not two turkeys but three sometimes four humongous turkeys each affectionately cooked by a different individual as their entry into the annual Phillippe Family Turkey Competition.
The turkey competition is usually the kickoff to Thanksgiving dinner, each turkey is carved and a piece of each is set before the man in charge, Grandpa. He “delicately” tastes each one, judging based on flavor, moistness, and overall look of the turkey before making the hard decision of choosing one to be the champion turkey of the year. We don’t know why we even bother to enter because he always chooses Grandma’s turkey (he is a smart man)!
After the congratulations, cheering, and playful teasing dies down its time to begin gorging ourselves. And just about the time you feel you might explode the desserts roll out. Now I don’t usually like to brag but I must say the Phillippe family can bake! Our dessert spread is usually as big if not bigger than our meal spread, it contains the old standby’s such as pumpkin pie, apple pie, and pecan pie as well as other less traditional desserts such as cannollis, Philadelphia cheesecake, cupcakes, TNT jello (Kim’s favorite) and cookies. If there is one thing that can be said about the Phillippe family Thanksgiving it is that nobody leaves hungry. After we finish round one of our Thanksgiving meal the room usually unintentional splits into males and females. The males usually set off to the living room to continue their unfaltering support for the Lions, even though they know a loss is inevitable, while the females devour the day’s news paper to plan their black Friday shopping route. The house once again is filled with laughter and love as we all realize how much we have missed each-others company over the busy summer season. Mixed in with these two feelings is also the feeling of excitement as talk begins to turn to the impending holiday that we all hold so dear in our hearts; Christmas.

To Be Continued……….