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Tuesday, April 24, 2007
My search for a new Duluth hangout: Part I
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I decided to try something different last week.
My watering hole had closed for good, taxes were due, and my birthday is in April - which means car tags and an emissions inspection - and this year my driver’s license has to be renewed.
So I decided to go to Barnes & Noble on pleasant Hill Road near Satellite Boulevard in Duluth. A friend of mine had work to do for classes and I thought it would be neat to browse over some books, drink some coffee, and help her edit some answers. I am a writer, after all (though some of you may question that.)
I found out only recently that Barnes & Noble has a place to serve coffee, kind of like Starbucks. I knew, of course, that they sold books.
I am embarrassed to say that I haven’t had much of a chance to read lately. I have been so busy getting back into the swing of things after my stroke — going back to work, getting settled in back home — that I haven’t really ventured out into the world.
It was a nice change of pace. My friend brought her laptop computer and with wireless service she was able to access the Internet.
I don’t know much about the technology. I got a cell phone for Christmas — my first one, as I wrote in a previous blog — but I only know how to answer it and hang up. There is a work table in the coffee shop where you can set up your laptop, spread out your books or your notes, and look at the people.
The coffee was good. I was a little surprised at how expensive it was. I don’t usually go out to get coffee. I either make it at home or drink it at work. I can imagine that all of you must be rolling your eyes now, but I was, after all, looking for a new experience, and it was for me.
There were some books in the coffee area, but I was afraid that I might spill coffee on them and end up having to buy some book written by a Food Network chef or a pop psychologist. They did have some magazines spread out there, but none were really to my liking, so I was glad to have work to do.
I talked to a friend of mine the next day about the experience. She said that she likes to go there often, drink tea, read books and sit on the sofas there. I told her that I didn’t know you could do that. She just rolled her eyes at me and said, “Geez, Bill, you need to get out more.” I told her that I would try it again.
Armed with this new information, perhaps I will be able to fully enjoy the experience the next time I go.
You can see that I need some assistance. What are some fun things that you do around town to spend a leisurely afternoon or evening?
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