Tim Hortons

The roots of hooliganting evolved from driving around and drinking Tim Horton's steeped tea late at night. I thought it was time to return to my blog roots and share some good old fashioned Tim Hortoning experience. My week seems to be revolving around that delightful institution that produces a carefully crafted cup of coffee, designed to be creamed and sugared enough that you are left wanting more...without always understanding why. They have the secret steeped tea, which is my favorite, served to me double double. Hot chocolates and lattes, donuts and cookies. These are the keys to their success in taking over the north and quite possibly the whole of Canada.

Where I live, Tim Horton's isn't just another coffee shop. There are other's around that have the coffees, capaccinos and deluxe drinks. Tim Horton's thrives on simplicity here. The simplisitc regularity of their coffee with reasonable pricing has this community lining up around blocks, on roadways and in double lines just to get a taste of basic Canadian traditon. The exhaust fumes come into your vent lulling your senses while you wait to order your drink of choice. Thirty minutes is not an usual wait - for a coffee. Why do we do it?

For me, the line is place to get the home reading done, or I am doing a favor for someone. Sometimes, I have completely forgotton to pack snacks inbetween activities. Sometimes, I have thirty minutes I need to waste. The best times are those times when I am meeting friends or am hanging out with my friends in the warm confines of a vehicle.  There is the consistency of knowing that it is available 24 hours a day.

I like the flavors but it is the people that make it special. My favorite server shares my passion for the Tim Horton's Almond Coconut Cookie, especially when it is slightly underdone. He'll even choose the best one for me. I like to have those meaningful interludes of conversation over a cuppa. Tonight was classic. I was able to meet a friend for a short 45 minutes after dance class. We are able to share our updates, chill out a bit, and then go home in time to prepare for the next day ahead. The children were being looked after, so we had time with no interuptions (other than the cell phones). But this is a place where people meet, congregate and share time. It is always welcoming, and you never seem to overstay.

I think this community thrives on it's Tim Horton's addiction. We are all so used to it, and it has become a part of the Canadian landscape. Here we all know our double double. Travellers return home and often will find a Tim Horton's soon thereafter. I know I do. It is here we gain sustainance for mind, body and soul. I hope it never changes.