NaBloWriMo Day 30 - A Foggy Day to go to Town

The dense fog advisory was supposed to expire at 9 a.m. today.  At noon, the advisory was extended into "sometime" this afternoon.

The fog did not keep us from our planned field trip, however.  We were going to learn the art of rug hooking today at Ewe and Eye Woolens and Such.  Marge and Beth were wonderful instructors and very knowledgeable on the craft.  After learning the technique, I was hooked!!

Cabin Coffee for caffeine and Flat Pie and Red Eye for Margherita pizza concluded our morning field trip.  Even though the drive home was still foggy and drizzly, we spotted a most unique yard display on the way...

...and we thought, "Hay!  Isn't that cute?!"

NaBloWriMo Day 7 - All Coffee Shops are not Created Equal

Hi,my name is Deb, and I'm a coffee snob.

My family has threatened on several occasions to stage an intervention as my love of coffee has completely taken over my life. But I don't see it as a bad thing.

Just because I appreciate a perfect latte does not mean I have a problem.

Just because I focus on the first cup of coffee of the day before I can really function doesn't mean I'm addicted.

Just because I look forward to the days when I can go to my favorite coffee shop and sip my favorite caffeinated beverage doesn't mean I'm wishing my life away or obsessed.

Does it?

The yummy noises I make while taking the first few drinks of a hot caramel, vanilla latte--I've been told--are practically obscene.

I have more coffee punch cards in my billfold than credit cards.

I can taste the difference between gourmet Hazelnut flavoring and the other subpar brands.

...And a sugar-free, non-fat latte really is a "why bother!"

I used to get pretty excited when trying a new coffee house, but now that my favorite barista has me so incredibly spoiled, I approach all new coffee shop experiences with a bit of trepidation. Until I try that first sip and know that the espresso, milk, and flavoring are just right, I remain reserved.

I still have much to learn, as I couldn't just step behind a counter and run a commercial espresso machine, but I have perfected the process at home with my Capresso Ultima (which is obsolete, by the way, and I will be so very sad when it craps out).

I will continue to try new coffee places when I'm traveling, and I really don't see this as an obsession or a problem, just something I truly enjoy.

I have to close as I think I hear my Keurig calling me.

Life is too short to drink cheap coffee.

Life's Too Short to Drink Cheap Coffee

Coffee – in search of the perfect cup

What makes coffee so appealing? Is it the friend you’re sipping with, the flavor, the legal addictive stimulant, or is it the clever names of the coffee houses: The Gos-sip, Stompin’ Grounds, The Coffee Cat, or Brewed Awakenings just to name a few.

I admit the fun of meeting someone at a coffee house makes me feel like I’m in some elite group or club, but honestly, I’m really addicted to the latte whether I’m out with a friend or grabbing a quick cup on my own. I don’t drink all the time, only when I'm alone or with someone, and I only drink coffee on days that end in “y”.

I have gone through a variety of different coffee machines at home trying to make the perfect cup, and finally found one that comes pretty close to that fabulous $5 a cup coffee--the Capresso Ultima. I have the espresso roast beans, the grinder, a variety of flavored syrups, my favorite mugs, and have developed quite a knack for frothing and steaming the milk. And while it takes me nearly a half hour to clean up the machine, grind the beans, prepare the cup, brew, and froth, the little bit of heaven in a cup is really the only way to start my day. And since I'm not spending that half hour folding underwear--I have the time.

Life's short...give your soul some sunshine and have a latte!