Clearing the brain so it keeps working
Posts tagged coffee
What happened to my coffee???
Sep 8th
I have written many times about my love of coffee. I will admit that I am a bit of a coffee snob. But I never needed to have gourmet coffee at every turn. But for the past couple of days the coffee I’ve had just didn’t taste right. Hmmm…
At work last Friday I had one cup of coffee. It was flavored coffee (beans from a local coffee shop) and it had an off flavor. Ok, maybe I don’t like that flavor, I’ve had some experience with that.
Saturday no coffee. Sunday no coffee. Tea tastes fine both days…
Monday coffee at lunch. It was bad even for store brands… Arrrg.
Monday dinner. I was at a well know chain restaurant that usually has decent coffee. The first cup was ok, the second cup not so good. More Arrggg.
Today I had one cup at work. My Kona blend. Can I just say it was nasty..
I think I found the problem at work, the water in our new office just isn’t right for coffee or tea. My green tea in the afternoon had a weird/off flavor too. I really hope they get the water coolers. Or at least put a filter on the water. Maybe I should get a pitcher with a filter on it…
Told you I was a bit of a coffee nerd/snob. If I can be upset with the coffee based on the water it was made from. Funny the water doesn’t taste bad from the faucet, just when mixed with coffee or green tea. The black tea was fine..
And I missed it.
Jun 4th
Many people know that I really enjoy my coffee. My dear wife and I used to frequent a local coffee establishment until her death. During the many years of enjoying the coffee and company, I found that I know a thing or two about a good cup of joe. I was sad on the day that little coffee shop closed its doors for the last time.
I will still visit our other local coffee shops, but I no longer make it a weekly habit. I tend to buy good coffee and share it with the people I work with.
We also used to visit many small coffee shops while on vacation. I really liked getting the feel of a location in the local place. I did stay away from the big chain coffee shops, since their goal is to move people in and out. Most local shops have a customers that will stick around and talk over their cups of coffee, not stare into computer screens or newspapers.
But I am sad to say I missed visiting one coffee shop with a bit of a twist. I haven’t been to Maine yet, so I didn’t get to visit the ‘Topless’ coffee shop. It burned down this week. The owner had no insurance on the building, so it may be up in the air as to any reopening of the business. I am curious as to what my lovely wife would have thought of this establishment. I am sure that we would be glad our daughter worked at our local coffee shop and not the topless one…. 
Stop and smell the coffee
Mar 19th
Today I had a stop in town and I was right next to a fairly new coffee/ice cream shop. I’ve been there once or twice and decided to treat my self to a cup of coffee. It was a fairly trying day, so I thought a cup of coffee would be welcome.
I had a sip or two of my triple espresso and left to drive on home. Just as I was getting into my car, a gust of wind threatened to blow my hat halfway down main street. Instinctively, I reached for my hat, but I had in that hand a cup of coffee. The coffee flew all over, most over me. Being espresso it had a very strong aroma. I was able to smell that the entire ride home. Even after changing clothes, I was able to smell it. Seems it got in my hair too.
Well, so much for a relaxing cup of coffee. I ended up wearing most of it. I guess I didn’t need the caffeine.
No, there were no burns, and I’m not going to be suing any coffee shops. My own stupidity was responsible for the coffee on me. Reach for a hat with the hand coffee is in. None too smart that.
Of course, if you can’t laugh at your own stupid antics whose can you laugh at. Really a decent day after I got my jacket cleaned.
The day is gray
Feb 27th
I’m not sure how it started out, it was still dark when I arrived at work. I’m not sure how the day look all day, I have no windows where I work. But the day was gray anyway.
For this reason or that. Human error and computer malfunction played havoc on the day today. All morning seemed to be a rush to get nothing accomplished. Everytime something was tried it, for some reason, failed. The day was gray.
This type of day is very draining.
But even with all of that, there was humor in the day. That little bit of silver lining, perhaps?
Coffee just wasn’t doing it this morning. Even though I enjoy my cup of joe in the morning, it just didn’t hit the spot like normal. When this occurs, as it does from time to time, I go to a cup of tea or two. After heating my water, I went back to my desk for a nice cup. A few minutes later, I was drinking my brew thinking it was very weak. Then I noticed, the dry teabag was still sitting next to the cup. I was drinking a cup of hot water. Now at that point, I knew the day was going all wrong. I’m lucky it got better in the afternoon.
So, how was your day?
Hot winter drinks
Dec 22nd
I’ve been thinking of some hot winter beverages, be they spiked, spiced or just hot. Things I like, but generally limit to the winter months (I drink hot tea and coffee all year round). So here is my list, if you want recipes, I can dig one or two up.
Hot Chocolate: I don’t really care how you make this. You can use an instant mix, or chocolate and warm milk, all is good. Especially with whipped cream or marshmallows. For something a bit different, I usually add some mint extract. Or maybe some mint schnapps.
Hot Spiced Cider. I will drink this in the fall when cider becomes more available. But I like it all winter long.
Hot Spiced, Spiked Cider… same as above but with a jigger of Captain Morgans.
Hot Mulled Wine Good stuff when done properly.
Hot Lemonade. I’m not sure what started this, but it sometimes hits the spot when coming in from the cold. Also hot sweet orange juice. The orange juice is good with some Amaretto added.
And Kahlua, coffee and cream.
I just noticed, I may be a bit of a lush when it comes to winter drinks. But I usually only get the Cocoa and hot lemonade. 
