Did I happen to mention that Word for Word has a new espresso machine? Yup, we were down for a couple of weeks and strictly selling books. But now we are full service again - both books and coffee - and just in time! I've become very dependent on having my machine always available, producing a rich, deeply flavored, aromatic espresso for me to savor & share. Without it I was lost. I found I didn't even like hot chocolate anymore without the steamed milk. Nope, microwaved just isn't the same, regardless of the quality of chocolate used.
And brewed coffee? Uh, no thanks! I grew up with grocery store coffee from a can, perked in a percolator and held at temperature for as long as needed. That wasn't my idea, though. I blame my mom. She made it, but she didn't even like coffee. Maybe that should have been a clue. Mom only drank green tea - BEFORE it was trendy & only from a bone china cup. It wasn't just that she was using not-so-great coffee, she occasionally was caught using the grounds twice! No wonder she preferred tea! I remember visiting my dad right after their divorce and having a cup of great drip coffee from freshly ground, high quality beans. I couldn't have been more surprised! Apparently the grocery store bargain coffee wasn't HIS idea either and he was moving forward.
Yes, I freely admit it. I'm spoiled. And now my mission in life is to spoil YOU. Wednesday through Sunday I make espresso drinks to your order, with organic, fair-trade, small-batch, locally roasted coffee. Both Burger King and I claim we want you to "have it your way". The difference is, I mean it (smile).
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Day Tripping - Respite Self-Care
Suddenly the bookstore is silent. My husband, his buddy & his dad just left and all the hot air is coming from the heater now (just kidding, guys). Customers this morning have represented a cross-section of political & social thought - all serious subjects so far today. I'm looking for someone to drop in with a little light humor now, please. Something to lighten my day - maybe something entirely unrelated to my real life.
Hmmm. Can't really complain about my life, actually. What can be better than spending each day surrounded by books & coffee, engaged in interesting conversations? Even a perfect life requires a little time away, though. Too much perfection is wearing (smile). Once-in-awhile I need a little fresh air after too much time spent indoors.
I do feel refreshed after my recent "weekend getaway". Rob & I took a long overdue road trip on Monday. We took highway 26 over toward the coast, stopping for brunch at Camp 18 & then wandering over to 101, through Cannon Beach & up to Seaside. Seaside isn't my favorite place - it's always so packed with people & I prefer my coastline deserted. Monday was the day to be there, though. Very few people ventured out despite the sunshine, which was fine with me. We could enjoy the ocean without risk of a head injury from an unseen Frisby or fear of a collision with a free-ranging pooch fresh from the city, crazed with his sudden freedom & trailing his leash.
From Seaside & The Prom we went up the coast to Fort Stevens to check out the historic military sites there. I'd never been to the protective bunkers where troops defended the coastline before and walked around reading all of the signs & trying to determine where the ocean was. (Since WWII trees have grown up and block the view, so you have to rely on imagination to see what the men guarding our shores saw). One sign pointed out that the guns there were never fired in anger. Another (contradictory?) said that a Japanese sub was fired upon. Apparently nobody was angry though? Good to know. Bike trails abound and they're paved, so I'm pretty sure we'll be making a return trip soon.
Next stop on our journey was the jetty at the point where the Columbia River and the Pacific Ocean meet. As I am seldom a danger to myself anymore (mostly) I had no problem with signs instructing "Do Not Climb on the Jetty". 20 years ago I might have ignored the sign & clambered over the huge rocks, but no more. I am mortal now. The only climbing I did this day was onto a viewing platform that overlooks the juncture. Although the view was amazing I did get a little insecure when I found the platform had a built-in sway. Having spent much time in earthquake prone California I like the ground to feel firm under my feet so immediately made my escape, climbing quickly down when I detected movement. I really think there should have been a warning posted on the viewing platform, something like "Expect Movement". After all, I WAS reading all of the signs and following the instructions to not climb on the rocks. They might have warned me!
All of this walking, climbing & sightseeing prepared us for our next & final stop, the Wet Dog Saloon in Astoria. After a good dinner with locally brewed beer, topped off by dessert. Er, um, that is, I had dessert. Rob exercised more discretion & had room to gloat later (literally). Finally we headed home around sunset, physically tired but mentally rested.
Yes, even bookstore owner/baristas need some time away - time spent doing something completely unrelated to books or coffee. All the better to enjoy my daily surroundings when I return. OK, I confess, I did peruse the books at the Camp 18 gift shop, and enjoyed a latte with my dessert at the Wet Dog. Can't help myself, it's what I do - books & coffee. I can't quite do without them, even on a day trip. It's an illness. My name is Susan and I'm a coffee/bookaholic.
Hmmm. Can't really complain about my life, actually. What can be better than spending each day surrounded by books & coffee, engaged in interesting conversations? Even a perfect life requires a little time away, though. Too much perfection is wearing (smile). Once-in-awhile I need a little fresh air after too much time spent indoors.
I do feel refreshed after my recent "weekend getaway". Rob & I took a long overdue road trip on Monday. We took highway 26 over toward the coast, stopping for brunch at Camp 18 & then wandering over to 101, through Cannon Beach & up to Seaside. Seaside isn't my favorite place - it's always so packed with people & I prefer my coastline deserted. Monday was the day to be there, though. Very few people ventured out despite the sunshine, which was fine with me. We could enjoy the ocean without risk of a head injury from an unseen Frisby or fear of a collision with a free-ranging pooch fresh from the city, crazed with his sudden freedom & trailing his leash.
From Seaside & The Prom we went up the coast to Fort Stevens to check out the historic military sites there. I'd never been to the protective bunkers where troops defended the coastline before and walked around reading all of the signs & trying to determine where the ocean was. (Since WWII trees have grown up and block the view, so you have to rely on imagination to see what the men guarding our shores saw). One sign pointed out that the guns there were never fired in anger. Another (contradictory?) said that a Japanese sub was fired upon. Apparently nobody was angry though? Good to know. Bike trails abound and they're paved, so I'm pretty sure we'll be making a return trip soon.
Next stop on our journey was the jetty at the point where the Columbia River and the Pacific Ocean meet. As I am seldom a danger to myself anymore (mostly) I had no problem with signs instructing "Do Not Climb on the Jetty". 20 years ago I might have ignored the sign & clambered over the huge rocks, but no more. I am mortal now. The only climbing I did this day was onto a viewing platform that overlooks the juncture. Although the view was amazing I did get a little insecure when I found the platform had a built-in sway. Having spent much time in earthquake prone California I like the ground to feel firm under my feet so immediately made my escape, climbing quickly down when I detected movement. I really think there should have been a warning posted on the viewing platform, something like "Expect Movement". After all, I WAS reading all of the signs and following the instructions to not climb on the rocks. They might have warned me!
All of this walking, climbing & sightseeing prepared us for our next & final stop, the Wet Dog Saloon in Astoria. After a good dinner with locally brewed beer, topped off by dessert. Er, um, that is, I had dessert. Rob exercised more discretion & had room to gloat later (literally). Finally we headed home around sunset, physically tired but mentally rested.
Yes, even bookstore owner/baristas need some time away - time spent doing something completely unrelated to books or coffee. All the better to enjoy my daily surroundings when I return. OK, I confess, I did peruse the books at the Camp 18 gift shop, and enjoyed a latte with my dessert at the Wet Dog. Can't help myself, it's what I do - books & coffee. I can't quite do without them, even on a day trip. It's an illness. My name is Susan and I'm a coffee/bookaholic.
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