Dad Christmas

Dad & I have a ritual, we meet for coffee Christmas morning at Espresso Metro--traditionally the only coffee house open in our neighborhood.  We know the owner, who brings her kids. All the regulars show up. My ex works there--I asked him if I could wish the anarchist a Merry Christmas, he obliged. :)

The sun was straining through the fog all morning but it cleared enough that we could take our coffee to the park across the street--We have our glass mugs, plate of coissants and cream cheese baguettes.

We have a no-presents pack and usually I'm the one to break it, but we agreed little guy was Christmas this year. Dad, however, surprised me with a Starbucks card (!). "It isn't a present," he said. "It's maintenance." I laughed, because, as you know, it's exactly what I needed. Thank you, dad. Coffee's on me!

Zephyr hates it immensely, but I put his red sweater on for the occassion. They're staring at little guy with curiosity, still.

Dad talking to little guy, whom he still finds hilarious.

And here's our new pack of 2 1/4. Merry Christmas, good tidings and a beautiful day to all.

d, xo

Happy Cupcake Day (or, coffee simbiosis)

I have a very simbiotic relationship with my neighborhood cafe/restaurant. I keep their enormous bowl shaped planters filled with herbs and flowers, and in return they keep me filled with coffee.

Working at home, the cafe is my daily walking destination with Zephyr. It's my social escape, my water cooler for gossip. If anyone is looking for me the cafe is usually the first place they look.

This relationship also works well for my baking habit. I like to bake, and even they, in a restaurant, like to eat. So, this year for Valentine's Day I made cup cakes slathered in cream cheese and Cointreau frosting dolloped with pink, red, lavendar M&Ms, which, since I waited to the very last possible minute to buy, were crazy hard to find.

I got a grand entrance, "Happy Valentine's Day" all around and the cupcakes were gone in less than 5 minutes. Still, it was fun. Who else would I bake this many cupcakes for? Plus, I'm thinking in the spring it will buy me bonus points as I want to add another one of their restaurants to my gardening list. I drink a LOT of coffee. ;-)

Coffee & brioche

Thank goodness for Italian coffee, French brioche & apricot jam. My morning salvation.
Today I am running off to another estate sale--It's spring & sales abound! So, coffee in hand-- lists, purse, camera and I am off. Meanwhile I will leave you with my favorite typed word snippets from Dahlila. :-)
They're a nice way to send a friend a cappuccino and brioche without getting the envelope all soggy. ;-)
Have a nice day and wish me luck! You never know what I will find?


dahlila. xxoo