Spatter

It Was Bound To Happen

Well, given the state of the economy, it was bound to happen.  Starbucks announced today that it will close 600 of its lower performing stores in the U.S. and will open fewer than 200 new company operated stores in 2009.  It seems fewer people are willing and/or able to fork over $5 for a cup of joe these days.  Well, there were too many of them...literally only a block apart in some cities. 

I am a bit concerned that the store that opened in Christiansburg about a year ago will be one of the casualties.  Given its location, I'm guessing it's got to be one of the poorer performers. My consumption of Starbucks has decreased to almost nothing since retiring, but I still like knowing it's there for those occasions when I feel like treating myself to a shot while running errands.  I don't do it often, but I like knowing it's there. 



Post Note
Most of the time I  get my fix of expresso at Floyd's very own  Cafe del Sol.   It's a warm and welcoming part of our community.

Tea Is Served

Tea Is Served
bydamanti

This is how my tea was served at Chateau Morisette Winery when Judy took me there for my birthday last month.  We're going back there today with our weekend house guests and hoping for good weather so we can sit on the patio and look out at the mountains again.   Since the forecast is 70 percent chance of rain, I'm not counting on it.  Bad timing,  the rain...but I ain't complaining!

How I Eat Oreos

 

for the record...

when I eat Oreos
I eat them whole. 
no twisting, no licking, no deciding what to eat first.
I want it all and I want it all at the same time...
chocolate and creme
hard and soft.

and...for the record...
when I eat them, I dunk them.
oh, not sopping wet...
but just enough to let the milk caress  its form
without destroying its texture. 
It's an art form to do it properly. 

but...for the record...
I don't eat them much at all.