coffee talk

 I love my cup of coffee first thing in the morning. It's what I go for the minute

I get out of bed. And I'm a bit of a coffee snob. I like to grind my own beans

fresh every morning. And only two certain kinds will do: Either Dunkin' Donuts

or Trader Joes Breakfast Blend. I've also discovered the beauty of making
coffee via the french press. It makes the most delicious, deep-tasting cup of
coffee I've ever had. I was lucky enough to find this personal french press at
 Goodwill last year. Since I'm the only coffee drinker in the house, this single-
serving press is perfect for me.

 When Brenda of Cozy Little House was talking about home coffee bars

a few days ago and is talking about coffee again today on her blog, I thought

I'd jump on the coffee bandwagon. I do have a coffee/tea/hot chocolate bar
in my kitchen, but not on my counter top. There's not enough room. But I
found a wire shelf in my stash of home decor and put it on the counter to
hold my two favorite winter mugs and some creamers.

The beverage bar is across the kitchen on the butler's table. You'll see a larger

french press. I found that one at Goodwill just a couple of weeks ago. It'll

come in handy when I have company. I do have an automatic drip coffee maker,

but like I said, I'm hooked on the french press right now. The coffee tastes

so much better. Once in awhile, I'll have a cup of tea in the afternoon or

evening (I usually just drink water all day after my morning coffee) -

plus Brian's a tea drinker - so I have an assortment of teas in a

vintage glass jar. And if anyone prefers hot chocolate, I have a homemade

mix - as well as peppermint sticks.

Here's the whole look on that side of the kitchen. As usual, I have a photo-

bombing kitty. That's Clementine under the butler's table.

In other non-coffee news, these past couple of days have brought sunshine

and 40+ degree temps. It not only feels wonderful, but it's melting some of 

that snow. However, tonight into tomorrow we're supposed to get a lot of rain

on top of all that melting snow. And you know what the means: flooding! I'm worried

about our basement. Brian's going to work on shoveling the snow away from the

foundation when he gets home from work today.

I had my first acupuncture appointment this morning for my rotator cuff

impingement. I went through a month of physical therapy in December and

it didn't do much good. It felt good during the therapy, but once therapy was

over, the pain and limited movement came right back. I do the prescribed PT

exercises at home every single day, too. Plus yoga class and yoga at home.

I will not get a cortisone shot unless absolutely necessary. I would like to say

never, but you know how that goes...never say never. I'm a natural health person

and have read a lot of information on the dangers and risks of cortisone - not

only to your soft tissues, but the effect it has on your heart. No, thank you. I will

go the natural route first. I've done acupuncture in the past - for my back. And it

helped tremendously. I have to say that just after today's treatment, I'm a little

sore but my range of motion is already much better. I also had a headache when

I went in and she was able to take that away immediately with appropriately-

placed needles. Amazing!

Linking up to: Cozy Little House Tweak it Tuesday and
Green Willow Pond What We Accomplished Wednesday