a second cup...

I like my coffee like I like my women;

Black and bitter,
full of body and sweet,
tan and easy to go down,
steamy and imported,
Frothy? Half caf? with a twist?

Ive been enjoying a night cap of coffee in the last few weeks.  Its a dark sin that I enjoy. The mug I drink out of is a 16oz mug and I usually load my coffee with heavy cream and 2 Tsp of sugar. Its probally not the best thing for me but I have been enjoying the routine of a nice cup of Joe. Add to this a cookie and my evening is just about complete.

     I've noticed that most of my friends are not coffee drinkers. They take their caffine as a cola or energy drink. While I do drink those when I'm running short on time I enjoy the small ritual of coffee and cream. The smell of a fresh brewed pot, the cooling milk and a tablespoon of sugar.  I think if I had been British I would enjoy full english tea as well. While with tea its a bag and hot water I do appreaciate the ritual of the pour. 

      Most Americans do not have any rituals that they follow. We are a mishmash of cultures from the far corners of the Earth. The rituals we do have here in the US are only a little over 200 years old.  We do little to honor the dead. We do little to honor the town or city where you live. The only rituals I see that are National are the Fourth of July, Memorial day and Veterans day. The other holidays have become nothing more than an excuse to  drink or to have a sale. Presidents day, MLK day, Cinco de Mayo (not yours), St Paddys (again not ours), Christmas (the biggest offender in comercilism), Easter (Bunnys and chocolates?, Whens the last time you went to chuch for the story), Arbor day (??), Earth day (buy some compact fluorescent bulbs), Valentines (buy a card and chocolates), sweetest day (buy a card). Mothers day still retains tradition with taking mom out. Thanksgiving is also still very traditional, but the day before has become a drinking holiday and the day after is a joke for consumers (BLACK FRIDAY).  

    I'm going to keep one tradition for my self. Its a simple cup of coffee and a cookie. I hope you all have at least one tradition that does not involve going shopping or going to the mall. Peace.