Simple Pleasures

When I sold my house in Pacific Grove in early June I pretended I was rich - after all I just sold a house in California. In reality the money is needed for my retirement years but, for a week, I pretended this wasn't the case. I took anyone and everyone out to dinner, I bought clothes and shoes, and I certainly didn't think about the bills that would surely come due. Instead I luxuriated in the pretense.

Of course reality soon reared its ugly head and I am back to my usual budgeting but oh that week was glorious.

The single best thing I bought (and after using it at my cousin Pattie's house soon after my arrival in California I asked her to go to my amazon account and order the exact same thing for me) was my Nespresso machine.

I love it.

I bought their espresso machine - and the frother - and the the case to hold the little packets - and the large (200 total) sampler offering a variety of caffeinated and decaffeinated coffees. Yes, I went a bit hog wild. I am sure my financial advisor is glad I bought the least expensive model (well, actually I did not divulge the extent of my spree to him) and the whole works was waiting for me when I returned from California.

Then I watched the 60 Minutes episode about aging - and what appears to affect how long we live.  Who knew the regimen includes 2-3 cups of coffee a day and 1-2 glasses of alcohol?

And here sat my new Nespresso just waiting.

I am now in coffee heaven.

I enjoy a perfect cappuccino each morning (I equal the cappuccinos from my memories of Italy. The little cap of foam?  Yep, I create it every time.)

On these hot summer days in Portland (I know, I know - who knew summers were sunny and hot here?) I make at least one iced coffee - YUM.

And then, to combine the daily required intake of coffee with that of alcohol - what better way to end each day than with a hot decaffeinated coffee with a dollop of Bailey's?

Okay, I am not rich, not even in the slightest, but I am so glad I went on that short spending spree. In fact I toast myself each night, Baileys and espresso in hand.  Way to go, Donna!