Pic Today 1/14/14

WHEN CHEFS

COOK FOR THEMSELVES

Nothing fancy . . .

just too much great food,

enough to drink

(for thirst is a dangerous thing),

and the chance to enjoy each other

without any customers to serve.

We'll clean up the dishes

in the morning.

Pic Today 1/13/13

SELF PORTRAIT

IN LEGO BRICKS

Current exhibit of LEGO sculptures

at the Magic House in St. Louis.

Pic Today 1/8/13

FLYING OFF AGAIN

Traveling again, on assignment.

I'll be gone all week.

No bloggin', no e-mail.

Be back by week's end.

Whoosh!

Pic Today 1/7/13

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT

Competing baristas prepare for

competition at the big Central Regional

U.S. Barista Competition in Kansas City

(January 18-20.)

Baristas around the country are

rehearsing and practicing to compete

in front of judges, to earn their spot

at the U.S. Nationals.

Here, at Kaldi's Coffee in St. Louis,

 barista entrants learn how to perfect their performance

on stage, under the lights (in front of 7 judges) . . .

15-minutes to prepare 4 perfect espressos,

4 perfect cappuccinos, and 4 original "signature drinks"

(a flavored concoction of their design, no alcohol.)

15 minutes sounds like plenty of time.

(It isn't!)

Pic Today 1/6/13

HOW SNOWMEN

SAY GOODBYE

"I made myself a snowball,

as perfect as can be.

I thought I'd keep it as a pet

and let it sleep with me.

I made it some pajamas

and a pillow for its head.

Then last night it ran away,

but first it wet the bed."

                           -- Shel Silverstein