Under the Tree…
Behold my office Christmas tree… well, the bottom half, anyhow. With Snoopy ornaments and rubbery squid lures on it’s charming plastic branches, it makes me smile. A vintage coffee tin captures my feelings of Christmas… Bliss.
You might notice the gold framed photo. That’s me back in 2008 when I first visited Paris. I’m pointing to a Van Gogh self portrait hanging in the D’Orsay Museum in The City of Light. The elation I was feeling at that moment was nearly indescribable. Up to that point, I’d only seen this remarkable painting in books… and there it was… in plain sight. The moment was captured and deserving of a frame.
That trip was a blessing… a wonderful gift. Fast forward six years and I will, again, be in Paris… but this time at Wonderful Christmastime! And also like that first trip, I will be able to visit the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. It is an amazing gift for which I am most grateful! … and it is waiting for me and My Lovelies under the Christmas tree.
Good Morning and Merry Christmas:
First off, thanks for publishing such an imaginative and “warm” story. The world needs more artists of your talent and caliber.
Secondly, as a Navy Veteran, I appreciate you putting “squids” in a positive light.
Lastly, in the Spirit of Christmas, I hereby release my “secret coffee recipe” to all in the “Fraternite’ de Cafe”:
Mix equal parts of Folgers Black Silk and Seattle’s Best Dark Intense #5.
Using a 12-cup coffee maker, place 160 cc’s (please see the P.P.S.) of said mixture in an unbleached coffee filter, and add 1/8 tsp of coarse sea salt.
Put a full eyedropper of pure vanilla extract in the pot.
Brew.
Savor.
The preceding recipe has been known to cause pancake, french toast and/or doughnut addiction.
Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, Peace and Good Will to All.
Cheap Uncle Joe
P.S. My wife and I have been to the Van Gogh Museum also. It’s the best.
P.P.S. For convenience, we use a J. Robb Protein Drink scoop, as it is 80 cc’s.
Sorry about the “plug”, but it’s the only brand I know of having that size scoop. (And they use “Stevia”, not aspartame.)
Merry Christmas, Cheap Uncle Joe!
I thank you for your kind words. I blush.
Nextly, thank you for your military service… My bro-in-law is a Squid… and we loves him (he’s serving overseas presently and we miss him) and I am rather fond of those tentacled sea creatures.
THank you for the Cafe Recipe! OH JOY! It sounds amazing! Many candy canes and sugar plums upon you for sharing your “Secret Coffee Recipe.”
Harold and I are definitely in the Fraternite de Cafe!
AND… The Van Gogh Musee has JUST been remodeled, so it will feel like a new experience! Be sure to follow us on travelswithharold.com and see our adventures! There’s a new Instagram feature on the site, as well! CHeers!