Live without Coffee? You could. But why?

Could this Fox Terrier be the next addition to my Dog Eared Art Collection? From Lulunjay.

Have you ever tried to give up coffee?

I don't drink much- a cup in the morning, often only half a cup since I forget and leave it to get cold while I'm getting ready for my day. This morning, I had resigned myself to a cup of tea since Eric wasn't drinking any and I didn't want to make a whole pot just for me. But Eric noticed my bleary eyes (he says I remind him of a mole first thing in the morning!) and fixed me a pot just to be sweet.

It was twice as delicious as usual- after a sad watery lukewarm cup of tea, there was something about the buzz of the grinder and the tinkle of the machine filling with bubbling water, and the way the house began to fill with the rich warming smell of freshly brewing coffee, and the splurgy swirl of cream he added. I cupped it in my hands and felt the thickness of it, the complexity of the flavor and sipped the whole thing right down to the bottom. And then had another cup.

A great cup of coffee just has no equal. I don't know that I could ever give it up wholeheartedly. Do you drink a little, a lot or none at all?

Morning Ritual: A Monster Mug for Mister and Missus

I snapped up a pair of these monster mugs from Lenny Mud and they make me smile every morning. Because this is exactly how I feel before my first cup of Joe. It's not the caffeine per say, since I often end up having only a few sips and then leave it to get ice cold on a tabletop somewhere. It's the bleary eyed ritual of it. Sending the beans whizzing that sharp, dramatic zip through the grinder. Cleaning out the filter. Pouring the fresh grinds in. Adding the water. Listening to the whole mess begin to gurgle happily. And then that delightful smell that tells you the day is about to begin. I wouldn't do without that.

What's your morning ritual? Does it involve coffee?