Coffee Thoughts

When dirt was new, and I worked offshore, I started drinking coffee. Why at that point in my life? I have no idea, but it influenced my taste for coffee.

We had two pots of coffee: one was a large percolator with the light roast, and the other was a small percolator with the dark roast. The large pot always seemed to be empty, when I had time for coffee, and the small always seemed full.

Only one man on the platform liked the dark roast, which was the reason for the small pot. I soon joined him, since there was always coffee, and I became accustomed to the dark, strong coffee.

I remember visiting my grandparents one afternoon, and was offered some coffee. I jumped at the opportunity, but was disappointed. I knew they didn't drink strong coffee, but seeing the bottom of the cup was a sign there would be some flavor, but not very much. It was as though my grandmother made an effort to see how weak she could make coffee, and still call it coffee.

So, my taste in coffee is the darker roasts, strong and with plenty of sugar and cream. It's how I roll, and while some have given me flack over how I fix my coffee, I really don't care. I like it that way, and they can kiss my butt, if it's so disturbing to them, as they flex their muscles and act like they enjoy their black coffee.

My favorite is Community Coffee. I know many can't buy it at the store, since it's a local product found mostly in Louisiana and along the Gulf Coast. Still, it's one to try, if you really like coffee. To me, it's up there with any gourmet coffee, and makes for some enjoyable moments in the early morning.

One word of caution: If you see Community Coffee in a convenience store, or doughnut shop, don't assume it will be a good cup of coffee. They mostly use the prepackaged filter bags, which makes the coffee taste as though it was filtered through an old sock. Avoid such things; they can ruin your first experience with Community Coffee.

Carpal Tunnel

I've had the symptoms of a problem with my carpal tunnel for years. I really don't remember when they started, but do remember the "shaking out my hand" for years, to remove the numbness. Over time, some areas of my fingers remained numb. At night, I wake with a pain I can only describe as the throbbing like a toothache in my arms.

A few years ago, I had some tests performed, which revealed I had Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. My family doctor didn't think it was necessary to do anything at that time, except to wear wrist braces at night. They helped, but even braces didn't remove the symptoms.

Last week, after too long of sleep loss due to pain at night, I had some tests run. After they were over, the doctor said: "You have very, very bad carpal tunnel syndrome in both hands.

The tests involved placing probes at various places, and electric shocks. The best description is a series of three, with the first as a tiny jolt, and the final similar to grabbing a spark plug. The doctor even warned me of the worse, which resulted in nearly jumping from the chair. The jolts were severe.

Long story short, some nerves returned no signal, so some of the numbness may be permanent. Surgery is a week Monday for the right hand. After it heals, the left will follow.

After it's over, maybe sleep won't be disturbed any longer, and I can use my hands, without shaking them out ever few minutes to return the feeling.

Time will tell.

Greg Allman Will the Circle be Unbroken

For those that can still hug your mother, do so today; and tell her how much you love her. The time you share may be short.

The Genius of Elton John Take me to the Pilot Live London Royal Opera Ho...

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Elton John - Take Me to the Pilot - Live at the Greek Theatre (1994)