03/12/2026
Well, that was a rough winter! We ran out of firewood about a month ago because I was building fires every day. How did you like that stretch of -15 degree weather?
Given all of the time indoors, I tried to make it productive, and cranked out a few books. If you like speculative, sci-fi or fantasy, you may enjoy the fiction I write. For one day only (opening day Thursday, March 19th), you can get all three for only $20. During the season, you can buy any of my books for $10/ea. Keys to the Spaceship is short stories; Messiah of GoGoBah, Stories of Ranskilta plus The Computer Company are two novellas; Kyri is fantasy.
An interesting fact: 80% of titles are put out by only six publishing companies. So, this is a fun way to get outside of the mainstream publishing gatekeepers.
Now, let’s talk coffee. I mean, coffee and books are basically my two favorite subjects. We’re back again, and I’m pretty excited about this season. One of my goals is to (re)create public spaces where people can converse and hang out informally. With the Internet and automation, there’s less and less time/places for that. People complain that the next generation doesn’t have good social skills; they complain of their sterile work atmosphere. Well, here’s your ticket out. Here’s your solution.
I knew I wouldn’t make it through the winter without at least one trip to Shelburne Falls Roasters, so I made the voyage. As usual, they didn’t disappoint! And, to really increase my jealousy, they now have basically my dream espresso machine. Don’t get me wrong. The machines I have now are a combination of Italian and German engineering. They are top notch for small jump-style operations. But, wow, the espresso industry just keeps going higher and higher.
I’ll probably start off with some big flavors, just to come out swinging: Sumatra, I love those black oily beans. Maybe some Organic Mexican so I can do the equivalent of a black and tan, if you’ve ever had that at a bar. You get the bold flavor of a dark roast with that caffeine kick of a light roast. So many possibilities…
Anyway, this is getting long, and my main goals have been met. Opening Day is Thursday, March 19th. Hours are all the same this year: Tues-Fri from 9:10-1:10. What do I suggest? I mean, the maple lattes and mochas tend to be the big sellers, but it just depends what you like.
See ya at the courthouse,
Todd
