Coffee - My Drink of the Morning

I am changing lanes in the middle of the red light to get some feedback from my reader's. It is a test of me - am I "out of it?" I love my coffee - my day hasn't started until I have my first cup and it really needs to be good. I can remember a time when coffee started most everyone's day, but now it's Coke, Mountain Dew, Pepsi, Diet Coke, Dr. Pepper or some other concoction. But did you notice, they are all caffeine filled drinks?

I have tried all the brands of coffee, with and without the additives and I consistently drink Maxwell House - cup after cup it is what I like. I have tried Folger's, Chock Full O'Nuts, Eight O'Clock, Gevalia, Community, and many other brands, but nothing has replaced my Maxwell House every morning and through most of the day. Yes, I know, I should limit myself to two cups a day, but I don't. I am a coffeeholic.

When on the road, I prefer McDonald's coffee over Starbuck's. I am talking coffee here folks, not cappuccino, not cafe latte', not espresso - just coffee. Those other drinks are a poor attempt to "dress up" a cup of coffee and drive the prices up. A good cup of coffee doesn't need dressing up. It needs to be savored!

From the first tentative sip to the next bigger taste, coffee should make your brain smile, your heart jump and your skin tingle, all signalling the beginning of another day. The drink that send signals to your brain that the breaking of the fast has begun and the start up of the body for another day.

• Did you know that the darker the coffee bean the smoother the flavor?
• The lighter the coffee bean the more caffeine it contains?
• Did you know that the drink made from coffee beans originated in Arabia?
• Brazil is the number one producer of coffee beans, not Columbia
  

Tell me what is your favorite drink of the morning and why?

When did you last read your Declaration of Independence?

An excerpt of The Declaration of Independence - Transcribed

"IN CONGRESS, July4, 1776

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. -- That to secure these rights, Government are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. -- That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to tight themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed, But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. --Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. "

We just celebrated the signing of this tremendous document and the freedoms that it represents. But, let us not forget that with these freedoms, there is responsibilty. The document reads - "it is their right, it is their duty" - nothing in life will be handed to you - you must work for it. The soldiers fighting on foreign soil are doing their jobs - are we doing ours?

Georgia State Parks

The economy has plummeted and the price of relaxation and discovery has skyrocketed. The cost of entering a park has more than doubled in the last 3 years, the camping fees have increased 64%, and shelter rental has increased 50%. Can the parents of 3 afford the cost of going to the park for a picnic or a weekend of camping? Please keep the parks affordable to families ensuring future generations the opportunity to discover the wonders of Georgia.

State parks have always provided a place for the working people to visit with the grandure of nature. Either for a day trip or a week of camping, State Parks have always guaranteed a family a vacation full of fun, excitement, and activities. Built around Georgia natural wonders, each park offers unique discoveries for children and adults alike. I have visited many parks from Seminole to Atlanta, the mountains of North Georgia and several along the east coast of Georgia. Some are rustic, others are modern with many conveniences. All have something different and wonderful to offer.

Activities are planned and provided by the Interpretive Rangers who are knowledgeable in the details of the geographics, ecological, historical and environmental aspects of their assigned park. All the parks I have visited have clean, up-to-date facilites. Most park visitors take care of the facilities and do not abuse the trails, shelters, pools, golf courses, and park grounds. Georgia State Parks have a large number of volunteers and "friends of the park" that assist in the operations and upkeep of the parks.

Again to those in decision making positions, please keep these wonderful sites affordable so all can enjoy!