Just Coffee

The real BIO-FUEL, originally uploaded by justcoffee4u.

The second annual " BIKE THE BARNS" CSA tour was a raging success. 500-plus cyclists did the rural ride this year. Coffee for at least 400 was served at Drumlin farm at 7:30 am! I was up at 4:30 and brewing by 5am -- Made it to Cafe Soleil by 7am to pick up a 1000 pastries and hard boiled eggs --- All delivered to Drumlin by 7:33 --- they went thru 6 - 5 gallon cambro's of BIKE FUEL by 8:30 -- the rest of my day was spent in JC 1 picking up broken bikes or bikers (only one biker).

All in all a great day -- Check out the Pics --

Another Happy Customer, originally uploaded by justcoffee4u.

It was a beautiful day - see some PICS - lots of great food -- the Highlights: FFD- Cheese sandwiches, Sassy Cow-Ice Cream, and Cotton Candy made from Wisconsin Maple Syrup .. and much more... the talk by Keynote speaker Michael Abelman about Urban agriculture and the need to grow more of our own food in our cities -his book -Fields Of Plenty- looks very good --

Brew Coffee, originally uploaded by justcoffee4u.

Fall must be right around the corner - because another Fighting BOBfest has come and gone -- this year was the best yet .. This was the first year I have been really prepared to serve coffee to some 5000-10000 people ... I went up the night before and set up the brewer and got hot water in 10 -5gal cambro hot beverage dispensers ... Bodhi and I camped out in the van and at 5 am I was up and brewing.... success -- I had 30 gals ready by time the gates opened and we never got behind --- I hasn't always gone so smoothly -- sometime get a couple of beers in me and I can tell you some of the horrors of years past ... -- HIghlights of the day included : Phil Donahue's talk - check out his new movie , Cynthia McKinney - I really wish Sarah Pallin wasn't so F'n scary , cause I would love to vote GREEN... Also seeing the expression on Ralph Nader's face when Bodhi asked him if he wanted a ride in the Just COffee cargo bike .. and getting to speak with him briefly - I thanked him for the sacrafices he has made over the years trying to get us to fight for our democracy .. -- -- HERE ARE SOME PICS

Jimmy's Last SHOW, originally uploaded by justcoffee4u.

There is just too much to say in one little blog -- I owe you so much - Jc owes you so much .. there is just no way to imagine the roller coaster ride that was these last few years, without you ... We WILL be seeing you soon ......and GO KATS!!!!!!!!

Srcreen Printing Workshop, originally uploaded by justcoffee4u.

Tyler from "Beehive Design Collective" -- intro to screen printing - one of the several workshops and infosharing happening at Just coffee on Saturday -- there were several locations including the info shop, escape coffee, and the Social Justice center ..

Espresso, originally uploaded by justcoffee4u.

Most of my recent posts have been saying goodbye ...... I needed a break . here is a link to a Flickr SET of pics from Nicaragua .. In 2006 a group of women (LA FEM) contacted us about selling their coffee in the United States .. First of all there are so many things about that last sentence that are out of the usual - that it has a bit of a David Lynch feel ... It really was one of the greatest experiences of my life --- this group of women - found us, decided they might want us to sell their coffee, contacted us, requested that we visit them, then basically interviewed Matt and I for 3 days to see if we were good enough - it was amazing ... IF you ever want to go to Nica please go visit them .. hell I will go along ... how's February sound.........

Beer Beans & SEEDS, originally uploaded by justcoffee4u.

Well it's that time again - I will miss you

Barista Training, originally uploaded by justcoffee4u.

Mark T Spark has officially moved on -- Last weekend we moved all of him... and his stuff to Lincoln NE .. --Click Here for some of the photos
-- He didn't have much time to relax once we got there ...Deb started his barista training as soon as we arrived -- "man who can catch fly with chopsticks will make good barista" wax on wax off --- He has a beautiful new family and it was as happy as it was sad to say goodbye -- I will miss him so much in the day to day around Madison. My family and I have eaten a good number of meals at his house we will miss that the most - supper at his house is always as good for the palate as it is for the soul. I guess its just a bit more of a drive now --- Mark Deb and Jonah -- we will see you soon!!!!

River West, originally uploaded by justcoffee4u.

If you live in Milwaukee and don't know about this place you are K-Razy.. to quote my kids " the best breakfast ever" and they have very discerning palates ... If you live in Madison and find yourself pining for the good ole Mifflin st. days ... it is worth a trip ...
RIVER WEST COOP

Goodbye Hector, originally uploaded by justcoffee4u.

-It was a true pleasure to get to know you .. your stay was too short ..safe travels and we will meet again soon.]

In Solidarity and Love
MIKE