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Message |
    
Smarty Jones
Citizen
Username: Birdstone
Post Number: 460
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 15, 2006 - 10:04 am: | 
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OK...I've tried Kings (Green Mt, mediocre), Whole Foods (Allegro- Poor), Costco (Starbucks Roasts- unoriginal), etc. and I can't find ANY good quality selection of Arabica Coffee beans around here. Any suggestions? |
Pippi
Supporter
Username: Pippi
Post Number: 1918
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 15, 2006 - 10:05 am: |
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I brew Dunkin' Donuts at home and IMO, my coffee is delish!
I tried WF and Starbucks - blech |
Lemonhead
Citizen
Username: Lemonhead
Post Number: 60
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 15, 2006 - 10:19 am: |
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Peets coffee, hands down. You can buy it online or at Whole Foods. I drink my coffee black and it makes a great, dark & rich cup of coffee. I like either the French Roast or Major Dicksons blend. |
michael brant
Citizen
Username: Mbrant
Post Number: 141
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 15, 2006 - 10:29 am: |
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Order Zabars on line or go to new york and get it |
composerjohn
Citizen
Username: Composerjohn
Post Number: 759
Registered: 8-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 15, 2006 - 11:05 am: |
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Beans in Montclair is very good. 42 Church Street (near the movie theatre on Bloomfield Avenue). 973.783.7175. |
Hamandeggs
Citizen
Username: Hamandeggs
Post Number: 204
Registered: 8-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 15, 2006 - 3:24 pm: |
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Which of the Whole Foods coffees did you try? I think many are very good. |
Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 12966
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 15, 2006 - 3:56 pm: |
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I buy from Zabars. At $5.98 a pound, it's an absolute steal. When I order online, it comes the next day or the day after.
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dave23
Citizen
Username: Dave23
Post Number: 1492
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 15, 2006 - 4:16 pm: |
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Porto Rico on Bleecker has a great selection and great prices.
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Ms. Cooper
Citizen
Username: Ms_cooper
Post Number: 59
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 15, 2006 - 4:16 pm: |
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I really like the beans from Village Coffee Shop--they are called something like, CBT (???)
BUT
I have discovered Chock Full 'O Nuts NEW YORK BLEND. It is so good. When Shop Rite has their can can sale, you can get it for a buck a can! I am truly addicted to the stuff and highly recommend it if you can't find good beans... |
wendy
Supporter
Username: Wendy
Post Number: 2073
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 15, 2006 - 4:34 pm: |
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dave23 is right on with his suggestion. Porto Rico is the only place I purchase my coffee from, usually buying 6 months at a time during their twice yearly sale. (I buy whole bean and freeze them in my deep freezer in zip-lock bags and they're as fresh as the day they're roasted, imo.)
The spring sale is coming up soon, sometime in April I believe. The other sale corresponds to the owner's birthday, Peter Longo, sometime in October.
They also always have a coffee of the week on sale. Check them out. In addition, they don't rip you off for shipping and handling, only charging you exactly what UPS charges them plus $1.00. Oh, and they keep on file exactly what I ordered last time so I can decide I ordered too much or too little and adjust accordingly.
If you're interested in organic beans, they have a good selection there too, some of which go on sale. (No, I'm not a part-owner, just a very happy customer.) |
Former Cowgirl
Citizen
Username: Formercowgirl
Post Number: 12
Registered: 3-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 15, 2006 - 7:12 pm: |
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Empire Coffee and Tea company in Hoboken is worth the 20 minute jaunt. Yum yum yum! |
mwoodwalk
Citizen
Username: Mwoodwalk
Post Number: 528
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 15, 2006 - 8:58 pm: |
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Porto Rico (www.portorico.com); they are THE BEST and THE CHEAPEST, hands down. Even with UPS shipping they're way cheaper than anywhere else.
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kevin
Supporter
Username: Kevin
Post Number: 635
Registered: 2-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 15, 2006 - 10:22 pm: |
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TM Ward in Newark (and Chatham) will custom blend:
http://www.tmwardcoffee.com/coffee.asp
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Shanabana
Citizen
Username: Shanabana
Post Number: 257
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, March 16, 2006 - 8:25 pm: |
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Peet's is the only way to go. Everything else is under-roasted (except Starbucks, who are inferior copycats), or just plain not so good beans.
PEETNICKS UNITE!!!!!
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mwoodwalk
Citizen
Username: Mwoodwalk
Post Number: 529
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, March 16, 2006 - 10:19 pm: |
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Shanabana, you clearly haven't tried Porto Rico.
And TM Ward is good, but more expensive than PR.
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Shanabana
Citizen
Username: Shanabana
Post Number: 263
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Friday, March 17, 2006 - 12:14 am: |
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Uh, yes, I've tried Porto Rico. In fact, when I lived in the East Village a decade or so ago I shopped there often, because I was too poor to order from Peet's in Berkeley. I always liked the vibe in there...
HOWEVER...I reiterate, their coffee is not roasted dark enough. Plus, I like Indonesian coffees, which they almost never had in a dark roast. Nothing beats a good Sumatra or Sulawesi. Plus, the smell of flavored coffees makes me want to barf, so I didn't like going in there much. IMHO, the selling of flavored coffess is indicative of a lack of taste in real coffee. (I know, I guess the "H" in IMHO stands for "Haughty", in this case.)
PEETNICKS UNITE!!!!! |
Virtual It Girl
Citizen
Username: Shh
Post Number: 4166
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, March 17, 2006 - 6:56 am: |
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Ooooh, Sumatra...
So for someone like myself who only likes dark roasted coffees, and I am not a huge fan of French Roast, Peets is recommended?
As with anything, I think context is key here. I literally cannot drink Dunkin Donuts coffee. (Sorry Pippi.) Matter of fact, I can't drink coffee anywhere. (Last perfect cup of coffee I had in a restaurant was at Verjus for brunch a few years ago).
On a rare occasion, I will get an espresso or cappuccino at NetNomads, otherwise I use my Capresso superautomatic (grind/tamp/brew‚under 30 seconds)
We have been experimenting will all different kinds from TJ's, but it may be time to go for the gold. |
Smarty Jones
Citizen
Username: Birdstone
Post Number: 466
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Friday, March 17, 2006 - 8:13 am: |
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How is the stuff at Trader Joes VIG?
Shanabana, how does Sumatra and Kona compare? My wife and I had some of the Kone when we were in Hawaii, and we weren't that impressed (at least $24.99 per lb). Did we miss something?
I've never had Peetes, but what you are describing is EXACTLY how we like our coffee (very dark roast, DESPISE flavors)....is it worth trying?
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Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 13009
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Friday, March 17, 2006 - 9:00 am: |
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We used to get Peets dark roast at work. It is superb.
Steve Crane (of Crane's Deli in Maplewood) says he also sells coffee beans, so we should try those.
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Virtual It Girl
Citizen
Username: Shh
Post Number: 4167
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, March 17, 2006 - 9:35 am: |
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Smarty, I am enjoying a newish one from there, Super Volcano Dark, or something like that. I try a whole bunch but then I sometimes forget which I like best.
I don't like their sumatra though.
My sister brought us back Kona from Hawaii, but it was a super gold or something. I never liked kona in the past, but this came out of my machine nice and smooth, I just needed to weaken the setting a little.
Peet's is online, correct? I guess I can google, but anyone know the website offhand? |
Lemonhead
Citizen
Username: Lemonhead
Post Number: 61
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Friday, March 17, 2006 - 11:23 am: |
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Whole Foods sells PEETS coffee and it is where i normally buy it. i like very stronge, dark coffee, drink it black and also do not care for flavored coffee of any kind. i don't think you will be dissapointed... |
mwoodwalk
Citizen
Username: Mwoodwalk
Post Number: 530
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, March 18, 2006 - 12:02 am: |
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"not roasted dark enough"===I disagree, various other beans I've tried are roasted WAAAY to dark, as in burnt. They have every kind of roast imaginable, as evident from their website www.portorico.com. But really, the key to me is, great coffee at an absolutely unbeatable price. Don't know what Peet's costs, but I'm confident its more than the 6/lb I pay at PR.
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Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 13046
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, March 18, 2006 - 11:13 pm: |
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Wow, now we all have to try lots of brands to see what we like.
No one mentioned Fairway in NYC, which is also excellent. I don't know if they send in the mail, though.
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davidbuckley
Citizen
Username: Davidbuckley
Post Number: 496
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 21, 2006 - 11:39 am: |
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I buy at Trader Joe's around here and at Fairway in NYC, also love indonesian, drink it mostly back, HATE flavored coffess, also love dark roasts, also love Peets, find Whole Foods unconscionably expensive for it and many other things and will try Porto Rico again as it has been many years....phew!
Had a cup of Timor Peaberry recently in Berkeley (forgot about Peets) at Chez Panisse. It was amazing, among the best coffee I've ever had. Will now track down.
Be well and buzz well, all.
David |
Smarty Jones
Citizen
Username: Birdstone
Post Number: 481
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 21, 2006 - 1:28 pm: |
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While we're on the topic, for the coffee lovers, what is your favorites among:
Mexico
El Salvador
Guatamala
Brazil
African (Kenya/Ethiopia)
Asian (Indonesian, Sumatra)
Hawaiin
My wife and I both like dark roasted unflavored, and found that we both liked the Brazilian the best, followed by the Central American variety. Neither of us liked the Kenyan/Ethiopian, found it to be way to citrusy with lingering after taste, and were 50/50 on the Sumatra, but neither of us saw the big woop about Kona Hawaii blend...
Swung by Cranes (which I typically LOVE) but the selection there was a little pricey, and very limited for what I was looking for....maybe they'll expand the options down the road. |
Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 13106
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 21, 2006 - 1:31 pm: |
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I asked him, and he said he'll bring in some new roasts, but I think his space is limited. I told him I like dark roasts, for whatever that's worth.
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ess
Citizen
Username: Ess
Post Number: 1461
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 21, 2006 - 4:41 pm: |
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For really fresh coffee beans that make some amazing coffee, try:
www.thecoffeefool.com
They have tons of varieties, and they ship pretty quickly as well.
The difference in quality and taste from supermarket coffee beans is marked. |
davel
Citizen
Username: Davel
Post Number: 127
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 22, 2006 - 5:31 pm: |
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For you expat Brooklynites, don't forget
D'Amico Foods in Carroll Gardens. They have been accused by some of roasting too heavily, but it tastes great to me and is well reviewed by many.
http://www.damicofoods.com/ |
Shanabana
Citizen
Username: Shanabana
Post Number: 269
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 22, 2006 - 9:31 pm: |
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Smarty:
Mexico - real bad
El Salvador - light and tangy (sour, to me)
Guatamala - ditto
Brazil ?
African (Kenya/Ethiopia) - mix of fruity without the sour flavor of the central americas, not quite as full bodied as the Indonesian
Asian (Indonesian, Sumatra) the best, if you like full bodied, not at all sour, robust flavor. Sulawesi is so yummy--grind it and stick your nose in the grinder, it smells like burgundy wine! More expensive than Sumatra, tho.
Hawaiin - no good
Jamaican - waaaaaay over priced for the flavor
Strength depends on how much coffee is used in the making, and is not really connected to the roast or the kind.
As to the allegations of a "burnt" flavor in darker roasts, I would say that any Peet's regular roast (what is called a "full city" roast) is good and dark enough for espresso. It is very dark. Any darker Peet's (like thier Vienna or French roast, and you've gone too far). I'd say their FR does taste burnt.
A lighter roast--and it can to my taste buds be just a hair lighter--will make the coffee tast slightly sour when it is freshly made.
The test of a great coffee is if it makes a great cup of drip (or French press). |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 7031
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, March 23, 2006 - 12:51 pm: |
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I have become a member of the Peet's cult. It's expensive, tho. |
J. Crohn
Supporter
Username: Jcrohn
Post Number: 2448
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Friday, March 24, 2006 - 9:52 pm: |
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IMO, Peets is unsurpassed.
Starbucks and Peets were originally one organization, BTW, but they split off, with Starbucks going national right away and Peets remaining a local NoCal organization, each shop roasting their own coffee.
There is no need to buy Peets from Whole Foods, btw, as whole beans can be ordered directly by the pound (http://www.peets.com). Fresher and better that way. The French roast--mmm, dark, oily, incredibly rich smell.
That's all we have at my house.
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davidbuckley
Citizen
Username: Davidbuckley
Post Number: 500
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, March 24, 2006 - 10:12 pm: |
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As I've said, among other things I've said, I do love Peets coffee. Now J., am I to take this to mean that you only drink one kind of coffee, pretty much ever, in your house? Meaning Peet's french roast is IT unless you run out?
I couldn't do that.
Like wine, no matter how good, if I drink the same thing all the time I get bored and enjoyment tanks. I hate it when enjoyment tanks. In any category. That doesn't mean I don't have favorites, I sure do but I need variety.
I particularly love Celebes Kalossi (Sulawesi) but if that was all I drank I'd quickly love it less.
I seem to have tracked down the Timor Peaberry. WOW! I'll drink some with you when I get it so as to keep you out of that possible PFR rut!! ;-D
Be well and awake to lovely smells, all.
David |
Smarty Jones
Citizen
Username: Birdstone
Post Number: 492
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 - 7:46 am: |
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J, Starbucks started in Seattle in the Seventies/Eighties....Peets has been around in San Fran since the Sixties....when where they one company? |
davidbuckley
Citizen
Username: Davidbuckley
Post Number: 513
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 - 9:24 am: |
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J:
I was thinking the same thing as Smarty. My sister used to live in Seattle and I've friends in Bay area and I think they are and always have been separate...
However, you have such a ring of authority about you (!) as is normal that I doubt myself....;-D
When were they one?
Be well, all.
David |
patmich
Citizen
Username: Patmich
Post Number: 55
Registered: 3-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 - 10:49 am: |
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Some clarification on the history of Peet's and Starbucks: "Peet's was the inspiration for now-rival Starbucks. The three original founders of Starbucks knew Alfred Peet personally, founded Starbucks in Seattle as kindred spirits, and bought the coffee beans for Starbucks directly from Peet's during their first year of business in 1971"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peet's_Coffee_and_Tea |
Wendy
Supporter
Username: Wendy
Post Number: 2348
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, April 14, 2006 - 2:11 pm: |
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Now's the time to try Porto Rico with the least risk since their Spring Sale has just started. Check out their website. This is the selection on sale; of course they have much more than this for sale - check the entire coffee catolog. I did notice that they are finally offering a Sumatra in their sale coffees!
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Virtual It Girl
Citizen
Username: Shh
Post Number: 4351
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, April 29, 2006 - 7:11 am: |
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Thanks Wendy and Mwoodwalk (and those who recommended Porto Rico). I ordered three sale beans (2 lbs each!) to test them out. The Vienna Sumatra, the Cafe Blend & the French Ital. Espresso.
I can't believe how reasonable the prices are. I hope it's good!
Last week fresh out of beans I went to Whole Foods and spent big bucks on some Peet's sumatra and some lesser exensive Gorilla (I think) beans. In my machine I think I preferred the lesser expensive beans, or it could be they were just fresher.
Anyway, I look forward to trying the beans from PR and having a selection on hand. |
Richard Kessler
Citizen
Username: Richiekess
Post Number: 119
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 3, 2006 - 10:56 am: |
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I buy from these two sites regularly and they are absolutely amazing:
www.wholelattelove.com and http://www.intelligentsiacoffee.com/
If you're into expresso, Malabar Gold from Wholelattelove and Black Cat from Intelligentsia may be the finest you can buy...
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Smarty Jones
Citizen
Username: Birdstone
Post Number: 587
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 3, 2006 - 11:32 am: |
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I'm on my 4th lb. from Porto Rico....I love the selection, the ease and most definitely the prices! Great suggestions, thank you! |
HOMMELL
Citizen
Username: Hommell
Post Number: 154
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, May 4, 2006 - 5:04 pm: |
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http://www.equalexchange.com/ |
Wendy
Supporter
Username: Wendy
Post Number: 2434
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, May 4, 2006 - 8:34 pm: |
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Smarty, glad you're enjoying Porto Rico coffee. My shipment just arrived today and because of VIG I ordered a pound of Vienna Sumatra to try in addition to my regular order which is mostly Alex's Blend and Peter's Blend this time. Some times I'll order Colombian and French Roast and mix it myself as well. Can't wait to grind some tomorrow! |
Virtual It Girl
Citizen
Username: Shh
Post Number: 4365
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, May 4, 2006 - 9:05 pm: |
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OOOH, hopefully mine will be here tomorrow! |
mwoodwalk
Citizen
Username: Mwoodwalk
Post Number: 537
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, May 4, 2006 - 10:35 pm: |
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PR, is, indeed, the best. I'll try Peet's one of these days just to see what the fuss is about, but PR is our only true love in day-to-day coffee drinking. And if you're ever in the Village, a stop by one of their stores is worth it; always had a great experience there when I've popped in (in fact, I could swear that one of these Pataki healthcare commercials was filmed in their store). Enjoy the beans.
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Virtual It Girl
Citizen
Username: Shh
Post Number: 4378
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, May 5, 2006 - 1:54 pm: |
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Got my coffee, got my coffee, got my coffee...it smells good. Wendy, Pete (UPS) told me he delivered a huge box to your house! He said so many people in the area get it. |
Wendy
Supporter
Username: Wendy
Post Number: 2442
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, May 5, 2006 - 2:03 pm: |
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Well now I'll have to bring Pete (funny thing is that Porto Rico is owned by a guy named Peter Longo) up on ethical violations. How dare he tell you what things have been delivered to my house. This is just like the time when meand had the lingerie truck parked outside of her house only much worse - this was UPS for goodness's sake! 
Hope you enjoy your coffee VIG. And thank Pete when you next see him for me for putting my coffee at the side door instead of making me sign the slip for the next day. I miss seeing those UPS guys now that I'm working outside the home. Coffee, new shoes and Friday VIG. Sounds like a great day for you! |
Virtual It Girl
Citizen
Username: Shh
Post Number: 4380
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, May 5, 2006 - 2:24 pm: |
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No, no, no..he just said he delivered it around the corner. I said your name!
Pete's the best with that. He leaves all my shoes on the deck if I'm not home! |
Dave
Supporter
Username: Dave
Post Number: 9363
Registered: 4-1997
| | Posted on Saturday, May 6, 2006 - 3:33 pm: |
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Sipping some Kona from CoffeeFool.com. Mmmmm. |
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