The Great Disappearance: Where Has Everyone Vanished?

Don Senneville and Jim White

This week, the bustling coffee scene in town has grown eerily quiet. Admittedly, the oppressive 115-degree heat might dissuade folks from lingering over a brew outside, but even the air-conditioned interiors of our favorite coffee spots have seen sparse attendance. It’s as if everyone has migrated to cooler places, leaving us wondering where the vibrant coffee culture has gone. We find ourselves in an air-conditioned truck, sipping dark roast coffee from Local Jonny’s, pondering the disappearance of our fellow coffee enthusiasts. Our quest continues.

Our search has taken us to Bartlett Lake Marina, hoping to find Alabama, a barista originally from Louisiana. She’s navigated numerous evacuations due to fires, and we are eager to hear her story. Unfortunately, as we neared the lake, the Boulder Fire flared up, leading to another closure. Exiting vehicles, local Hotshots are actively managing the wildfire. Perhaps a gesture of appreciation, like free coffee for our brave firefighters, is due. By the way, does firefighter coffee exist? We speculate it’s not decaf.

The challenges of summer range from scorching temperatures, fires, and coffee bean recalls to political turmoil and annoying gnats. Seeking solace, we ventured to Seed Cafe at Cirvana for some guidance and a date ball. There, we met individuals with pale complexions and a penchant for technology. Our conversations, primarily about IT and AI, were enlightening, though their specifics elude us now. Another visit might be necessary to recollect the details, preferably with a date ball in hand.

Empty coffee shops and deserted parking lots have become the norm in our town. The once crowded Grotto now has no lines, and navigating the 4-Way Stop has never been easier. Amidst the quiet, inquiries about the 1st Annual Sundial Dog Show, backed by The CUP, have surfaced. Young judges await a meeting with the Mayor to finalize dates. Additionally, our favorite barista from the Village Creperie is abroad in Scotland and England. We’re eagerly anticipating her coffee tales upon return, hoping she hasn’t converted to tea.

Your stories and humor are welcome during these quiet summer times. Reach out to us at The CUP at [email protected]. Let’s keep our community connected.