A Pound Of Coffee

Grim reality caught up with the rumors this week. All of a sudden, whatever weather-related event it was that precipitated a crisis over the winter in Costa Rica and Colombia and other South American coffee-growing countries showed up on local shelves.

Everyone knew it was coming, but no one was ready. Overnight, the price of an ordinary, no-frills can of coffee - forget French Roast and Hazelnut - jumped about a dollar. A pound of coffee that used to cost $4 is $5 now. Did we say a pound? Oops. Make that 12 ounces.

So far, the leap in the by-the-can price has not been matched over the counter. A cuppa joe still costs $1, though there are signs that may not last.

Not that any of it matters. Slaves to our morning habit, we will close our eyes to the cost, open our wallets, and stir, sip, and slurp. Aaahh.