Ace of Hearts

Ace of hearts is no longer just part of a dead man's hand, now it is the youngest local rock band! Chloe, Chris, Kevin, and Helen performed their first show last night at Mountain State Brew Pub and the stage will never be the same. If you attended, you can brag you saw them when... A huge, huge thank you to our community for the large turn out! Our children may not fully realize how special a place in which they live, but the amazing support you showed the band last night illustrated it well. Moving here was the best decision we may have ever made, thanks again to everyone!!
The songs performed by Ace of Hearts can be found on You Tube, just type in Ace of Hearts, or for a more direct route type in 4359560w (that's my account name, using 4359560w should save you from pages and pages containing the words Ace of Hearts, including another kid band!). The first song from the first set is here, click it and enjoy!

Abus is in making Lemon and Lime Bars, and Gary is whipping up another Cheesecake and Blueberry Muffins. With friends like these I need a personal trainer and a cardiologist. The counter is again looking dangerous! There is a tornado watch for us today so join us for the tornado party. We are experienced in hurricane parties and are probably the only business on the mountain top that has that bragging right! Remember, we are professionals!

5:30 Rocks

Today is your last chance to sup on Curtis' creations this month. He has yet to offer up a menu for June, hence it may be some time before you are afforded this chance again. Today brings, Wild Mushroom Stroganoff!

More are cycling in. Today marks the second day in a row that Rob and Melissa (of Heckbender Fame) pedalled their way to our humble shop, good work R & M! As you know, I do my best to document our cycling patrons, but alas Charlie's predilections for using my camera as a hammer has reduced it to a new life of use as a door stop alone. Thus, no photos of my newest intrepid cyclists, Rob and Melissa. Despite their visages not being spread across the world wide web, they brought me a great bit of small town drama. I will defer to them to relate the story to you (no, I won't steal their thunder), I will only preface the tale. It involves Alden, Blackwater gorge, missed shifts, and the fact that everyone knows everyone.

We have been sitting on a copy of Wonderful West Virginia magazine featuring Thomas' own Patrick. Apologizes for my tardiness in reporting this piece of news, but distractions...well distract me at times. Patrick and his business, Blackwater Outdoor Adventures, were beautifully covered in an article about canoeing on the Cheat River, fishing and birding. The author portrays Patrick as the expert he is. Congratulations and well done!

I am awaiting reports from the pub regarding the Director's first solo run behind the hallowed bar. Was another monumental amount of beer lost? The Director will be back in the shop tomorrow "training" newbie Nick. To kick off Nick's first day with style I will have a record player in house so bring your favorite record and give it a spin.

Speaking of records...as many know, Chloe is in a rock band, Ace of Hearts, and tonight they perform their first show at Mountain State Brew Pub! Prepare to have your face melted by Chloe, Helen, Chris, and Kevin at 5:30 this evening. See you there!

Who's Been In My Chair?

You know the feeling, you've lent your car to a friend, and the first time you slide behind the wheel after it is returned you discover the seat is now in a different position, the thermostat has been adjusted, the radio station has changed, and the car pulls to the left. That is how it felt this morning as I came back to the shop. As many are aware, Director Mallow piloted the shop yesterday allowing me a day to ready our home for the baby Gretchen. It was a busy day and the Director handled it very well, thanks Chris! Although, where's the money? Also attributing to the "off" feel was the cleanliness of the kitchen, surely this was not to be attributed to the Director? No, Gary stopped in, obviously spent the night, cleaned the kitchen, and awaited the completion of his cheesecake. Cheesecakes are apparently sensitive to humidity and yesterday was abundant in moisture. His sleepless night is your reward, another Lemon Cheesecake and Blueberry and Lemon Muffins! Thanks, Gary!

Speaking of sensitive, this morning I was visited by a gang member, Nate of the Lilac Kings. Nate is working with Travis, Al, and Josh. Travis, always prone to acts of largess, hired and gave a second chance to a gang banger. The Lilac Kings are renowned for their guerrilla tactics in the illegal re-decorating of homes throughout the state. Nate has redecorated more homes than HGTV. Never using permits or the owner's permission, you might come home to find a color coordinated linen closest, a 1000 thread count Egyptian cotton duvet, matching shear tulle window dressings, and lavender scented candles. You've been tagged! These men are ruthless, and it is wonderful to see Travis doing his part in reforming Nate. Thanks, Travis!

The Smoothies made their way to the HypnoDock. Let the drinking begin! I enjoyed a Blueberry Banana Smoothie for breakfast and it met the stern scrutiny of our own Mackie. A terse congratulations to Josh and Jarred for their undefeated evening of Badminton Monday night. Enjoy that feeling boys, for it is fleeting.

Dawn of the Dead

A wave of the New Orleans Flu (Vieux Carre Influenza) has swept through our younger community. Dragging, mumbling, rubbing their bloodshot eyes, and barely able to leave; I was fearing for what few brains I have left. Fortunately I have been able to hang on to the grey matter while appeasing the multitudes with bagels and caffeine. Not to be outdone by the customers, the Director had a very similar appearance and demeanor this morning. What happened? The Fiddle had a good band play last night, so let the investigation start there. Warning, bring silver bullets, wooden stakes, Gris-gris bags, and any other weapon usable in the elimination of zombies.

Kate (of Mountain State fame) has rebuffed all rumors to the contrary; she loves her job! Evidenced by her booking of NRPS on Father's Day and her devotion to Willie and Brian. We love Kate and have never had a doubt regarding her work ethic. Squashed!

If this afternoon brings thunderstorms and rain, then badminton will take place Wednesday. All scheduling is of course subject to change if Summer goes into labor. We can always move the tourney to Garrett County Memorial Hospital. I'm sure the hospital staff would be more than happy to accommodate. Stay tuned.

Ill Will

I stopped by the pub last night, checking out the Director in his new role, having a pint, going into our in-depth interview process with applicant Nick, and talking to some visitors to the mountain. We attract cool and generous folks up here, thanks to the unnamed guests, springing for the UFC fight last night. Charlie needed a bath thus I missed the fight, but still that was awfully nice, not many of us would drop that kind of coin on a Pay Per View fight. Very cool to let the whole pub enjoy! Despite my hopes that watching the fights would spawn some fights in the pub ("it's so easy to get out of an arm bar" "oh, yeah?" "ouch-OUCH!" "let go of him!!" "not until I choke him out"), but alas and alack a peaceful evening of spectating took place.

Speaking of cool visitors, this morning brought a pair of brothers that turned out to be Gary's sons. I had no idea! I thought...well, I didn't think it was possible, but genetic proof stood before me! Gary (the dead-beat father) has some explaining to do. More cyclists arrived today, good work!

Curtis is in-house working on his many projects, menu planning, cooking classes, and catering. Expect a busy summer out of Curtis, especially with his reduced boating. Next week will bring new faces to the HypnoStaff (who will it be?) and the Director will have competition in regards to keeping his Employee of the Month title. Stop in and visit the newbies. Let us play badminton tomorrow evening, we could all us a shuttlecock bashing blow-out after this weekend! How does 6 pm sound?

Down The Drain

If you are in Hypno or Mountain State this weekend and conducting business with Director Mallow, please tip liberally. As many already know the Director ran into trouble last night whilst simultaneously running the pub and filling kegs. Our informants on the scene report as much as eighty-nine (89!) gallons of beer were lost in his degenerative bar service. Mike, Willie, and Jared have been by today providing council, ribbing, threats of pink slips, and verbal invoices. The hole is indeed deep, so reach into the dark recesses of your pockets this weekend and find that folding money.

Mackie arrived pre-opening and I finally snapped the above photo of his Daytripper, a "windfarm bike". Also pictured, without the cyclist, more commuters getting their fix in the cool dawn.

If the weather holds, badminton either Monday or Tuesday. Stay tuned for updates. The ground will be soft and the exact day will be determined by mother nature. Bring your favorite drink, grill-able item, and of course your A-game!

Roller coaster

The "ups and downs" of life affect us all, even in the HypnoWorld. Let us speak of the "ups" to begin with. This weekend and for many days to come you can get HypnoCoffee at Highland Prospects. They are throwing a "Grand"daddy re-opening this weekend and we are stocking their counter with some brewed coffee, think of it as HypnoSouth or HypnoDavis. The weather outlook for the weekend is stellar! We've earned some sun, and with the sun arrives my mother; so whilst you're out supporting local businesses this weekend stop by and bid a hearty welcome to Mimi. Curtis arrived early and whipped up what looks and smells like the best dish of the month, Thai Chicken with Cabbage and Red Jasmine Rice. Thanks to the Grant County Bank crew for the large order, enjoy! Update: Summer and I are eating ours now and it is nothing short of perfect! Curtis' reputation preceded him all the way to the grocery store where he was solicited to make soups for the Fiddle. Words out, Curtis' cooking is the bee's knees. Sorry John, but we want to keep Curtis all to ourselves, at least until our legal agreement #WV0001A-23FG has expired. Brief aside regarding yesterday's Counter Intelligence entry, Tonya wants to make t-shirts with the caption, "I came to West Virginia and got fat...Thanks Gary!" We like the graphic possibilities.

Without "downs" we would fail to recognize ups, let us now speak of the "downs". Much to our schagrin our Smoothies are traveling across the ether and will not arrive in time for the weekend. The Internets high-tech ultra-up-to-date UPS tracking system shows our icy fruit concoctions traveling by rail and due to circumstances beyond our control (stage coach robbers no less) won't hit the HypnoDock until the very ironic day after Memorial Day Weekend (Tuesday). Looks like the Smoothie kick-off will be a locals only affair, thus more for you! The bagels also found their way into the lost world, maybe tomorrow? Until tomorrow the usual suspects, Pumpernickel, Poppy seed, Salt, Cinnamon Raisin, and Plain occupy the apothecary jars.

We are all on the roller coaster, but at least the sun is shining on our faces as we hopefully ascend this weekend.

Counter Intelligence

Gary returned unharmed, he laid low in the hotel room, and kept his headbanging to a minimum. So minimal in fact, he brought the Director and I an untouched six (6) pack of tasteful beer, thanks Gary! Not only that, he doubled today with Abus in the kitchen. Like a tag-team match, they beat the hell out of our ingredients; I had to run to the store for re-enforcements. You shall be rewarded for their efforts! Gary churned out a Lemon Cheesecake and Raspberry Lemon Muffins. If you were one of the lucky ones that ate the last cheesecake... the line starts here. Abus made the ever-popular Salmon Cream Cheese, another batch of Lemon Bars, and managed to get here mileage paperwork completed. Good job Abus! Also returning to our community is our friend Seth, welcome home!

The call for bike commuting yielded two (2) takers this morning. Mackie and Jason both braved the cold wet morning to pedal in for caffeinated sustenance. Now that the weather is changing for the better I expect to see more of you pedaling in to join us. Brief aside; gas prices increased again today, $4.09 for regular. Ouch, that bike is looking pretty good right now!

HypnoFire

At the risk of sullying his reputation, Gary is leaving for Morgantown with the intention of attending a Clutch show. It puts a whole new spin on Gary's headbanging! I can't wait to see the inevitable tattoo and black-eye. Speaking of travel, Mimi (of my mother fame) is leaving her Florida environs Thursday and will be spending the summer with us on the mountain top. Safe travels, Mimi. Also traveling this week is our pal Mackie, only his travels lately have been via bicycle and his destination has been our shop. His latest steed has been a Cannondale Daytripper, a much maligned bicycle. I'm pleased Mackie has joined me in the "commute" between Davis and Thomas, this should encourage more to participate. Perhaps we should organise a bicycle poker ride. Any takers?

The baby pool is getting interesting and in an attempt to buy the pot Curtis is going for every available date. Good strategy! For future gamblers, Summer's latest appointment shows the baby descended, engaged if you will, and this is usually the harbinger of impending birth. So impending in fact that last night saw me assembling the bassinet, a small task amongst Summer's frantic nesting of late. It all adds up to a baby soon!

Abus is in the kitchen, and wielding Gary's zesting rod, is producing the ever-popular lemon and lime bars. Abus says, "you're welcome." Also coming out of her expert hands is the Salmon Cream Cheese. Bagel (more Jalapeno bagels are on the way!) noshers are appeased as well. Abus' visits are always marked with such progress in the kitchen. Thanks, Abus.

Abus also provided us with today's photos, a fire dancer, mimicking the HypnoSwirl. It makes me want espresso, what does it do for you?

Monday "Sun" Day

The sun is back! The rainy week came to a close, and on Sunday our local competitive cyclists had to pay for a week of rain with a muddy race. Yes, yes, Mackie is still undefeated, but a couple of masked men gave him a run for his money. Has my request for stronger cyclists to challenge Mackie yielded unknown talent to finally compete with our resident stud? The power of the pen...keyboard! Despite some questionable riding by his competitor, Jason was in good spirits after taking the silver. A great showing from our locals again! We've come to expect nothing but excellence.

I was afforded a front-row seat at the training of Director Mallow in the art of pub commandeering yesterday. Kate was in rare form delegating the cleaning of urinals, scrubbing of glasses, and generally enjoyed the bossing around of our Director. As entertaining as that is, after a couple of drinks it's startling to realize that soon Director Mallow will be taking even more of my and your money at Mountain State and at Hypno. With great power comes great responsibility, wield it well Director, wield it well.

Our neighbor, MountainMade Country Store, is again a seven (7) day a week shop, welcome to the week! As we welcome MountainMade we also bid adieu to our friend and computer's nemesis, Becky. Today takes her out of our lives and into Maine's. The Dirigo state will be lucky to have you, best of luck, Rebecca!

Tomorrow brings Curtis back, and on the menu is Fettucini with either Meatballs or Roasted Red Pepper Sauce. While you're marking your calander, Friday should kick-off our Smoothies, get your tastebuds ready! It was wonderful seeing so many of you this morning, it is why we run a community-based business.

Halo, Ich Bin Vogel!

It's official, we are a third world country. Despite the recent portrayals of West Virginians in the news, we were visited today by a nice German family enjoying the weak American dollar and excellent Lattes we offer. They assured us the shoe used to be on the other foot when they were using Marks, but that is of little consolation. The couple's son left us with his artwork, the caption translates to, "Hello, I Eat Americans". Our new friends certainly know their way around Gary's Cheesecake, which if you failed to get a slice today, you may be out of luck. Gary's baked goods are disappearing like they are in magic tricks, thanks Gary.
Abus was supposed to visit today, however, reports from the front lines have her in the Pub last night and was tying one on to another and another. Hopefully we'll see her tomorrow. We placed an order for smoothies today, next week should bring them to our menu board. The first round of flavors are: Strawberry, Strawberry Banana, Four Berry, Pineapple Paradise, Blueberry Banana, and all are 100% crushed fruit. You will be thanking us soon.

Networking

What a day of crossing paths. Willie, Chip, and Jared joined us this morning; discussions recently have been made regarding the sponsorship of a cycling team to participate in the 24 Hours of Big Bear bike race. My thought was to, with help from Mountain State Brewery, sponsor a team next year; this serving two (2) purposes: (1) it allows me to budget for the expense and (2) it gives our local team, Team Tiger Pawl, a year to regroup and recruit some new team members, as this year sees participation problems from the area's best female rider. Rob, a Tiger Pawl team member and I were discussing next year's sponsorship; he asks if I could supply sponsorship this year if the rider's pick up 50% of the fees. I place a call to Willie, we agree to split the remaining 50%, but only if Team Tiger Pawl can come up with the request riders. Now the pressure is on this female rider who will, for the sake of privacy, remain anonymous (Sarah H.) to step up and help her team. The pressure comes from these crossed paths. Tick-Tock-Tick-Tock, time is running out for our local team, will they participate? Stay tuned.


Summer brought in one of my favorites for you today, Picadillo. It consists of ground beef slow-cooked in tomatoes, raisins, apples, cinnamon, and super-secret Summer-only spices. It's served over rice, and is about the only time I eat red-meat, and well worth the cholesterol. It is listed on our soup menu and sells for the same $4.50.

Another path crossing has to do with your and my local CSA share from Max and Katherine. If you are one of the lucky participants who receive their veggies from Backbone Farm than we will be seeing you every Thursday. We will be our area's drop off and pick up spot for your CSA share. The first shares should start around the first of June, we can't wait!

It was nice meeting our new neighbors, Matt and Holly. Thanks also to Adelaide for dropping by today, it is always great to see your smiling face. If, like Adelaide, you can't get enough of Director Mallow, don't fret, not only will he be logging more hours in the mother ship, but it appears he may pull your favorite brews as well. Mountain State is taking a leap of faith and allowing Director Mallow behind the hollowed ground of the brew pub bar, and now it will be he asking you to get your ass out of there after last call. Oh, how the tables have turned!

Three Dog Night... and Dim Sum

and

Community badminton keeps going. It is becoming a weekly event and instead of the golf course, it is where business in our area is now conducted. Pregame yesterday had representatives from Meyer House B & B, Highland Prospects, Mountain State Brewery, and HypnoCoffee in preliminary talks regarding the formation of a SBA. If you are a local business owner, you'll be hearing from us soon. A local business oriented think tank is the goal, and I know most of you have great ideas to share. The games last night were fast and furious, Josh showed up late to join Willie, Chip, Jared, Jeremy, Chloe, and myself on the battle field. The only announced business versus business game was fought between Mountain State and HypnoCoffee. Chloe and I (HypnoTeam) did combat against Willie and Jared (Mountain State), and the game did not want to end. In accordance with US Badminton rules you must win by two (2), thus our game continued well past fifteen (15). Chloe and I finally prevailed thanks to a game winning ace by Chloe and a score of nineteen (19) to seventeen (17)! The rest of the games were well played affairs, Albeit a little tough on some; Chip suffered a shuttlecock to the eye and is probably nursing a shiner today. After play the battered and exhausted athletes noshed on a backyard delicacy of hot-dogs and the last order of Dim Sum. We all shared in the Dim Sum and it balanced out the hot-dogs perfectly. Upon completing three (3) dogs, Willie completed my thought on it being a three (3) dog night with the brilliant, "and dim sum!" It was so good it made the title, well done Willie! Competition brings your sense of humor to the fore, and I am the beneficiary. Chip and I agree on the need to have a record party(you remember records, your parent's probably had them, they were large, black, plastic discs containing music performed by musicians you've only heard of). Stay tuned for where's and when's. Thanks to all in the community for the fun we're having; consider playing in the next badminton tourney, they are more fun than you should be allowed to have in a yard.



Curtis dropped in to bake some more Chocolate Oat Bars and Cookies. Thanks Curtis! Also attending the HypnoMorning were babies, Zanna and Arden, good to see you both. A fresh supply of coffee should hit the HypnoDock this afternoon, and contained within is Summer's favorite, Mexican Chiapas. Make some time for that brew, and keep your ears to the trail when inside the shop. Who knows when we will make another batch of experimental smoothies, if you are lucky enough to present, you too can sample the wares. Just ask Mackie or Al about today's smoothie, Pineapple!

Them Some Good Dim Sum

Curtis has brought much honor to HypnoCoffee today. The Dim Sum is wonderful, we have all enjoyed this treat, and if you have yet to sup with us today's the day to begin. Included with the Dim Sum today has been a soy dipping sauce, jasmine rice, and Chloe's fifth grade pop culture quiz.

Jeremy has thrown down the badminton gauntlet and so today (maybe the only sunny day this week) sees another battle on the lawn. It is a good excuse to drink the remaining IPA from the baby kegger and get some free vitamin D. Willie and Chip are bringing the Mountain State Brewery A-game, and we look forward to the competition. Speaking of competition; Mackie has advised me that yesterday's photo is entirely too old, so in an attempt to properly represent the specimen we know ,click this link, http://iplayoutside.smugmug.com/gallery/4916711_EG9o8#293907399_oHuWZ

and this link,

http://www.jdgalleries.com/gallery/4811891_aDjeA#286426574_T9PYc

and of course enjoy the above image (he's on the right doing the passing).

On the drink front we are blending smoothies and iced mochas down here from our sample box courtesy of Dr. Smoothie. Thus far everything as been dynamite and we plan to kick-off frozen drink service the week prior to Memorial Day Weekend. The smoothies we're trying are 100% fruit, no corn syrup, just good ol' fructose and crushed fruit. Yes, we are looking out for you, and just like our coffee and food we are only considering the highest quality products. I'm sure you'll like our choice, the first-rate pallet of our community must remain paramount.

All That Glitters

Another Sunday, another bike race, and another first place finish for Mackie. Consider this post an official solicitation for any fast cyclist to compete with and offer Mackie even a modicum of a chance at silver. It is not that I want Mackie to lose, quite the contrary, I don't want him to rest on his laurels and make the top of the podium a complacent position. That being written, congratulations to Mackie...again! Kudos also to Ben, who placed second in his class and our local pro, Jason (yes, of break dancing fame!) finished a strong fourth and didn't suffer a flat this time. A job well done to all who raced, Mike, Jeff, Ben, Jason, Mackie, and anyone I failed to mention. Next race: Tour de Lake at Charles Fork Lake on May 18th.

Tomorrow brings Curtis back to the shop, and this round of lunches sounds great; Pork or Veggie Dim Sum with Soy Dipping Sauce. You know how it works, a limited number of meals will be prepared so call your order in to ensure your stomach's reward (463-4900). Some have asked what Dim Sum are, please allow this description:

you: dim sum damn good dumplings.

me: I know, dim sum is a Chinese noun for filled dumpling usually steamed or fried.

If you've been away lately, we've made a bagel line-up change. We placed an order with the Charleston Bagel Company and their products are amazing! The apothecary jars overflow with large, savory bagels. For those wanting a little kick in their circular bread treat, Director Mallow picked Jalapeno Bagels, and they deliver!

Mama's Day

The baby shower brought our home to capacity levels that would surely raise the eyebrows of the most lenient Fire Marshall. Very appropriate timing, just shy of Mother's Day, for our extended family of friends and neighbors to come by and celebrate our newest member. I really missed a photo opportunity last night as we had in attendance 82.3% of the babies in Thomas and Davis, it was a real cute-off at the Williams' house. Summer and I can't quite express how thankful we are for such a wonderful turnout and the outpouring of well, love. A special "thank you" to Sarah and Anne, great, great job!! To all of the mothers in attendance last night and to all those with us in spirit, a very Happy Mother's Day!

Personal note: to our mothers, Kathleen, Karen and Joyce, Happy Mother's Day, and the photos of Charlie are just for you. Everyone else scroll down. Chloe is not pictured due to a sleepover. One more personal note across the ether, Happy Mother's Day to our far-away friend Pam, (good follow-up work after Nick)!

Class Dismissed

Today saw the inaugural cooking class, Soups and Salads. Curtis had six (6) pupils who seemed to have a great time. Curtis did a great job; he had a curriculum, fresh greens and radishes from Max and Katherine, all ingredients neatly displayed, and when I overheard him he spoke with a real authority, and was very good at relating the material. Good job, Curtis! A busy morning finally broke to a peaceful afternoon, which shall give way to an early closing. We have a baby kegger to prepare for! Summer's been getting herself and tummy baby ready all day by doing shots of Jagermister, she has really taken to the West Virginian lifestyle. We look forward to seeing everyone tonight.

Comfort Food

Just in time to comfort you on a rainy day, Curtis whipped up some Chicken and Dumplings with Roasted Potatoes. He was muttering quite often about how his mother made this, so I believe in making today's meal he was comforted. Many of you have sent out your congratulations regarding Chris' appointment to Employee of the Month, thank you, your accolades are so much cheaper than actually paying him more! He's certainly worth more than we pay him, and unfortunately that is the case with just about everyone who lives up here. It is a reality that we take compensation in our surroundings and good neighbors. Speaking of which...Anna and Sarah have been kind enough to put their copious celebratory skills to use, and throw Summer a baby kegger Saturday evening. You know those two (2) will pull out all the stops, but I'll save the gratitude for Sunday.

I think it's finally official, and just three (3) after I was informed she was leaving for Hawaii, Renee has finally left the building. Good luck Renee, I'm sure the morning will bring a plethora of stories about Renee now that she's gone, and I can't wait! If you have any way of contacting Tom Selleck, please, please warn him!

What Happened Monday

Gary, Richard, Mark, Christy, and Carrie have returned. Gary was throwing around phrases like: "...in the can" and "...on set". It's true, our humble neighbors have gone Hollywood, and before you know it Gary (NOT Gary B!) will be quaffing Cosmos and sleeping with men. He did seem more glamorous this morning when he sashayed through the door.

I guess I have proper clearance for telling the story; albeit at the behest of some of our corpulent wards. The MountainMade crew packed up the Country Store and transported the wares to Grafton, where for Mother's Day, the Food Network show "Dinner: Impossible" was filming an episode. Under the cover of Thomas shadows they loaded trucks, made an eleventh hour appeal to a local coffee shop for removal of blog content, with the deft skill of illusion pulled off a "farmer's market" in Grafton, were filmed (Gary and Mark got "camera time"), and in the rain are restocking the Country Store. We had no idea!

Did you catch the eleventh hour reference? Oh yeah, that was us! It seems my willingness to write about MountainMade's commitment to Dinner:Impossible was met with much hullabaloo. Perhaps you were lucky enough to read Monday's "All The World's A Stage" before it was edited? The producers of Dinner: Impossible were not cool with my mention of both MountainMade and their program in the same post, it was supposed to be kept a secret. I was asked at 10:15 pm to please remove the post, and not one to block the opportunity of my friends, I without hesitation removed all comments with both MountainMade and Dinner: Impossible leaving only mention of Mackie's Gold Medal on the blog. It is humorous to think the Food Network has been reading our coffee shop's scribbles; but not surprising, have you "surfed" the Internet lately? Pure trash.

Let us end today's post on the positive: Christopher Mallow was voted April's Employee of the Month. An award and his visage now hang behind the counter. Congratulations, Director Mallow!

Renee, Going for the Lei

HypnoCoffee is still undefeated, and in a grudge match between Renee and Director Mallow, Chris took her to the mat twice in a row (15-7 & 15-4) and stopped all the mouthy chatter that preceded the match. Thanks to badminton new-comer Mackie for filling in while we awaited the Director's arrival, he performed almost as well on the court as he does on the trail. Also, back from his New York training camp and groin recovery, Jeremy played with the same verve he showed during his collegiate badminton matches, good work! As the sun set and the mercury began its rapid descent, Summer supplied a great dinner and conversations waned from lawn games to local business ideas. Jeremy is thinking of holding gear clinics here in the shop and/or combining clinics with Blackwater Bikes. Stay tuned for further details.

Zanna and her two (2) male escorts (John and Matt) made another appearance; Mondays and Wednesdays afford me a baby Zanna fix; good job on getting down the formula for the first time! Uncle Matt is now a babysitter for hire, he is over sixteen (16), reliable, possesses solid references, and has some medical training; please call the shop for bookings.

Renee, in her obsessive pursuit of Tom Selleck of Magnum PI fame, is leaving next week for Hawaii. Her intentions are her own, but sources indicate her passions for Magnum have driven her to delusions of marriage. Gary is, of course, heart-broken over this lapse in reality and try as he might he is unable to grow a sufficient mustache to keep Renee. If you are so inclined, head out to Camp 70 tonight and wish her well.

Finally, a belated congratulations to Shawnee on her promotion to the titled position of Manager of the Purple Fiddle. Well done, and a good choice!

HypnoCoffee Sells Out

Thank you friends and neighbors! Curtis' first at bat with lunches and he knocked it out of the park. First lunch customer...Shannon, thanks Shannon! We attempted a photograph, but alas we suffered from dead batteries (today's photo is culled from our ample stock footage). We, however, have the beautiful visage emblazoned in our minds. We sold out of today's yield at 12:05! That yield was to include Wednesday, so tune back in Friday for the next offering: Sweet Corn Dumplings with Chicken and Roasted Potatoes. As always Soups are on: Broccoli and Cheese, Vegetarian Red Beans & Rice, and Chicken & Veggie Stew. Apologies to all who wanted and did not receive, Ryan especially; call ahead next time (463-4900) and guarantee your meal like our friends at East West Printing (good timing, Alice). Also, don't forget Curtis' cooking class this Saturday, May 10th, it will run you $15.00, and yes, you will be here hanging out with the HypnoStaff! You also get to rub elbows with the ever blog-present Abus, and Abus' sister. It's like meeting local celebrities, only goofier.

Good luck to our friends Gary, Richard, and Mark as they endeavor in God-knows-what in God-knows-where. More on that later.

Badminton, anyone? Tonight looks good, I trimmed the playing surface to US Badminton standards (1.68 inches), checked net tension (2 lbs per sq. meter), and replaced the rackets damaged by Team Shrink. Jeremy wants in on this night's play and he just returned from an upper-state New York training camp. We expect a great season from you, Jeremy.

Thanks again to all who were lucky enough to eat with us today! Our fortunes are truly tied to one another, and we can't think of better folks to be tied to.

All The World's A Stage

Our top-notch neighbor, friend, and cyclist brought home the bacon this weekend. After a quick fueling of a triple espresso (HypnoFuel, as it is known in racing circles, and yes it is legal according to UCI), Mackie participated in the Middle Mountain Momma twenty-one (21) mile mountain bike race, and brought home the First Place Gold Medal that currently adorns our wall behind the counter. Look to the right of the bull horns and, of course, all praise Mackie!

Cheat Fest Ends

The HypnoCrew returneth, and legions of zombie-like bleary-eyed denizens followed. They appear to have enjoyed the festival, and Director Mallow is up for more festival punishment. Abus clarified that the Big Agnes is her tent, and the number it can hold is seven (7). Despite several technical difficulties the HypnoStaff did well and I am proud of each and every hour they spent soberly selling coffee...both hours! Also many thanks to the mountain top dwellers that supported our HypnoCrew, you are the smartest, most astute group of patrons I know. Enjoy the pictures...let's play whose feet are those?

!Calling All Chess Players!

My long time friend, Phil, you remember, we grew up together in the swampy redneck environs of the Sunshine State has issued a challenge to all chess players. Apparently he plays chess online and is calling out we "hillbillies" to do battle. I, of course, would answer the call, however, I am a master of only badminton and Twister. So it is up to you to represent! The important information needed: www.gameknot.com and his nom de playa is bicycleboy. Tell him a seven (7) year old from Brazil sent you.

Cheat Fest

If you are just getting up, feeling good, relieved that it isn't raining yet, and checking your email and your favorite website before driving to Cheat Fest, then make a note to visit Director Mallow and Abus. Look for the above pictured booth and hopefully one or both will be seated within. No festival happens without headaches, and Cheat Fest is no different for the HypnoStaff. Yesterday we found out the water supply was simply a big plastic cistern from which livestock can subsist, but for coffee brewing it would leave much to be desired. A brief panic, a few expletives, than entered...Willy! Our local purveyor of pub fun concocted the home health, keg, and coffee solution currently being employed at the festival. Willy, myself, and Mike built the beast; it uses two (2) kegs filled with water, the water is pressurized with an oxygen bottle, and the pressurized water supplies our commercial coffee brewer. Brilliant! So thank yous and kudos to Willie and Mike, you saved our cheese!! Not to be out done by the coffee scenario, our double order of bagels are still MIA. No one said running the coolest coffee shop in West Virginia was going to be easy, and no one is always right. I received one broken message this morning from the HypnoStaffers and after the HypnoCrypto Team completed deciphering the recording we extrapolated; the home health, keg, and coffee rig both works and doesn't work...no... works(!), Abus can fit five (5) adults in the Big Agnes(?), Chris can drink his weight in the cistern water...or...PBR(?), then there was laughter...or...screams. End transmission.

I realize most of you are either at Cheat Fest or on your way, but for the few stragglers, waiters, waitresses, and those under house arrest, we have fired up the mothership in Thomas and Summer, Chloe, Charlie, and I are goofing off awaiting more tales from the madness.

I Believe

The above pictured alien currently resides in her host, however, she is expected to share our world within six weeks by exiting her host's abdomen, breathing our atmosphere, and excreting toxic fluids on her former host. The host will provide nourishment, while the host's partner frets, coos, and feeds the host. Apparently this cycle is common on the mountain top as evidenced by the recent invasion of new aliens in our community.
This picture was taken to settle a dispute between scientists, one (B) claimed the host was sized correctly for alien gestation, the second (S) ventured the host too small. We thought scientist B, was correct based on previous alien encounters. All is well, scientist B was correct.
Tomorrow Director Mallow and I leave the mountain top to set-up our booth at the Cheat River Festival. The booth has many watchmen, Abus, Curtis, some guy named Joe, and of course the Director. If you plan on visiting the Festival, say hello to Director Mallow; nosh on the bagels, muffins, and whatever Curtis decides to bring. I will be manning the mother ship and awaiting updates from Director Mallow on the madness that is bound to occur when that many mountain top dwellers are under one tent.