And, mission accomplished. I have a new Breville machine that pulls a pretty good espresso and, more importantly, a properly caffeinated geek.

Taking the last full days of PTO so I don’t lose the time (yeah, much like government budgets, we have a use it or lose it system for taking time off), and things were going so well. I managed a nice breakfast, even managed not to burn or tear the eggs when I was making my omelette this morning, and decided to try yet again to make a nice cafecita to go with it. Halfway through what was starting to be one of the best pulls ever, I hear a very quirt, high-pitched squeal. Ok, it’s too cold outside for mosquitos, so what’s that? The answer came soon enough when the loud pop announced the end to my brewer. Apparently, the pressure was just too much. So now I’m n my way out to find a new espresso machine (this time with a pump) and just a little grouchy since I am still without caffeine, a condition no self respecting geek would be in.