The Cup

That's right, I snuck* out a pristine new Insomnia Coffee Cup just to show everybody what it looks like. So here it is in all it's glory - minus the coffee, of course.

What I like about this is that the cup comes with a coffee stain on it already. These guys do it all for you!


*Snuck is indeed a word. Americans can be proud to lay claim to it as one of the many words that have been Americanized, much to the chagrin of word snobs and Brits. In this case it's a matter of onomatopoeia, which I'll leave to you to look up.

Meet the Cast - Evan

It's time to start introducing some of the people responsible for the production we call Insomnia Coffee Company.

This is Evan. He is one of the main characters of Insomnia. One of the leading men, actually. I don't know if he'll be wearing this outfit. Evidently he doesn't agree with the others on what the uniform will be. Super Coffee Man, Evan? Do you really think that will fly? Is it even in the script? Is there a script?

Evan is my son-in-law and I love him, but I'll just warn you now to expect some major theatrics from him. He's been in some musicals locally and spent some time on the road. He's just liable to make you laugh. If he sings to you, he may even make you cry - yeah, he's that good.

One thing is certain, he'll make you a drink that you will really enjoy.

Up, up and uh ... latte!

Tripping the Light Fantastic

Haste thee, Nymph, and bring with thee
Jest, and youthful Jollity,
Quips and cranks and wanton wiles,
Nods and becks and wreathed smiles
Such as hang on Hebe’s cheek,
And love to live in dimple sleek;
Sport that wrinkled Care derides,
And Laughter holding both his sides.
- Come, and trip it, as you go,
- On the light fantastic toe;
And in thy right hand lead with thee
The mountain-nymph, sweet Liberty;
And, if I give thee honour due,
Mirth, admit me of thy crew,
To live with her, and live with thee,
In unreproved pleasures free ...

-L’Allegro (The Cheerful Man) John Milton 1645

In Milton's day, trip had the meaning to move lightly and nimbly. Fantastic meant extravagant fancy - capricious or impulsive. So it has to do with dancing, probably a whimsical dance.

Of course that has nothing to do with coffee, though you may expect to see some whimsy, capriciousness, and mirth at Insomnia Coffee Company. At times the baristi may have to be nimble to keep up with the patrons.

At any rate, here's a shot of one of the new light fixtures. This one is just inside the front door. There are more, and several different designs. As you can see in the photos, the place has a high ceiling. That gives it an airy atmosphere and invites you to look around. No closed in little booths here.

Let the coffee dance begin.

Sneak Peek

Really wasn't sure I wanted to show this shot of some of the furnishings and decor. Kind of feel like I'm giving too much away. Should be okay, though, because until everything is in it's proper place you won't get a sense of the cool ambiance of the place.

Like the doors? I am keeping the story of the doors a secret.

Mood Lighting, Naturally

About 5 p.m. and you can see the sunlight coming through the windows. Neat floor.

The floor is about half done, so the furniture has been moved to the finished side to make room for installing the rest of the flooring. When that's done, the furniture can be arranged properly.

You can see some of the other shops across the parking lot. Not telling you what they are - you'll just have to come in for a cup and find out for yourself. It's an all new complex, so a few of the spaces don't even have tenants yet.

Tyler the Troweler

Two rows of planks down already and there's no stopping these guys now. Good looking floor. Lots of character with all the grain and knots.

Tyler has the action down with the trowel. Ever consider being a cake decorator, Tyler?

Plank by Plank

Evan is the plankmaster. He can measure. He can cut. Loves working with wood. A keen eye for the straight cut the lad has.

This is the pine flooring, knots and all. Soon it will all be installed, and Evan and Tyler can sit back and admire their work while coffee lovers and live bands walk all over it.

That's some groovy flooring, man - tongue and groovy, in fact.

53rd Avenue Community Park

This is the final rendering for Hillsboro's planned 53rd Avenue Community Park. The watercolor rendering is by Martin Milward and the park design by Moore Iacofano Goltsman, Inc. of Portland.

It looks like a really nice, well planned park. There's too much to detail here, but you can check it out by clicking on their link at the right for a lot more information. You can also click on the picture for a larger view.

Insomnia Coffee Company is right below the Southeast corner of the park (lower right in this picture).

Great neighbor of a park for a great coffee house! All the Insomniacs are very excited about it and can't wait for them to break ground. It's a lot like Insomnia Coffee Company in that there is a lot of work that has to be done before you actually start seeing the results.