The damp gray morning is perfect for sitting in front of a fireplace and sipping something hot. Coffee, hot chocolate, tea…it doesn’t matter. Unfortunately, this is not my day to relax. Here’s where two inventions become very important in my life. First is the invention of the covered, insulated coffee mug. Second is the invention of the built-in car coffee cup holder.
I would be hard pressed to live without either. I rush to my car, slam my new coffee mug into the holder and back down the driveway. I take a sip of coffee, turn out onto the South Shore Drive and think about the two.
I can hardly remember a time when cars did not have built-in coffee mug holders, but deep in the reaches of my mind I recall a webbed, plastic contraption (must have been one of the first of its kind) that fit into the car’s window well. I recall being very happy that my large plastic mug fit, so as I drove my children to play-dates and sports, I could ratchet up my energy level with caffeine. Occasionally I’d buy a coffee mug that didn’t fit into the holder which was disappointing.
But modern technology took care of that. Soon, all cars offered built-in coffee holders that fit any size mug. The next problem was finding a good mug, one that kept the beverage warm and was easy to use, not an easy task. Finally, in 2012, after years of searching, I have found the perfect traveling coffee mug.
I give all the credit to my son. He found it online, and I was a skeptic until he gave me one, and converted me to a true believer. My new mug, made of stainless steel with a thermos vacuum, is also incredibly easy to use.
A simple sliding lock seals the mug so tight you can throw it in the same bag or briefcase as important papers. It does not leak. Believe me, if it doesn’t leak in my tote bag with all the tossing about I do, it’s sealed tighter than Fort Knox. The mug keeps liquid warm, as hot at four in the afternoon as it was in the morning, and the top flips up for easy drinking.
Back in the good old days, my father drank his coffee in a plain coffee cup with a saucer. His coffee was lip-scorching hot, straight from the stovetop drip percolator, and he did not travel with it. Coffee was something you “had” while seated, whether at a kitchen table or at a restaurant counter. It was a ritual to be enjoyed.
For better or worse, times have changed. Daily life seems to have increased its pace, and we coffee drinkers bring our favorite beverage along with us, which is why I’m so delighted with my new mug.
The brand is Zojirushi for anyone interested.
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