Brazil Fazenda Sertaozinho Yellow Bourbon

Sunday night there was an intense north wind buffeting our house, knocking branches and acorns onto the roof. The power went out, a tree fell with a loud snap, and I couldn’t sleep. At some point the wind died down and I drifted off, only to be awoken by sirens going down the road. I checked my source for all things emergency (shout out to the wonderful updates at Yubanet), and discovered that there were multiple fires burning, including one not far from us. Houses were involved, and evacuations were starting.

A week of smokey skies

That was the beginning of a crazy week. On Monday night a fire crew slept in our front yard. Locally, twenty-two homes and multiple outbuildings were lost to fire, and thousands more were lost across the state. People have been evacuated and displaced. The devastation of the last week is astounding and unfortunately ongoing. In the midst of it all, there were so many beautiful moments–so many helpers, so many looking out for their neighbors, so many firefighters putting in long hours, and so much support from local and regional law enforcement and medical aid.

This county is an amazing place to live, and in the tough times it becomes obvious. Our home was close to one of the fires, and I have never had more calls, emails, texts and offers of help. We are fortunate that the fire moved the other direction, but the outpouring of support was tangible. I am so thankful for our friends and family–our village–and for those fighting the fires. I feel so fortunate that our house is standing, and that we got power (and water!) back already. And I am grieved that so many are not so lucky. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

At such a moment it seems trite to talk about coffee, but sometimes it is the small things that keep us going. This week we have our Brazil Fazenda Sertaozinho Yellow Bourbon on special. I know that there were several days this week that a cup of coffee was exactly what I needed. We featured this back in July, and you can read all about it here. In addition to protecting an old growth forest, with trees as much as 1500 years old, the fazenda (farm) also provides their workers with full time employment, housing, healthcare and a school.

I had a cup of this Brazilian while I drove to Markleeville this morning, to pick up my son from a backpacking trip. The aspens are turning around Lake Tahoe, and the air was chill. My coffee kept my hands warm while I drove. It tastes of walnut and sweet milk chocolate tones. You can try a cup on us this week with the code aspen gold*. And again, to all those affected by these fires, all our thoughts and prayers are with you. Stay safe.
–Holly Fike

*Code good for one free 12 ounce cup of Brazil Fazenda Sertaozinho Yellow Bourbon. Code expires on 10.19.17. Limit one free cup per customer please. Valid only at Carolines Coffee Roasters, 128 S. Auburn Street, Grass Valley, CA. Code/Offer has no cash value.