Wayne Newton’s Danke Schoen was stuck in my head in the morning on New Years Day, so I found it in my music collection and listened to it. Then I listened a second time. Then I listened to it again. Then after a walk in my favorite park, I went to Starbucks to write. She was working. You know who I mean, She.

And she was at the register this time. Even if she wasn’t, she would have still prepared my coffee. She does that, you know. She’s really sweet and she’s really pretty. The last time I went in, she saw me, and even though somebody else was working the register and there were two people in front of me in line, she smiles and says, "Hi Jim! Tall Pike Place, no cream, no sugar?"  Remembering my order from my last visit.  And I said, "You know it!" So, she prepared it ahead of time and it was ready before I even had to pay for it, writing my name on the cup with the kind of flourish and style that doesn’t take an expert in handwriting analysis to see it was written with love. Needless to say, she stole my heart and I will probably marry her.

There was only a small line this visit on New Years Day. She saw me and her face warmed as she shot me a smile. She wasn't the only one at a register; there was one other at register number two. I thought, oh no! What if I have to go to that one instead of HER. I would be sad. And it looked like it was about to happen too, but then at the last second, register number two barista gives me a quick glance and then one to her and suddenly had something else to go do.

She and I exchange "Good Morning." She asks, of course, "Grande Pike Place?" I say, 'Yes. With cream." She is surprised. "Cream? Really?" I say, "I like to mix it up a little sometimes. One day I'm going to come in here and order the most complicated, labor-intensive drink there is, and you are going to look at me and say.... “Who ARE you... ? This made her laugh.

She gets my coffee and writes my name on it, although she didn't have to. She wishes me a happy New Year, and I her and then sit down to write. The music playing at this location is a big band/swing song list which pleases me. Before you know it, there's Wayne Newton with Danke Schoen. Off to a good start, 2024. Off to a good start.