I've done it again. The cappucino machine has been on for an hour and about 3 drops have come through into the carafe. I have had this crummy thing for exactly one year. This is a serious situation for everyone. I make a full pot--which I suppose translates into 4 shots of espresso--every morning and that is my caffeine for the day. I need it. The frothy milk I add to it contains essential vitamins and minerals. Without the coffee I like, I don't think I am very much fun to be around.
It's the puppies that suffer most.
I am slowly beginning to understand why people pay hundreds of dollars for cappucino/espresso machines that last forever. The frustration is terrible, and in the long run, having to get a new cheap one every year isn't going to be so cheap. I know just the one I like. There are several on ebay at deceptively low bids right now. But I learned from experience that there are plenty of people out there who want them as bad as I do, and they're willing to pay.
Maybe if I put some beads up on ebay with a plea for high bids so that my dear doggies can live peacefully without worrying about an insufficiently caffeinated mommy, some sympathetic beaders would help. Beaders love a cause, don't they? A few pathetic-looking pictures, and the Europiccola is mine!

I'll think about it.

***Okay, I did it! Two new peeking koi are up on ebay for your bidding pleasure!
GO FOR IT!