I am mostly from the past on this forum but this place defined where I am today with espresso and my equipment. I recommend this site to everyone I meet and of course I always recommend lever machines. I still come in and browse and read what friends post..

There are many names and people I know here and of course many I do not-I am so glad to see the community here as vibrant as ever. Glad to see the LMWDP numbers so high!!

So pardon my drop by -it is really to just tell those I know "hello" and those I don't - Have fun on your journey exploring these beautiful silent machines that give us pleasure..... an ounce at a time..

Dan - you are the man- Cheers and thanks- I never would have found a love affair with a Cremina if this site did not provide the opportunity to discover it and learn.

Got to go pull a shot

Cheers greg

Good to see you here. I have you to thank for introducing me to the open boiler Caravel/Peppina/Brunni type of machines. They have added a lot to my enjoyment of coffee. Hope things are going well.

Welcome back! Were it not for you and your dedication to lever machines, many of us would not be here! Nor have the machines we are enjoying!
-Richard

espressme wrote:Were it not for you and your dedication to lever machines, many of us would not be here!

That includes me.

Thanks Greg!

Greg,

Nice to virtually meet you and welcome back. I'm one of the newbies here and this forum, and the LMWDP in particular are responsible for me hunting down a La Peppina open boiler spring lever when I upgraded from my pump toy instead of buying a pump machine, that I would probably want to upgrade from pretty soon again. I'd say it was a good decision, I'm loving the La Peppina... (stby, 1st crack)... um, where was I, yes loving the lever.

I'd have to say that without the H-B lever community, and OE, I would be lost with this thing, but with all the information, support, and encouragement I've been able to really enjoy espresso with a lever. I just pulled some very delicious 7g singles of a full city moka kadir blend, something that I've been anticipating all week as my machine told me last weekend that it was time--the first time--to change the gaskets and seals and give the machine a good cleaning. The machine has been put back together and is pulling great shots again... but now I've got to get back to roasting so I'll have something to pull.

Thanks.

mogogear wrote:"hello"

Hello!!

Very much the same goes for me, in the very starting of my espresso journey I wasn't really aware what levers are, it's a shame but the point is I learned and discovered the truth thanks to You and the other lever lovers here on H-B.

And for remembering and pointing out - all my knowledge and skill of coffee (and however it is limited, it's because my own limitation not anything) I owe to H-B.

Pawel

Here's to the first HBer to import a 220 ebay.it Caravel to the US! If you haven't seen the Arrarax Caravel thread lately its worth a look. I really like the pages with the patent drawings. There is something so pure about it, and the shots just keep getting better.

If you could get the Cremina to run on a wood fire, maybe you could attach a propeller and rudder to 'er and add it to your other steam-engine collection. Can't do that with a Caravel.

I'm actually still dreaming about the Bezzera Family I saw in the back of your SUV a few years ago. I'm operating on only three levers these days...

My very best to you as well Jack--You were the power behind hand grinders and their compatibility of quietness in espresso preparation.

I hope all is well with your family in Sweden -Alaska I am sure misses your expertise !!I had my family in Seattle this weekend and fondly remembered meals with Hal and coffee with you , Hal , Dr Jim and Professor Stack at the Cafe Vita location by Queen Anne and the next day at Zokka...It was fun to sit in the cafe' exactly where we had sat--Too bad we didn't make the trek to Zokka as well..

I do have a lot of fun sailing my steam boats ..many of my steam hobby friends are meeting for a get together in Sala Sweden soon...It is too bad I cant get that close and see you!

Cheers Jack

Hey Greg,
Nice to see that you posted here. I like you have been in this neck of the woods but mostly in the 'stands' just monitoring the threads. Sorry to have missed your post until now.
I hope all is well with the old timers and share your thoughts about the Lever Forum and the HB community in general.
Alot has changed since our little trip around Seattle... I now live in southern Az. and am still in the hunt for a new home with most of my espresso gear in storage... Moved out here in June of last year... Too long to be without my espresso gear and home roasting seems like a long lost dream...
Oh well I hope all is well with you and your's... Bob C

Hey Greg,
I'm still pulling my daily shot. I'm just not as crazed about owning every lever machine ever made. Thinned the heard down to my Conti Empress, a brass La Pavoni and a Brewtus.

I'm still getting better with my shots every day.

I'll look you up next time I'm in PDX.

Charlie Bruce