STOCKING STUFFERS ... AT 7TH AND MONTANA

Twas two days before Christmas and all through the house, not a Barista was stirring, but I didn't grouse. Indeed, the line of folks waiting to get into Our Favorite Starbucks reached record proportions this morning but, fortunately, I was prepared. Earlybird Liz had warned me to expect a long wait. "Heads-up," she said as I passed her on 7th Street, "They're training some new Baristas today!" I'll say one thing, the latest crop of Newbies has impeccable timing. The crew at 7th and Montana -- Gabriel, Heather, Tyler, Sammy, David, Veronica, Neil, Kenisha, Anthony, Nada, Gabe D., Amanda, Joel and Jacey -- all hung stockings by the Condiments Bar today. As for me, I'm still busy making my list ... and checking it twice!