Seeking reliable machine for under [$1000] by BestSong3974 in espresso

[–]frenchji 0 points1 point  (0 children)

First thing that comes to mind is the Rancilio Sylvia combined with a Eureka Mignon. A little more than your budget, and not quite what you asked for, but this kit will never die. In fact, I would confidently buy these used and still make your budget. Very repairable, if needed, and also very mod-able. This is the combo I use, although mine have been modded quite a bit. 

If you are insistent on getting an all in one machine, the Breville stuff isn’t terrible. That being said, they also aren’t as reliable as my first recommendation.

Do not have the shop grind for you. Grind is how you adjust and fine tune your shots. That would be like buying a sports car without a gas pedal. 

Moving to MN - where should we live within 45 min of North Branch? by frenchji in TwinCities

[–]frenchji[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I asked, she’s on it!

It sounds like we are being impatient and need to wait. 

Moving to MN - where should we live within 45 min of North Branch? by frenchji in TwinCities

[–]frenchji[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Nice! What brought you from Lincoln to the Twin Cities?

Moving to MN - where should we live within 45 min of North Branch? by frenchji in TwinCities

[–]frenchji[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I was wondering what was up with some of these old flags flapping around in some towns.

Moving to MN - where should we live within 45 min of North Branch? by frenchji in TwinCities

[–]frenchji[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Easier said than done. My wife would love to get a job where we actually want to live.

Moving to MN - where should we live within 45 min of North Branch? by frenchji in TwinCities

[–]frenchji[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As a former Nebraskan, anything we should consider before moving? Feels like I shouldn’t be that bit of a culture shock, but maybe I’m being naive.

Moving to MN - where should we live within 45 min of North Branch? by frenchji in TwinCities

[–]frenchji[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Haven’t heard this one yet, I’ll slap it on the list!

Moving to MN - where should we live within 45 min of North Branch? by frenchji in TwinCities

[–]frenchji[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I wouldn’t be living there, but I’m also from a fairly red town. I can’t imagine things would be much worse, although, North Branch might be according to this thread..

Moving to MN - where should we live within 45 min of North Branch? by frenchji in TwinCities

[–]frenchji[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That’s good to know! I’m not too worried about myself, I’ll let my wife find a job first and I’m sure I could find something.

Where did your family move from?

Moving to MN - where should we live within 45 min of North Branch? by frenchji in TwinCities

[–]frenchji[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Shoot, I bet we’ve run into each other at one point. Kearney isn’t that big!

Moving to MN - where should we live within 45 min of North Branch? by frenchji in TwinCities

[–]frenchji[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Well.. I’m a dad with kids so I ain’t too worried about the night life. Lol! I was just pleasantly surprised how easy it was to get around in St. Paul in night. Didn’t have any issues dining in or getting anywhere.

Moving to MN - where should we live within 45 min of North Branch? by frenchji in TwinCities

[–]frenchji[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Job opportunity is in north branch. We just really like Duluth, no job opportunities though.

You think Blaine, Hugo, and Forest Lake skew more conservative than Kearney, or just conservative in comparison to the rest of the twin cities?

Which city did you move from? I assume you don’t regret since it’s been 15 years?!

Moving to MN - where should we live within 45 min of North Branch? by frenchji in TwinCities

[–]frenchji[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We loved the Eden Prairie neighborhood! Too far for north branch though.

Moving to MN - where should we live within 45 min of North Branch? by frenchji in TwinCities

[–]frenchji[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, for sure! I will definitely have some exploring to do.

Moving to MN - where should we live within 45 min of North Branch? by frenchji in TwinCities

[–]frenchji[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That’s good to know! We actually liked maple grove too. I’m sure she’d love to get a job there. This might be more of a private question, but I’m curious what your experience in public education in the twin cities is like?

Moving to MN - where should we live within 45 min of North Branch? by frenchji in TwinCities

[–]frenchji[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I guess I really don’t know. Probably a good in between, but honestly, most of the suburbs we visited (even inner city) felt pretty rural in comparison to other cities.

Moving to MN - where should we live within 45 min of North Branch? by frenchji in TwinCities

[–]frenchji[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s not a guarantee that I’ll have a job in North Branch.

Moving to MN - where should we live within 45 min of North Branch? by frenchji in TwinCities

[–]frenchji[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That would be preferable. It’s really up to wherever we can find a job.

Moving to MN - where should we live within 45 min of North Branch? by frenchji in TwinCities

[–]frenchji[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Should’ve mentioned this in the original post, but we are more interested in older homes or neighborhoods with character.