I need a new winter coat. Actually, I’ve needed a new coat for about five years now. The one I have I bought in Germany, because it had big pockets and a hood and makes me feel like I’m in a Bavarian fairy tale.

I bought it at a point in my life when I was doing a lot of all-weather bike riding, and slowly the lining began to tear. Apparently the coat was made for fairy tale adventures through lush Black Forests and not for hoisting bicycles onto your shoulder in the pouring rain, which went on for about three years.

By last year it was so ripped apart that I could get inside my coat and wear it like a poncho.

In a testament to our throw-away society, a tailor told me it would cost more than the coat was worth to fix it. I wore it for another year after that.

But this year I am absolutely getting a new coat.

So Jade and I set off for the faraway magical kingdom of Kingsport. In honor of the city I was thinking something regal like purple with big black buttons. I also thought a long, black detective-looking trench coat would be a smart look. Well, if I could find the right hat. I tried to keep an open mind, but as we browsed the racks nothing was calling to me. The fur-lined black leather number with zippers all over it was enticing, but I wasn’t sure how it would look in the cold, hard, light of day.

Quite frankly, I’m not sure I’m cool enough to pull off the look.

When we got tired of wandering the aisles, Jade and I left and went to feast on pizza at Johnny Brusco’s.

On Monday’s, pizza-by-the-slice is cheaper than buying a whole pizza (at least that’s what our waitress told us). So Jade and I got our own slices, which really worked out for the best because he likes pepperoni and I don’t.

I got spinach, red onions and mushrooms. Our server lady kept getting confused and thought I wanted feta. She repeated it so many times it started to sound good. Try it. Say “feta” five times in the next 10 minutes. You’ll want some.

I noticed the pizza makers looked like they were actually having a pretty good time back there. I’m all for keeping the cooks happy. Happy cooks, happy food. I took an extra slice home to Jeff who was a most grateful, happy husband.

As we were leaving and walking to the car, I noticed the temperature had dropped and I was starting to feel a little cold. I think my next coat needs to be something more enchanting, like feta and Kingsport and happy chefs.

Yeah, definitely something enchanting.

Johnny Brusco’s of Kingsport is located at 1700 N. Eastman Rd. There is also a Johnny Brusco’s located in Johnson City at 2111 N. Roan St. next to Blockbuster.

For more information, visit their Web site at www.johnnspizza.com.

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