Thank you NJCathi, for letting yours truly know he's not alone in the world. The very first (okay, sometimes second) thing I'll do upon entering what will be my room for the few days is rinse out the coffee pot / filter holder / etc. Then, start the first of three or so batches of "brewing" straight tap water, solely to try ridding it of the taste of month-old coffee.

As an aside, ever go to that coffee maker, and find the (used) filter and grounds still there?