We have a couple of favorite eateries.  It has little to do with the food; it has everything to do with the people who eat there.  The restaurants are filled with our neighbors from miles around who fill us in on new business, fun events and serious news that affects us as community members.  So we’re driving around in the rain at 8:15AM on a Saturday morning.  We’ve got some time to kill before my hair appointment, so we decide to try a different diner for breakfast.

Huge mistake.

We walked in and placed our order at a counter then found an empty booth.  Usually, I enjoy listening to the locals chat about what’s going on around town.  Today was different.

Complaints.  Complaints. Complaints. NOTHING but complaints.

*One husband and wife sat at two completely separate tables.  He pointed at a couple entering the restaurant, and she complained that she didn’t want to talk to them, so she went and sat in the car.

*The gentleman in the back complained about having to go to work…about twenty different times.

*The newest patrons, the couple the one lady didn’t want to talk to, announced that someone in the next town over had died.  The man across from us was sure it had to be an overdose. “You know how those people are,” he said.

*There are too many unwanted dogs getting hit by cars.  “They need to be put down.”

It was at this point that I looked up at my husband and said, “We have GOT to get out of here.”  The complaints continued.

* Gas prices.  Bad gas. “My truck is ruined because of watered-down gas.”

Finally, the biggest nay-sayer got a phone call and announced that he had to leave.

*He complained about his wife (the caller) as he scooted out of the booth. Continue reading Meanwhile, Back at The Ranch: You Are Where You Eat →