The day off school today provided an opportunity for me to fast last night and then have a blood draw at my doctor's office early this morning.  A couple of the little 'pleasures' of growing old.  I stopped at McDonald's afterwards for breakfast, a sit down breakfast,too, rather than my customary run through and 'hello' to the old guys who gather there every morning.  And, I was able to relax and more fully enjoy this morning's conversation...

 
The 'old guys' were assembled in their usual places, no musical chairs for these men, - debating politics, world events and other lofty matters.
 
Today's topic was "Hamburgers."
 
"What do you like on your hamburger?" 
 
"Similarities and differences between a Big Mac and the Whopper." 
 
"Why mayonnaise is an inappropriate condiment on hamburgers." 
 
"Leaf lettuce versus chopped lettuce on hamburgers."
 
A brief treatise on 'Lettuce Doesn't Do Anything For Me,' by Ken, made for a momentary side trip...
 
before the old guys launched into a full-blown digression on "Chicago-style vs. New York-style Hot Dogs," and then circled back to lettuce:
 
"The lack of nutritional value in lettuce."

"What percentage of lettuce is made up of water?"
 
All this healthful discussion took place while consuming an assortment of breakfast sandwiches, burritos, lots of Senior Coffees and, of course, Arnie's morning standard - a hot fudge sundae.
 
If God grants me the requisite years, and I satisfy the CRP's "Rule of 102" I can see myself occupying Arnie's chair one day.  I like ice cream for breakfast, though I most often have to make do with cookies these days when I'm on the run...  Perhaps at some future date I will have time to stop and smell the hot fudge.
 
The only things the 'old guys' agreed on this morning were (the only things they ever agree on) - "Senior Coffee" and that Cathy is the nicest worker there.  She has all their orders memorized and smiles pleasantly at each of them, making them feel welcome and worthwhile.
 
What a blessing a day off can be.  The last time I had this opportunity the 'old guys' were having a similar debate...about worship styles.