Babs and I had made plans to meet for breakfast at Sonny’s this morning. At the appointed hour—and there’s a miracle all by itself—I arrived. Babs was going in the door as I hit the parking lot. By the time I got to the table there was a cup of coffee for me, a Mountain Dew for Babs, and a sign. I was so busy yapping that I didn’t even notice the sign at first. When I did, I realized that this was a perfect photo opportunity. Chris Szejbach climbed up on a chair to get just the right angle. For all those who have clamored to see a picture of Babs, here you go.
The sign was Chris and Sonny’s little joke. This is definitely our Regular Booth and a fairly typical breakfast. Chris is good at capturing the context. See the truck outside with the plow attached? Lots of those around here just now. And for those of you from Away, I am the unkempt one on the left. Babs is the kempt one on the right.
There have been times when we have met for breakfast, conversed at length, and ended up having lunch, too. This was not destined to be one of those times. I don’t know about Babs, but I had three weeks’ worth of laundry to do and the other day job to get to. We did, however, manage to cover a good deal of ground, and you can look forward to future tales of broadband in Torch Lake Township, artism at JRAC, and whatever else we run into between now and then.
Um, full disclosure: I usually order hashbrowns, too, but I’ve had a look at my profile in the mirror and thought I ought to Take Measures. Chris suggested that I simply hang a sheet over the mirror, and that has possibilities. Anyway, she brought my pitifully downsized breakfast on a small plate so that it would at least appear to be an enormous breakfast. It worked, too.
As for why Babs prefers Mountain Dew to a proper cup of coffee in the morning, all I can say is that Babs is not Swedish.
Torch Lake Views 
Cindy Lou
February 16, 2010
Look at you two lovely ladies out on the town – being treated like royalty! Don’t you love small towns? I always like to have faces to put with names – hey, Babs! And I really like the idea of the sheet over the mirror….gonna have to try that one :}
Fee
February 16, 2010
I’m with you on the coffee – it’s the only thing that gets me moving at stupid o’clock in the morning, when I have to get up for work. It’s even worse these dark mornings … roll on spring.
Gerry
February 16, 2010
I have found a solution to dark mornings, but it’s not a very satisfactory solution. Several times lately I’ve simply kept sleeping until it got light. Miss Sadie and the Cowboy have not been pleased. They have made their displeasure known in rather substantive ways. It does not do to displease a spaniel and a terrier at the same time.
Fee
February 16, 2010
After my alarm has been “snoozed” twice my cat starts patting my face. She worries I’ll be late for work, obviously. Nothing to do with wanting fed, no sirreee.
Gerry
February 16, 2010
Thoughtful kitty, that one. Mine throws things on the floor. The clock, my glasses, the book lying open on the night stand. If she keeps up with her strength-training videos, she will be able to fling the lamp across the room any day now.
p.j. grath
February 16, 2010
Gerry, the headlines on your posts always intrigue me, even before I click to see what the story will be. Breakfast at Sonny’s with a plow truck in the background is perfect! We are shivering here today in Florida, and you look toasty and cozy in northern Michigan.
Gerry
February 16, 2010
Life is full of irony. We will never live to see the bottom of the irony basket. Let Sarah up on the couch.
chris
February 16, 2010
the real joke here is the fact that there is no need to reserve tables this time of year, just happy to have company to keep us going.
Knowing you girls make us a regular stop on your list, makes you top of our list.
Gerry
February 16, 2010
I am on many lists, not all of them as cheering as yours. It is entirely possible that Babs, too, is on some of those lists. But it is very, very good to know that we’re both on top of your list. What would any of us in the Township do without you????
isathreadsoflife
February 17, 2010
Hello happy looking smiling ladies 😉 I would not mind sitting there with you and trying “hashbrowns”. I wonder what it is. Must ask Mr Google. This looks like a cozy place to spent a few hours between friends.
Gerry
February 17, 2010
“Hashbrowns” or “hashbrown potatoes” refers to a classic American dish, by which you know it must be fried. Shred some potatoes, drain away any excess liquid, heat some oil in a frying pan, fill the bottom of the pan with a layer of the shredded potatoes, and fry away. When the first side is nice and crispy, flip the whole layer over and fry the other side. I am no good at this. It’s all in the technique, and I have no technique. That is why I am so fond of breakfasts out. Well, that and the fact that the company’s better, particularly at Sonny’s.
flandrumhill
February 17, 2010
I can’t imagine foregoing the hashbrowns. Isn’t that one of the perks of having breakfast out?
Babs’ choice of Mountain Dew for breakfast befuddles me, but it might be the secret to her amazing photography skills.
Gerry
February 17, 2010
If you had seen my profile in the mirror . . . I may not be able to have hashbrowns until July.
I had not considered the possibility of magical properties in Mountain Dew. Must investigate.
babsyoung
February 17, 2010
Yes, Mountain Dew might be the answer. And that may or may not be good. The jury is still out.
giiid
February 17, 2010
Make a seat for me, too, I want to join your cosy company. Is it bread at your plate? It looks very nice and decorative.
I have to add, that despite your friendly smile, neither of you can hide your willpower and energy behind those glasses. 😉
Gerry
February 17, 2010
I just scrunched over–you can sit right here. Yes, that’s rye bread, a swirl of light and dark together, nicely toasted. Want some?
I’m glad you see willpower and energy. I’ve been searching my psyche for just those qualities and have been sorely disappointed. Perhaps I’ll go back and rummage around some more.
kanniduba
February 19, 2010
Me too Me too!! Scrunch over a little more….I’ll squeeze in next to Babs. 🙂
And a hot coffee (or two…….or three) for me too. An omelette (loaded), rye toast…(oooooo or a biscuit if they have them…and gravy?) and a side of bacon….make that a double side of bacon. And yes, go ahead and let them bring you the hash browns Gerry…I’ll eat them. 🙂
Gerry
February 19, 2010
KD! You must be feeling better! Everybody, this is KD. KD, Everybody. Chris–oh, thanks. I guess KD wants everything you have. Wait, wait, you’ll eat my hashbrowns?!? Huh-uh! Here comes Cindy Lou – Chris can we have another chair?
Cindy Lou
February 18, 2010
Alas….I have no hashbrown technique either….sigh! That is why breakfast – omelets and juice and homemade whole wheat taste and the hashbrowns – is my favorite meal to eat out!
Gerry
February 19, 2010
Cindy Lou, I’m glad you made it. You’ve come to the right place. Pull up a chair. Chris–oh, thanks. (I think she can read minds.) If this keeps up we’ll have to take over the big table where Sonny presides over Discussions of Serious Matters of Township Policy. Bring on the hashbrowns!
isathreadsoflife
February 21, 2010
Gerry, thanks a lot for explaining all about the hashbrowns. Sounds delicious :)You know we have the same sort of meal but not for breakfast, rather for lunch or supper. The potatoes are cooked (“in their skin”), shredded and fried, with some onions or herbs if you like so. It is called “röstis” (reushty) and is popular in the German part of Switzerland. In Zurich they serve it with thinly cut pieces of veal in a cream sauce.
Gerry
February 21, 2010
It all sounds . . . exquisite. I am very fond of potatoes in many forms and at all times of the day. I must tell Chris about this. Tomorrow maybe. Right now she is on her way to greet her newest grandchild, who is being born in Traverse City right now.