I remember being in grade school sitting at the counter of my parent’s restaurant eating breakfast before school.  Imagine sitting there, eating breakfast every morning with at least 15 to 20 different people. Most children would eat breakfast at home with their families. I was sure they would be enjoying bowls of cereal, toast and orange juice — all around the breakfast table. 

Not me, I sat and listened to town politics, local gossip, and what the latest town character was up to. I watched as plates of eggs, hash-browns and sausage were hurried by — the sound of bacon sizzling, the smell of cinnamon rolls and coffee in the air!

Once in a while during breakfast, the subject of how town politics were being run would come up. One of the regulars would get tired of how town business was being conducted and run for office. None of them won, but one got close when one of the others on the ballot passed away and another dropped out.