Slow, Country and Real

Last week Paul and I went to the little diner aptly named Middle of Nowhere in Exeter Rhode Island for some inexpensive comfort food. I generally go for the #8 - steak and eggs. It's nice to get a hearty breakfast in the evening. Paul sometimes try one of the specials which may include stuffed peppers, yankee boiled dinner, ribeye with sides, mac & cheese, beef stroganoff, meatloaf...etc. Paul tells me the fish and chips is very good, and we were surprised to find the calamari was close to the best we've ever had. We both love the neighborly atmosphere, where people know each other and their children and grandchildren are on the same Little League team and 4-H club. We of course take the truck there. Chickens hang out in the yard, and roosters strut and cock-a-doodle. Earlier this spring we spotted a very unusual water fowl (duck? goose?) in the yard with markings I couldn't identify. Apparently it simply had shown up and nobody knew anything about it. Bird feeders are attached to the windows so one can watch bird antics while dining. A plaque on the wall announces "Pop's Greasy Spoon" and something about the food not being healthy but good.

This last visit was a real treat. The building next to the diner, after a few failed attempts at some businesses, is currently the "Next To Nowhere" Ice Cream Stand, featuring Giffords Ice Cream. I'm not sure they are far enough away from Buttonwoods to compete effectively. Anyway, on this particular evening the ice cream stand was hosting a four member country band out back where the picnic tables sit. After a pleasant and filling meal we strode over and listened to "Ring of Fire", done nicely, and other old country favorites I hadn't heard in decades and can't even remember how I know since I don't listen to country. Many of our fine seniors were two-stepping to the tunes and it was great fun to watch them enjoying themselves on a fine dusky summers eve in a truly rural setting. Paul got himself an ice cream cone and we bopped a bit while we listened. We went home after I was distracted by an unusual bird sitting on the fence in back. Having to see it better, we walked back there to discover a turkey, (with unusual markings) roosting on the fence with the chickens.

I love it.

Sincerely,
Elfscooter