February 19, 2007

Bowies

I've been spending a lot of time down in the Northern Neck lately. It has become somewhat of a habit to stop on the way home at a little diner called Bowies about 6-8 miles north of Westmoreland State park for breakfast.

The fare is simple - eggs, sausage or bacon, maybe some pancakes, and the prices quite reasonable. Coffee is served in mugs collected over the years - it is always a treat to see what mug your coffee will be served in.

Booths line each side of the diner, and a single waitress hustles around to take care of everyone. But what catches your eye when you first walk in is that 3-4 tables have been pushed together in the center. Locals come in for breakfast and pull up a chair at the big table, sitting where ever there is an open spot. Gossip is exchanged about the weather, the latest church happenings, or maybe talk about a grandchild's birthday. Today I overheard one man say "you can't say a damn thing at this table without everyone in town finding out."

I wonder what started the tradition of the table - how one gets invited to sit down, and when you don't need an invite at all. This morning I longed to be invited to the table - to join in on the conversation of the day. But I'm an outsider. Although a few people are starting to look familiar, I am but a guest passing through. With a kayak on my car this is a stop between water and home.

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Woody