HOME COUNTRY
Real cafe has warmth, comfort of home
SLIM RANDLES

Sometimes it takes a stranger to explain our blessings. It was that way the other day down at the Mule Barn.

Everyone's aware that the old truck stop at the edge of town is a good place to eat and drink coffee, which is why it's a favorite with the locals.

When the interstate came by, 3 miles away, we believed the café would become another victim of progress. But the truck drivers kept driving the extra 6 miles so they could sit in comfort and use the coffee cups hanging on the wall with their names on them, and gain another 2 pounds eating the Barn's famous chicken-friend steak that would make a decent meal for any two sensible people.

Out on the interstate is the new truck stop, with showers and telephone plug-ins and an entire selection of Louis L'Amour tapes for drivers bored with driving late at night. But still many drivers detour to the edge of town and are greeted by the waitresses as family.

All we know is that's where we like to go. It's another home.

So when Doc brought along an old medical school pal who lives in a city in the next state and introduced him to the guys, we weren't surprised.

It's what we do when we like someone.

But after a couple of cups, and after repairing several gaps in the world's collective thinking, Doc's friend had this to say, and we just nodded.

"You know, when we came in here, our waitress said, 'Hi Hon. How you doing today?' She brought me a cup of coffee without my even asking. In 40 years of marriage, I believe that's happened twice."

Brought to you by Ol' Max Evans, the First Thousand Years. Available at www.slimrandles.com