“Coffee Time Parade” Chapter two
By
Gerry Niskern
As I sit and arrive people arriving at the best coffee gathering place in the valley, I never cease to wonder at the variety. On any day I might see beautiful young women dressed in the latest swishy dresses or no nonsense suits in five-inch backless heels hurrying to grab a latte on their way to the office. Of course, I have to laugh at the gals in the “spray-on jeans” and their high boots. Never mind that it’s still close to 100 some days!
Right after them come tired looking men and women, in surgical scrubs, looking for a cup of strong regular.
While exhausted tennis players arrive to enjoy an iced coffee, the morning walkers are ready for iced tea as the refreshing misters keep the 100-degree temperatures bearable.
You’ll see dogs of all breed and sizes in their daily drama of one-upmanship. Some of the large, docile pets would be perfectly happy to play with the smaller canines. However, the mighty midgets feel duty bound to challenge any larger mutt. Then again, that eternal feud is mild compared to all their mutual hatred for the mailman. The thirsty guy in the unlucky “uniform” is challenged with a chorus of indignant barking.
On Wednesdays there is a few tables shoved together for group meetings. Sometimes it’s the retired crowd trying to make sense of today’s politics. Or the group is the city detectives having an early breakfast. Then again, it might be a PTA committee planning the next year’s fundraiser.
The “Stay at Home” moms don’t stay home much these days. The mom’s shrieks of laughter blends with their toddlers giggles as the kids chase, but never catch, the pigeons looking for a stray crumb.
Pretty apron clad young women from the nearby hair salon chatter as they hurry by between appointments. They’re anxious to grab a designer coffee, but stop to greet regular customers seated at tables they pass.
Two fellows in business suits carry their steaming coffee and plates of gooey, pecan rolls search for an empty table. No doubt they are fugitives from the cholesterol police. I suspect the wives at home thought the heart healthy oatmeal that they prepared for breakfast would hold them until their “ sworn salad lunch.”
The kids on the skate boards always zoo right up to the entrance, tripping the automatic door opener, jumps off and catch the board as theystride through, all in one spectacular motion.
The other day when I came out to reclaim my table, an Asian family were seated nearby. The mother jumped up to hand me my book and apologize profusely. Her toddler had knocked it on the ground. The baby stood there with bowed head and when his mother was finished explaining, he looked up at me with the sweetest smile I have ever seen and offered me his slice of pizza. I just wanted to take him home!
Where can you watch that unique passing parade? Why, at your favorite morning coffee place. Note: Cast subject to change without notice.