It’s morning on the porch. The guys are holding their daily meeting, whether rain or shine; 90 degrees; 10 degrees; in sickness and in health. They are folks who grew up together, or just met yesterday. Some of them were at each others’ weddings, and many have been at each others’ funerals as well. They have formed a little community of friends and acquaintances which, while transient in nature, is as solid as a rock.
Anyone can attend this daily ritual gathering. The participants range from young to old. You will find judges, contractors, lawyers, surveyors, shop keepers, carpenters, painters and teachers, as well as those who have been temporarily put out of work by the current economy. Sometimes, even wives and girlfriends stop by.
Strangers are welcome, as long as they are willing to take up the gauntlet. Be prepared for the sport of verbal chops-busting and a rough and tumble conversation with a wide range of topics including, but not limited to local politics, hunting and fishing, or how to help one of the guys who is sick or out of work. There are plenty of running jokes, which you will only understand if you‘re a regular.
With local elections coming up, this is a good place to hear a certain perspective about the issues and which candidate stands for what point of view. The motto on a sign on the porch is “What you see here, stays here,” and implies a degree of confidentially or at least an intention to not spread gossip gleaned from information heard here.
Some days there is standing room only at the meeting, and some days there are just a couple of guys sitting around drinking coffee. It’s the luck of the draw. So stop by some time; reservations are neither required nor available.