Date: Wed, 4 Jun 2008 19:14:16 -0400
From: Dan Cahoon
Subject: Opera Dan
Actually, I have done some opera and have a great appreciation for the full figured woman. If you know me then you know what I mean. Sometimes those skinny women are wound up so tight they can’t enjoy life. There are other perks as well (which modesty prohibits me from elucidating).
I am a prima donna. Love me or leave me (I’m used to it).
I really appreciated the conversation that ensued regarding my recent
posts. It gave me food for thought, possible solutions to heart
wrenching problems, and an outpouring of support for poor little old
me. The words and kindness that have come from this chatlist are
wonderfully helpful and insightful. Every comment has been taken to
heart, especially the good advice from animal lovers and supporters of proper animal care. I know that I have not been a good dog owner. I hope to use the resources available to me in the community to help me and my only unconditional friends (my dogs) reach equilibrium .
Hopefully I can learn how to be a better pet owner on my own (with the a little help from my friends). It is hard these days.
In regards to local eating, fast food, and irate persons (of any size), I must say that I am a devoted patron of the only good food in town. The Chatham Marketplace provides a lush spread and always has something delicious to offer. I love that place. The General Store Cafe’ has a special place in my heart because it was one of the places that helped me decide to move here. I didn’t know at the time that ownership had recently changed hands and I have had the privilege of watching the store and the staff grow to a new level of excellence. Vance, you rock!
I also had a most gratifying experience in Carrboro recently. I was in a hurry and happened to need a parking place and the only open place was at a McDonalds. So guess what? I ate a quarter pounder with cheese, some fries and a coke.
It was no Chatham Marketplace or General Store (or even S&T”s) but it did fill my stomach. Curiously it brought back memories of when I was a child and the first McDonalds nearby opened on Stratford road in W-S. I remember infuriating my family by demanding a hamburger with only mustard (thus causing the servers to improvise, I always got the freshest cooked burger in my family). I remember throwing french fries
to the little brown birds that always seem to hang out at fast food places and one time when one brave little bundle of feathers hopped onto the table and took the fry from my hand. Magic.
I remember The Hamburgler, and scary, scary Ronald (I am afraid of clowns, sorry Ubie). I remember the daily trips to McDonalds during my (hurrumph) extended lunch period in High School. I could get lunch for $1. I could also get 2 gallons of gas for $1!!!!! Halcyon days.
I wonder if some of our youth would better spend their nights and days working as we (us old people) did in our youth, at greasy troughs and hot griddles. At least we learned that we could do better and went to college (some of us) or found a trade/career/situation. I wish there were enough jobs for young people in Chatham but unfortunately the old days of pulling tobacco, or working a farm are few and far between.
I buy what I need from the closest source. I am also grateful to have a large corporation that is willing to extend me credit so I can buy a new washer and dryer and refrigerator (it all went kaflooie! at the same time). Many people share my plight, no money etc. and end up relying on the “sameness” that is available at the big chain stores. I don’t always like the quality there though and end up back in PBO. The trouble is, I have children and I want them to have what they need and want. Sometimes that means Subway when they are sick and I am alone with them. If you are a parent (a sane parent) then you know what I mean. It is hard to force them to eat tofu when they just want a roast beef sub from their favorite restaurant.
Children REALLY go for the familiar. They know they will like what they get. Nothing is more disappointing (and occasionally over dramatically tragic) than a meal gone wrong for a child. The tears, the tears!
I will still occasionally patronize Subway (Hey, I’m a hero now), but probably not McDonalds or Taco Bell or Bojangles very often. Instead, I hope to spend most of money at my favorite places, near my house and
family, my community. I don’t mind if thousands of mindless tourists contribute to the local economy. I just want them to slow down a little and admire the charm of our little corner of time.
Peace, Joy, Love to all (even grumpy people)
Thank you and Goodnight! (add in sound of raucous cheering)
Dan Cahoon has left the building!
Moncure, NC 27559
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