Where ever I am, whatever I have been doing I just need that caffeine lift. Up north there are a number of places that are open all day long where I can stop in, get off my feet, have a beverage and something sweet.
It's another story here in Florida. Most bagel shops are open for breakfast and lunch then hang up the "Closed" sign. Some shops are opened for breakfast and lunch, close and then reopen for dinner. Restaurants open for lunch, close and then reopen for dinner.
Fortunately for me and many other people in the area we now have two choices.
A Dunkin Donuts shop opened in the area and boy are they busy!
My second choice is at the Carnival Flea Market . Not only do they carry a variety of NEW merchandise, but they also have a food concession where you can purchase sandwichs, salads, knishes, ice cream, my beloved coffee and much more.
Now I want to tell you what prompted this post.
The other day I was at the flea market and it was time for a pick-me-up, got my coffee and a delicious piece of pastry, took a seat at a table that you share with other customers.
I noticed a young man who looked to be in his 50's with a well dressed elderly gentleman, probably in his 80's. They were sitting so close to me, I could not help but over hear their conversation
From what I overheard I surmised they were father and son. My impression was that the son was visiting from out of state. He was so pleased that his father was enjoying the pastry he had purchase for him and said, "before we leave I will pick up some for Ma, I'm sure she'll like it too." That lead me to believe that the man's wife was in a nursing home.
Then I heard the son say, "before we go see Ma, how would you like to get a breath of fresh air by the ocean." The father said, "I'd like that."
If I had been with a friend I would not have been aware and would have missed a very meaningful coffee break.