It’s Saturday of what has been a hectic and difficult week. I’m ready for a cold beer, and the comfort of talking to a good friend. Off to the bar to meet with David and Cheryl and work our way through Linda G. Hill’s Stream of Consciousness Saturday prompt. Linda shifted gears on us today, but I think we’re up for the challenge.
“Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is ‘a picture from wherever.’ When you sit down to write your post, find a picture, whether in a magazine, newspaper, or even product packaging. Write whatever thought or emotion the picture provokes. Enjoy!”
The closest picture-like thing I can see at the moment is my Pearls Before Swine page-a-day calendar.
Accordingly, if we were having a beer, we’d be talking about comfort.
“Hey Dan, welcome back to this side of the Mississippi River.”
“Thanks Cheryl. Have you seen David?”
“He’s outside waiting for someone to back out of his favorite parking spot. Corona?”
“Yes, please and start working on that amalgamation he calls a drink.”
“Welcome back my young friend. Please don’t make fun of my drink selection. It makes me happy.”
“David, surely you know that while we support your idiosyncrasies, it doesn’t mean we’re not going to pick on you.”
“What are friends for? Then again, Dan. I notice that you’re sitting in the second bar stool from the wall on the right side of the bar, even though the bar is empty.”
“It’s my favorite stool.”
“So much so that I’ve seen you move to it from a table or even a different stool.”
“He’s got you Dan. I’ve seen you move even before I get a chance to wipe up after the previous customer. Here’s your beer. David, John Howell’s Bourbon, a snifter of seltzer, a glass of ice and two cherries.”
“Two? Last week, you gave me three cherries.”
“That was in honor of Christine’s new book.”
“Oh, OK. Anyway, cheers Dan and thank you, Cheryl.”
“Cheers David. Did you get your favorite parking space?”
“I did. It’s not like it’s superstitious, Dan. I have a good reason for liking that space.”
“And that would be?”
“The stairs up to the lot end directly in line with the driver’s side of my car.”
“Not to rain on your happiness parade, David, but doesn’t that mean your car is more likely to get scratched by other customers?”
“You’d think so, Dan, but actually no. See, there are three sets of stairs, and the middle one is the least accessible from the exit.”
“That’s surprisingly logical for you. I’m proud.”
“One doesn’t need to be a geek to be logical. I am logical, I just don’t liken myself to Mr. Spock.”
“Touché.”
“And, if I might add, Dan, you’re parked in what seems to be your favorite spot as well.”
“I am, and it’s equally logical. There are no spaces on the left of my car, so I can count on being able to open my door fully.”
“You two certainly have your routines. I’d say you’re like two old ladies, but I wouldn’t want to offend any old ladies.”
“My wife says that about us when we’re on the phone, Cheryl.”
“You know, Dan, it’s probably not politically correct to say that. Is that still even an expression, ‘politically correct?’ I use it all the time. I wonder.”
“I don’t know, David, but given the clus…”
“Dan! Watch it!”
“Sorry Cheryl. Given the mess Congress has made of things, over time, I’m not sure I’d want to be anything considered correct by politicians.”
“Actually, Dan. I don’t think that term ever had anything to do with politics.”
“I think he’s right, Dan.”
“I know, Cheryl, but I don’t even like saying the word.”
“I understand. You boys want another round? Some food? We have chicken corn chowder today.”
“Ooh, another round and two bowls of chowder.”
“Thanks Dan. Speaking of food. I’m sure you had some interesting meals in Iowa.”
“I did, David, but I didn’t take a lot of food photos. I did take some at The Grove Cafe. It’s my brother’s favorite place for breakfast.”
“Isn’t that the name you used in your book? The place you, sorry, Zach and Abbie went to breakfast.”
“It is. I like the name, and I didn’t think these guys would mind. Besides, if you search for it, it’s not the first one to pop up.”
“Ha! I just searched for it an iHop came up.”
“Yeah, David. They pay for that, and that can be the subject of discussion one day when you’re buying the drinks.”
All five of my current books are now available in audio book form thanks to Amazon KDP’s Virtual Voice process. The voice is AI generated, but I can honestly say, it’s pretty darn good. The audio books are reasonably priced (all below $7 US) and, if you already own the Kindle version and want to add an audio version, you can do that for $1.99. There is a five-minute sample on the book page for each book. If you’re interested, click on any of the Dreamer’s Alliance book links below the image or on the link below for my latest book.
No Facilities 
Add your thoughts or join the discussion. One relevant link is OK, more require moderation.