Simply, A Saturday

 A few weeks ago during a conversation with a minister I had just met, I agreed to come to his church hall and cook breakfast for the homeless on Saturday mornings.  He insists on having them come in, sit down and the volunteers act as waitpersons.  Juice and coffee, followed by the entree of the day. Because we can make things go so much farther and feed more people it's either French toast or pancakes, with a side of sausage and McDonald's type potato patty. I enjoy doing it, but rarely get to meet or even see any of the diners because my back is turned to them while I cook.

Dinner and a prayer

It's a scramble to keep up with the orders, but it's only for 45 minutes, give or take a couple.  The best part is when I get to come out of the kitchen and make the rounds of the tables offering seconds, more coffee or whatever else they want.   By serving them restaurant style it adds a little dignity to those who are usually avoided and shunned by most.   The most surprising thing is what is most popular at the hall.  Books, yes books. Before sitting down to eat, most go directly to the book box to get a book or two.  When told why books are so popular the reaction is pretty much the same.  "Of course".    The reason is that the homeless have so much time to kill and books are not only fill that void, but also can take them to places they would never even think of going.
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Since retiring I have been using the library a lot.  The center of Fairhaven, Ma is an old Yankee town where Sam Clemens often visited his pal  Henry Rogers.   Rogers was the town benefactor and had built many of the town's public buildings. The library and town hall sit across from each other on Centre St. and each was built using a different architectural style.

Fairhaven, Ma. Town Hall

Millicent Library, Fairhaven Ma

Bikes at the library

Saturday evening dinner was at the Waterfront Grill.   This is "truth in advertising" at it's pinnacle.

Three minute scallop recipe

Waterfront Grille News Feature from Franchise Studio on Vimeo.

While dining, another tall ship docked at the pier. This one from Baltimore was a training ship and the students were all Jr. High school age. Two were getting lessons on tying down the sails. Not a bad summer for these kids.

The new arrival from Baltimore.