During the golfing season most of the social events in the clubhouse commence in the afternoon. There was a time I concerned myself about possibly interrupting early morning activity but now the only reason to call ahead is to book a table for ourselves.  So it was, this morning, that we secured a table overlooking the fairway.

Each of us had the so-called “Big Breakfast”.  The menu unquestionably lived up to its name. It included everything: eggs, bacon, sausage, ham, cheese, toast/English muffin, pancakes and maple syrup. It was superb!

We were thankful to have arranged our breakfast outing for 9:00 am because – as we had been warned by the staff when we called – the dining room quickly became occupied. Today is Mother’s Day. There were “RESERVED” signs laid out on many of the clubhouse tables. After finishing our breakfast, we subsequently withdrew to the outside patio to continue our rampant chatter – though admittedly the breeze made things moderately frigid and uncomfortable. Already we are planning a boating trip on White Lake (for which I must remember to wear a shell).

This morning’s conference is not one to which we are unaccustomed. My friendship with Bruce goes back approximately 40 years.  We have the distinction of having enjoyed substantial mutual frivolity during that time – a levity not unrelated to fine food and drink. Now, however, we laughingly remark that we have quit drinking and smoking; and we adhere to dietary restrictions. Nonetheless this did not diminish our gleeful (repetitive) reminiscences.

We also revived ourselves vicariously by engaging in clichéd conversation with the young and vibrant servers, Brookelynn (of “A Bunch of Whimsy” fame) and the “newbie” Julia (of medical technology innuendo).

As we drove from home to the club this morning – along the Appleton Side Road – I thought to myself how fortunate we are to live in this area. At table later this morning we alluded to the possibility of moving to the United States of America or relocating to Renfrew County. The first obstacle is the move itself; and, then we reconsidered such fundamentals as health care and the proximity of hospitals. It is increasingly impossible to overcome the impediment of aging.