Stopping by the Take Out Shoppe at S&S Cafeteria after work is a rite of passage in Augusta.
Up since 5 or 6 - maybe even 7 if the commute isn't too far.
The morning's coffee, lunch and handful of hasty snacks tossed in our bags on the bleary eyed march to the car have all worn off.
We've worked Downtown, all day - in drafty historic buildings or the hectic, antiseptic halls of the medical district. Or maybe, after a lifetime of working, we have finally retired.
There are people waiting at home - or around the block in a hospital room- and chances are, they're hungry, too.
There's no energy for cooking. We have cereal, but the milk is probably bad.
The parking lot is busy, but the food will be hot and prepared by hands with know-how.
The lobby holds a patient, patchwork family of neighbors who smile a greeting when another weary traveler walks through the jangling door .
Everyone minds their manners here, on both sides of the counter.
The ladies behind the counter call us Sweetie, or Baby or Hun.
In my waiting, I feel connected - not only to these neighbors sharing time and space, but also to those I've watched deliver meals - from this place and others - for decades.
There is chop steak, always.
And those little twice baked cheese potatoes, same as when we were children.
On rotation are Beef Liver and Onions and Meatloaf with Roasted Potatoes, amongst other 'Meat & 3' fare.
It's a little disappointing that Baked Spaghetti didn't make today's roster, but they do have Macaroni and Cheese, Cabbage and Baked Squash.
Choose from the Jell-o rainbow, pick a southern staple like pea or pear salad or have a couple of deviled eggs - it isn't even a holiday, but you can do that here.
You can have Strawberry Shortcake for dessert - or Egg Custard Pie.
If you eat it in the car, you won't have to share.
A dinner roll, wearing a perfect pat of butter for its hat, will help sop up your supper, but cornbread or a muffin are available if you prefer.
The Shoppe lady makes sure each order is complete before handing it over. She packs the bags with extra napkins and all the accessories we might need, double bags everything to prevent leaks and sends us home, Godspeed.
