RUDY'S DINER

The diner opened in the 1950s, on Main Street in South Portland, Maine. In 1972, the diner was sold to Rudy Ferrante and became Rudy's. When Rudy's son, Robbie, was a junior in high school, he began working at the diner.

Steve Cook and Robbie have been best friends since they were ten years old. In 1996, Steve bought the diner from Rudy, who is now deceased.

On entering the diner, each arrival is enveloped by savory aromas and a homey atmosphere. Looking from the kitchen window, which faces the front door, Robbie, a loquacious jokester, mans the grill and carries on a rolling conversation with his customers.

With regulars, Robbie calls them by name, shares an inside joke or banters about recent sporting events. With newcomers, Robbie often steps from the kitchen, wipes his hands on his apron and shakes their hand. With such a welcome, they immediately feel comfortable enough to belly-up to the counter and partake of Rudy's food and family.

Steve and his eighty-year-old mother, Jenny, own the yellow house behind the diner. Silver-haired Steve is the diner's silent anchor, solid businessman and a chip off his mother's block. Jenny is a crusty dame, with a soft heart. Steve and Jenny wait tables and, with a gleam in their eyes, mutter an occasional satirical comment.

On returning the following day, a Saturday, Robbie and Steve were off playing golf, and Jenny and Beth "womanned" the diner.

Beth grew up in the blue house next door, where her parents still live. Beth has worked in the diner most of her life. In Robbie's absence, without missing a beat, she assumes his role as greeter and cook.

If you are ever hungry and in South Portland, Maine, visit Rudy's Diner, a home away from home, where the food is delicious, the conversation lively and the experience heartwarming.

UPPER-STATE NEW YORK

Driving the lower tier, one sees rolling, tree-laden hills, lush, green fields with their accompanying barns, farm houses, hay bales, cattle and horses. The roadway is dotted with exits to quaint villages, full of unrecorded history, such as Cuba and Bath.

Cuba is known for its cheese production, and the Cuba Cheese Shoppe has free samples of that product, along with samples of other locally produced foods. With such tasty treats, you can't leave empty handed, so carry in your tote bags.

Bath's streets are lined with vintage churches, homes and business dwellings. Victorian homes abound with frilly flowers and lattice work of every description and color. My favorite home, on East Steuben Street, has a white-picket fence, yellow and orange trim and a yard that overflows with an array of flowers, including zinnias, marigolds, sunflowers and such.

Chat-a-Whyle eatery has resided on Bath's Liberty Street for 52 years and continues to provide its customers with a sense of family and good, home cooking.

Everywhere one looks in Bath, the young and the old can be found walking, on sidewalks shaded by towering, graceful trees. In this lovely village, walking is a way of life.

We, from the Midwest, only hear about New York City and often believe it is the sum and total of the state. Thankfully, that notion is far from the truth.

LAST NIGHT

On the road,
Truck stop,
Long, hot shower,
Oiled
Aching regions
With peppermint,
Nature's balm,
Then to bed,
In my backseat nest,
Eight hours later,
Ready to roll

NORTH CAROLINA BEACH

Arrival,
Ocean greets me.
"Welcome back."
Birds aflutter
Over balcony crumbs,
Long, hot bath,
Yoga stretches,
Seaside serenade,
Bed more comfy than my rumble seat


Addendum: On this trip, for speed and economy, I slept in the back seat of my vehicle.

ON THE ROAD

Third day,
Hey there,
Sporty, black roadster speeding by,
Running the trot line?
I have a heavy foot,
Raw elbows,
Aching back,
Sore cheeks and
Swollen feet.
Rush on ahead little buddy,
Sweep the trail for me.

LOOK OUT

Oklahoman headed to ocean,
Sea in nostrils,
Truck Stop Mama,
Gas,
Bathrooms,
$10 showers,
Parking well lit,
Sleep in car,
Good to go


Addendum:
All blogs since 8/8/11 were cosmic downloads during two solo, spring drives to North Carolina. The series continues with my ocean visits and return drives.