Some people simply get tired of rebellion. Some find better things to do with their time. I find as I get older that certain things that I remember from when I was a kid I consciously or unconsciously recreate now, whether I liked it then or not.

In my day-job I have staged a lot of catered training meetings. One of the new trends in menu planning for events like this is "comfort food" - meat loaf and gravy w/mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, loaded baked potatoes - that sort of thing. I think after years of experimenting with all the "mixed greens w/pine nuts salads", Thai food buffets, sushi pizzas and nouvelle cuisine, all the old hippies, yuppies, buppies, and grumpies just want something familiar, simple and comfortable. Especially when it comes to food and shelter. And if it means what I have is identical to what the folks next door have, I'll just sit here and admire their good taste.

Peter, we'll miss you. Hurry back. Bart