reading this thread thru all the way like I didn't before. (vacation!) Kat's earlier post reminded me of how when I was much younger I did a fair amount of long-distance driving and would stop in the truck stops for coffee late. (truck stops DO have the best food -- go where they are parked.)

On more than one occasion, what seemed like idle conversation over the booth back ended abruptly when the guy pulled out bills and waved them at me. Had completely blanked out on that. guess i was naive. But I like being civil to truck drivers, as more than once they have helped me out in a jam. (and no, I wouldn't get in a cab with one.)