In the early 1970's, after seeing the kids off to school, my mom and dad would get a cup of coffee at the McDonald's at the edge of the neighborhood, and sit an

In the early 1970's, after seeing the kids off to school, my mom and dad would get a cup of coffee at the McDonald's at the edge of the neighborhood, and sit and talk. The employees eventually told them that they thought mom and dad were having an affair; why else would they arrange to meet away from home? I only tell this as an off-topic fond memory, but perhaps it also serves to support the community idea through being a safe, cheap 'third place', and through the notion that the employees and customers treat each other as relationships, not just transactions.