Grumpy old man: Takeaway coffee is ruining the world

Grumpy old men have opinions too, and it seems it was my Grumpy Old Man’s turn recently. Who knew some so simple as a cup of coffee could stir up such strong emotion.

My Grumpy Old Man, Roy, takes exception to the number of people walking tall and proud with a paper cup of coffee in hand. He contends that there has to be something wrong with the world if so many people can’t stop, have a cuppa, and catch up on the goings-on around them.

It is this Grumpy Old Man’s theory that if everyone returned to boiling the billy (or kettle), taking the time to pour it into a proper mug or China cup, and gathering around the table to drink it, the world might just be a better place. Everyone except maybe the baristas, who would no doubt be out of work if this was the case.

A recent case in point. The Grumpy Old Man, who was dropping me off somewhere, pulled up behind a giant mummy vehicle only to find that the mummy in question had parked outside the local RSL in order to pick herself up a coffee from some hole in the wall further down the street. She was clearly identifiable on her return to her vehicle because, in Grumpy’s opinion, she was walking tall and proud with her prize in hand.

“Just look at her,” he exclaimed. “She looks like she’s found the Holy Grail.”

One would have to agree with that assessment. I’ve since found the number of takeaway Holy Grails out in the world, carried by wannabe knights of the round coffee table, somewhat comical.

What things frustrate you? Do you enjoy sitting down to enjoy a cuppa?

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