I went to a popular fast food chain this morning for breakfast. (Really, it was to get pancakes for the boys as an after-school treat. Yes, I know you think cold pancakes sound odd for such a thing, but they love it. And yes, they like the pancakes I make from scratch, too, but I got a special request for these pancakes today.)

As I stood in the very long drive-through lane (wondering why today was exceptionally busy when traditionally this place doesn't start hopping 'til lunch) I heard the order-taker query each patron, "Would you like to try our new fruit and maple oatmeal today?"

Everyone said "no." And hey, so have I every time the guy asked me. But today, I decided to say "yes."

But when it got to my turn, the guy didn't pose his question. Instead, he gave a flustered, "Uh, please hold on a sec." I heard him over the intercom counting out the change for a customer who didn't appear to believe he was giving her the correct amount.

After a few more seconds, the guy returned, but instead of asking about the oatmeal, simply said, "May I take your order?"

I asked for the fruit and maple oatmeal, and the guy chuckled a little as he apologetically explained they were out of cranberries. "No problem!" I told him, and yet I thought it was funny that he was required to get people to order something that wasn't going to be complete.

I noticed he put "no cranberries/raisins" on my receipt. Hmm, are they always together like that? What if they DO have raisins and I WANT raisins? Or what if I don't want raisins but do want cranberries when they are back in stock?

Once I returned home, I was surprised (but pleased) to see that my oatmeal had both cranberries and raisins in it. I'm glad they really hadn't run out (perhaps mine was the last one?) But of course that made me think: Did they find OLD cranberries? and Did someone return their oatmeal? and finally: Since the guy had specifically written "no cranberries/raisins" on my tab, What if I really didn't want either of those things?

Thankfully, the questions are over for today - and my belly is full of warm oatmeal.