Bob, who runs a beloved and trendy hot dog stand with six different kinds of toppings and relish, is back for spring and summer.

Bob is not only loved for his hot dogs, which are of top quality, but for his conversation.  Every morning around 11 a.m., he pulls in with his truck and wagon and sets up. The hot dogs are always made fresh, and so are the rolls, which are grilled.

People gather at his table to BS and trade yarns and schmooze. Bob is an elemental fixture in our town and a wealthy contributor to the idea of community. He is one of the threads that keep us connected with each other.

This is one of the joys of small-town life. If reporters really want to know what rural America thinks, they should take fewer polls and spend some time at Bob’s table. You can learn a lot there.

I was delighted to see him and show him my new camera, and he was happy, as always, to be photographed. Very little bothers him; it is great fun to run down there with Maria, get a couple of hot dogs, and sit at his round table.

I don’t always fit into local gatherings, but I always fit in at Bob’s. He is the spirit of warm weather.