A few observations:

* I couldn't believe how small the patronage was at a couple of places. I figured the crowd would be small, but two small groups (mine and one other) at Tucanos in Boise at lunch. Crazy.

* Cold Stone must have a difficult time keeping workers. It seems that every time I go in there--about once a month--someone who was just hired is helping me.

* Denny's Big Slam breakfast is actually pretty good...but the cook and my waitress looked pretty rough.

I went to a few other places, but nothing seemed out of the ordinary except for the small crowds. Free treats here and there are pretty good.