I have a few extra minutes to discuss good things in life. The Fatness of Life if you will.

A great meal is one of the greatest things in life. Do we consider how wonderful a good meal or even better a great meal makes us feel?

Food is very important to having a good experience while eating. A statement that most of you reading this will say "Duh, isn't that what a meal is? Eating food." Well of course it is. That is why I mentioned it first. But a great meal requires great food. I am not talking about "gourmet" dishes made by "first class" chefs. I mean food that makes you feel happy just to eat it. Now you might think that it is wrong to be happy about eating food. That because everyone tells you food does not equal happiness. Well tell that to the next starving person you come across. But we should be happy with our food and not happy just to be eating.

Good food can be anything that you enjoy. Smoking good hot wings or a fresh cherry pie. Some homemade chili or a stack of pancakes with a side of bacon. A turkey dinner with all the regular fix ens or a greasy cheeseburger from a local dive. Even an apple and salad. What ever feels good going down the food hole can be the "good food" cornerstone of a good meal.

Now the next thing is who you are eating with. On occasion a meal eaten by yourself can still be a good meal but it will never be a great meal. When you spend time with people you care about sharing good food you grow a bond that can not be made otherwise. It is the same now at Thanksgiving dinner as it was thousands of years ago when the tribe gathered to feast on freshly hunted game. We are happy to share what makes us happy. And there is nothing better then good food to share with good friends to make us happy.

Timing also must be considered when trying to achieve a great meal. the timing is always best when you are hungry but not starving. If you are hungry you relish the food and are also more enjoyable to be around. Thus making the meal better for everyone involved. But if you are starving you just try to eat as fast as you can and do not take time to enjoy the moment.
As far as the actual time of day, or night even, it does not matter. Just take the time to make the meal a great one.

There is also location to be discussed. The location of a great meal does not need be a fine dining establishment. It could be anywhere that is comfortable and relaxing. For instance a back yard eating some grilled burgers or sitting in the bleachers at a football game chowing down a burrito.
What matters is you are comfortable, have room and no major distractions to your food.

Look back at all the great meals in your life and you will notice all the ingredients I mentioned were part of that wonderful moment. Try to make every meal a good meal and if possible a great meal. I know I will.

Thus sayeth the Fatness, thus sayeth Matumbo 22.