[youtalkfunny]

There's a hotdog stand in Lawrence, MA called "Lawton's Famous Hotdogs", on the banks of a canal. It's been there since the mid 1800's. It was included in Yankee magazine's "Top Ten Hot Dogs in New England".

I grew up in the town right next to Lawrence, yet somehow, never tried a Lawton's dog. Every time I'd drive by the place, whoever was in the car with me would lick their lips and say, "MMMMM, I haven't had a Lawton's hotdog in a long time." And they'd go nuts when I told them I've never been there.

Finally, at the age of 25, and about to ship out to Basic Training, I decided I had to try one of these before I left town.

I drove down, walked in, ordered two dogs, and a coke. I walked back outside, to sit on my car while I ate (no tables).

I took a bite.

I made a face.

And I threw both hot dogs into the canal. NASTY!!!

I can't explain how important this story is. I've heard my entire life that one thing was true, then discovered the opposite was true. It was like learning the truth about Santa, or the tooth fairy...only I was a grown man.