4) National frappe day (Fuller family, right before the series)

"Okay, kids, let's consider this the first stop on the Fuller family trip to Mexico," Jacob said, wearing his best genial face. God knew he'd put his kids through enough these past six months; having him behave like a grouch right at the start of the trip wouldn't do much to help the family bonding.

"Starbucks?" Scott asked flatly.

Jacob shook his head. "Coffee is one thing, son, Starbucks is quite another. 'Sides, I can't find one on this street. So much for one on every corner," he snickered.

Neither of Jacob's children knew why he had a grudge against Starbucks. But then, they didn't like the retail chain much themselves. Scott because that was where the lacrosse team hung out after school, and Kate because they refused to make anything but frappucinos, which she described as 'frappies' with a sneer.

"So, frappe for you, Katie-cakes?"

"Only if it's a real frappe, Daddy. I need the caffeine to keep me awake after a night of Scott's snoring."

"Hey!" Scott answered indignantly.

"Oh, don't even deny it," Kate snarked back. "You snore like a chainsaw!"

"Do not discount the usefulness of chainsaws, Kate," Jacob said, in an attempt to deflect a brewing sibling battle.

"No, Daddy, I'm not. I'm just saying, would it kill Scott to maybe sleep on his side?" Katie replied, not unreasonably.

"Fair enough. Alright then, a real frappe for you, and Scott? Caramel mocha for you?"

"That's fine, Dad. Thanks."

Jacob gave an imperceptible sigh of relief at having a more-or-less harmonious start to the trip, and headed for the RV door.

So far, they seemed to be off to a good start. Jacob hoped it held up – at least to the Mexican border.

(All I can say is... when I went to the US in July/August 2013, I didn't see all that many Starbucks. Though maybe I just don't notice them, because I don't drink coffee. The one time Starbucks tried opening in Adelaide it folded in less than a year – although we've got at least 15 Cibo Matto franchises in the CBD alone! Guess we like our coffee European style...)