Thursday, November 26, 2015

A Most Unusual Day



So.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING, EVERYONE!


If you're not celebrating Thanksgiving today, I'd like to just wish you a day of peace.



And, I'm wishing myself Happy Birthday.


Happy Birthday to me,
Happy Birthday to me,
Happy Birthday Dear Meeeeeeeeee
Happy Birthday to me.



Today has been a very good day.


I've been sung to by some of my favorite people - both virtually over email and in the real world.  Wishes coming from favorite people in any form are dear and quite special.


And I have, indeed, been made to feel quite special with birthday messages on Facebook, by cards I've received at home and by phone calls.


I couldn't be a curmudgeon today for love nor money.


I have, admittedly, been a bit grumpy lately.


And, I have, admittedly, been a wee bit needy.


Why?


Oh, Laws, no reasons, a lot of reasons, sensible reasons, ridiculous reasons.  


Who knows.


I generally over analyze and over think and over worry about everything, so just pick an answer - any answer would do.


But. 


Today is a good day.


And that's what it's all about isn't it?


Good days made up of good moments?


And even our good days can have some bad moments.


See!  There I go again!  the over-thinking thing . . . . 


Let me just get on with it and tell you about my day, how's that?


There's just something unfair, basically, about a gal having to share her birthday with a holiday.


Don't you think?


And you know - Thanksgiving.


A day when the American way is to spend days in the kitchen cooking and baking and setting a pretty table . . .


Well.  You know.


I'm really not all that wild about cooking.


And cooking for my birthday?!


Pfft.


Honey.  That just ain't gonna happen.


So.


Out the door we went earlier today, knowing we were going to eat out.  Somewhere.


Where?


What?


That was yet to be determined.


We knew  our choices would be slim because most people aren't thinking about today being my birthday after all - they're thinking about it being Thanksgiving.  


Imagine that.


So, of course, there aren't many restaurants open - and that's as it should be.


We could have made reservations at one of several nicer places around town, but that didn't seem to interest either of us.  It just didn't feel like the kind of holiday that either of us wanted to put a whole lot of effort into.  For a variety of reasons, but mainly, and honestly?  I wasn't sure how I'd handle this day without my mom.


So.


We drove by the Cracker Barrel. 


LordAMercy - the line!  Whoa!



No, said I.


Drove by The Daniel Boone Inn, and what did we see?


A tour bus dropping off about 64 million people.


No, said Donald.


Drove through town and there wasn't a thing open.  But it's a gorgeous day and the perfect opportunity to take a couple pictures of some downtown sculpture I've been wanting to take.








Places that were open -

McDonalds's, Bojangles, The Waffle House . . . 


no, no and no.


And nothing against any of those places - we eat at those places more often than we should and personally, I'm a huge Waffle House fan.  But Thanksgiving/Birthday at The Waffle House?  



just.


no.


So.


Back to The Cracker Barrel and the line wasn't quite so bad (don't believe it - that was a fib).  


But, we went ahead and put our name on the list for a 45 minute wait.


But - it's a gorgeous day, so sitting in a rocking chair out front just wasn't a bad way to spend the morning.





Donald found it entirely too amusing that shortly after accusing me of being immature (don't ask) he was able to take a picture of me sitting in an "adult rocker."



I found a bit of irony in this sign hanging on the outside of the restaurant -





I mean, really??


Really???


I know Cracker Barrel is known for signs and "stuff" hanging all over it, but "this" ?


just.


oh, never mind . . . 


Our 45 minute wait turned into an hour and a half.


After getting a little bored with rocking, I decided to go inside and shop.


Pfft.


What a ridiculous thought.


Any idea how many people were crammed into the gift shop of the Cracker Barrel?


I don't know either.


a LOT.


So, we kinda scrunched ourselves into a spot next to the hostess station and ended up having an enjoyable little visit with her.


And things got silly.


When Donald realized I was getting a little "weary" of being brushed, jostled, pushed and knocked around he asked if I wanted to change places with him and stand in the corner.


"No.  I'm fine."


"uh oh.  Nobody puts Baby in the corner."  he says.


And I hooted.


Loudly.


I wish I could learn to laugh softly.


The hostess also hooted - she obviously watches the same movies we watch.


For the uninitiated - that is a classic line from Patrick Swayze in the oh so classic movie "Dirty Dancing."


Once I get tickled, it's hard for me to stop.


But I did finally get a grip.


Then I spotted this.





Now, not having kids I might be wrong about this, but it's Elsa, right?  From the Disney movie "Frozen?"


And this is a hat.


I asked Donald if he wanted to wear it.


"No,"


But the delivery was quick.


Very quick.


And oh so very sure.


Tickled again.


The hostess?  VERY tickled.


When we were finally seated she said she was sorry to see us go.


okay - so.


Seated and reading the menu.


Our waitress was adorable and we were soon comparing tattoos.





I love her tattoo!!!


She said there was a very long story behind it, and that it had a lot of meaning.  I'm sure of it!  As that is the whole point of a tattoo, after all.  


anyway.


After pondering the menu for way too long and then finding out the turkey (you know, I'm really not all that wild about turkey) dressing was cornbread dressing (no - just.  no.).  I decided to have breakfast.


And this is when Don Barley got the giggles.


"We have waited an hour and a half to get in here.  And you're going to have breakfast?"


And this is when I got the giggles.


"Yes."


"It's Thanksgiving."


"It's my birthday."


"It sure is.  I think I'll have breakfast too."









So. 


Breakfast for Thanksgiving lunch at The Cracker Barrel.


It was delightful.


And, who knows - maybe a new tradition?


We'll see.


And, just 'cause, here's a picture of Harley and my new birthday boots!










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