Saturday, February 15, 2025

Sunday, February 23, 2025

Good morning, everybody!

We managed to get out for a Valentine’s Day dinner yesterday, and let me tell you—it was an adventure. We hit the restaurant at 4:00 p.m., thinking we’d beat the rush because nobody is ever in the restaurants at 4:00 pm. Rookie mistake. The parking lot was packed as we pulled in and all the handicap spots were taken…bummer. Just as we were about to lose hope, we spotted a woman getting into her car in one of the handicap spots, looking like she was leaving. Winner winner, chicken dinner! Or so we thought.

We sat there, blocking traffic, watching and waiting. But nothing. No engine start, no reverse lights—just a woman sitting there, completely unfazed by our hopeful (and increasingly desperate) presence.

Meanwhile, the honking starts behind us because, of course, we were holding up the flow. Cindy, in the back seat, turns to look at the driver of the car behind us and has words for him. I’m waiting for her to call him a jack wagon…it’s nicer than jackass. Next will be the hand gestures since of course the driver can’t hear Cindy. Meanwhile, I’m looking at the car stalled in the handicap spot, thinking “HEY LADY! Could you move it along?”

Mark, ever the pacifist, decided to circle the lot and come back around for another shot at the spot. We get back—still no movement. I know this parking exercise is all for my benefit and wouldn’t be happening otherwise. However, at this point, I had enough. I get out of the car so I can get in line for a table and let Mark park. Cindy joins me.

As we walked past the woman, Cindy made some hand gestures (polite ones, I assure you), and the lady rolled down her window to inquire about the meaning behind the hand signals. A brief, effective conversation later, she rolled up her window, started her car, and backed out.. Cindy, fueled by a mix of righteous determination and residual frustration over my ALS, worked her magic. Who knew she had that in her? Mark zipped into the spot, and victory was ours! Turns out the lady was just waiting for a carry-out order and was kind enough to move so we could park.

Inside, the restaurant was a madhouse. Cindy went on a scouting mission for a booth by the fireplace (remember, I like 🔥) and the rest of us waited in line. By the time we reached the hostess, Cindy returned, requesting the last available booth by the fireplace…a six-person, but we were only four. The hostess conferred with her manager (because apparently, seating four people at a six-person table is a matter of national security), and after some quick deliberation, she reached for the menus. Success! We had warmth, comfort, and prime seating.

Dinner was fantastic, and the drinks were… well, let’s just say the beer mugs could double as dumbbells. A whopping 26 ounces each, these things were no joke. I lifted my full-to-the-brim mug, and my hand trembled under the sheer weight of the brew. I had to bring my other hand in for an assist. A couple of ounces more and I think I would have needed a plastic straw.

We took our time ordering, soaking in the ambiance, and chatting. Besides, with beers that size, I knew I was going to need some extra time before I ordered the 2nd beer. The girls always tell Mark and I, we’re only allowed two beers at dinner…good thing there are no restrictions on the size.

By the end of the meal, we were stuffed, satisfied, and sufficiently hydrated. We passed on dessert (no surprise) and wrapped up our two-hour dining experience.

In a shocking turn of events, I couldn’t even finish my 2nd beer. Thinking about this another way…we were well on our way to drinking a six-pack of beer during dinner. Yikes! Well…at least it wasn’t five martinis 🍸 or an Uber would have been required. Yikes x 5!

All in all, it was a great night out, full of laughs, good food, and a minor parking lot standoff. Cheers to another memorable Valentine’s Day!

Tomorrow, I’ll fill you in on some more of the details of what came out of the visit to ALS Clinic on Thursday.

Have a great Saturday.

Love you guys!❤️