I don’t really have a lot to share at the moment, but I’m tired of seeing that tiki-idol in my last post, so here we go.
Earlier today (it’s a late and sunny Wednesday afternoon as I write this) I shaved & dressed, swallowed a couple pills for my sore tailbone, gritted my teeth and headed to the Lutheran Senior Center for lunch.
It could not have been a nicer time; many of my favorites like Mary and Cussin’ Connie (who were both sporting new ‘dos) were there, and I love those characters like family.
Speaking of characters, the reason you’re seeing Bette Davis on here is because we got to talking about heavy smokers, and I just had to do my impersonation of Bette Davis from her final appearance on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. Why Doug… why?
Anyway, here’s a few photos I took of the day. Nothing exciting to look at, but I’ve been wanting to share a couple of these people for a long time.
My friend & neighbor Lida, who I ran into in the lobby downstairs. I’ve known Lida for 7 years, she’s a special needs person who is both funny & kind, and remembers every ailment you have. “Doug!! How’s your back! And your front!”
Here’s the infamous Kuhn’s Market I’m always talking about. If you were familiar with the area, you’d notice a BIG empty space to the store’s left that was formerly a YMCA and other building. They’re constructing a new Kuhn’s “Superstore” that will be more than double the size of our 1950’s sized grocery store.
I’m not crazy about it, but that’s progress!
This is Bridget who works at the Lutheran Center, and one of the nicest people you will ever meet. I adore her. When I visited the center’s Open House in June 2023, she was the first person I met and was sold.
(She’s also an expert on all the superheroes in the Marvel & DC universe and we’ve had some great discussions. Well, she does have 3 boys!)
Today’s lunch—pulled pork sandwich, Texas-style corn, coleslaw, cantalope, hunk of cake. Don’t let the simplicity of this meal fool you, the center serves the best pub steakburgers and pulled pork I’ve ever eaten. 
Finally, this is for Cathy & Sharon (my neighbors) who wanted to know what a single man has for Easter Dinner. That’s a Bavarian ham sandwich with butter & horseradish, roasted broccoli with red peppers, au gratin potatoes with onions and a deviled egg.
I know it’s nothing fancy, but it suited this single man just fine. The End
Thanks for sharing all this good information about people in your world, Doug. And that pulled pork does look good, if I ate such things.
ReplyDeleteThank you DJan! Shoot I wish you could enjoy that pulled pork sandwich, it was truly delicious. 😋
DeleteYour center has such good food! Ours gets prepackaged meals that are ok. And your Easter dinner looks delicious! Joyce
ReplyDeleteThank you Joyce! I know I share too many food pics here, so your words are very appreciated :^)
DeleteThose meals look great. So glad to know you are getting out among people. Bridget appears to be a very friendly lady. I love all those dumbbells behind her on the shelf. Can you check them out and use them? I have a pair I use every day and they have really helped my upper body strength.
ReplyDeleteThanks dkzody---they don't come any sweeter or friendlier than Bridget. As for those weights, their offices are currently being renovated so the 3 ladies who manage things there had to move their desks into the center's gym. I don't think you can check 'em out, but that gym for seniors is open everyday. it gets a lot of use, too.
DeleteHi Doug, your meals look delicious! Au gratin potatoes and deviled eggs??? Yum! Thanks for sharing some more of the people in your life. Lida looks very sweet. Hope your back and front continue to improve.❤️❤️
ReplyDeleteRobin
Thanks Robin! I'm a little mental, aren't I... always taking pics of my food. :^) Anyway, you're right about Lida--I'm going to do a blog about her someday, she worries over everybody. And I appreciate your own good wishes. :^)
DeleteGlad you were able to get out and visit. And hoping that tailbone heals soon!! You have some very special ladies in your life. They all sound like fun. I am so sorry to miss your impersonation!! I bet that was a riot!!
ReplyDeleteGosh, those meals look fantastic!
Thank you Miss Merry, I have a feeling you'd really fit in at that center! And you're right, I do have some very special ladies in my life--I am blessed for sure. :^) And I wish I could show you my BD impersonation haha :^)
DeleteI'm delighted that you got out to enjoy your friends and that meal. I want that cake! Your Easter dinner looks way better than mine of mini-quiches and salad. I want the potatoes and deviled eggs--I have a weakness for both those things!
ReplyDeleteThanks Margaret! But I think you're being too kind, I'd gladly trade my simple fixins for your fancier eats! To be honest I'm still amazed we had similar Easters. :^)
DeleteOk - so now I want to hear your Bette Davis impression
ReplyDeleteGood to see ok tires of some of your important people
Now that I live alone the people around me have become a lifeline - my fantastic neighbours and I had a gin and tonic afternoon in their garden today ( several G and Ts) followed by a nap on my return home !
Happy Easter octave
Siobhan
Thank you Siobhan, it was basically me shouting (with a clipped New England accent) that I smoke 3 packs of cigarettes a day and I'm fit as a fiddle--then I yelled about Joan Crawford stealing my Oscar for Baby Jane. :^) Anyway, I sure am glad to hear about you spending time with your neighbors and you're so right, about that lifeline. Just go easy on those gin and tonics :^)
DeleteYou certainly eat well Doug! I can't even remember what we had for Easter dinner, but it wasn't anything really special. :)
ReplyDeleteGlad you are feeling well enough to get out and meet and mingle with your friends!
Thanks very much Maebeme, much appreciated! 🙂
DeleteIf you don't have any plans this weekend, you could have a marathon of BD movies. Did you know their all on max right now? Nice looking friends there Doug. So is the food! David in NY
ReplyDeleteHi David, if you see this thanks for the heads up--I'm going to watch 'A Stolen Life' in the next hour or so, and 'Now, Voyager' tonight or tomorrow. With some nice food. :^)
DeleteI’m sorry I’m a bit late to your Wednesday “afternood” but I’ve been away for several days, in Ballarat a couple of hours west of here. We just returned today.
ReplyDeleteIt was for the funeral of a friend and hundreds showed up.
Apart from that, we had a fine time with my closet friend (after the A.M.), fellow mathematician and music person (and his good lady wife).
This has nothing to do with your column, but, like you, I’m just letting you know I’m still around (and avoiding Tikis).
No photos of food, but I think you’d have liked it even more that what you had.
Hi Peter, I'm glad to hear from you. I admit, I was worried a little you were ok. It sounded like a nice road trip, seeing close friends and all--but I am sorry for the loss of your one friend. Must have been a pretty special person to have hundreds at the funeral. Thanks for checking in & I wish I could've seen your own food :^)
DeleteHi Dug! I hope you get this comment as it's a few days late... and it may go to spam. But I've been gone since April 18th... just got back yesterday (will post about it soon). So I'm trying to catch up on all the posts I missed, but doing them backwards. Anyway, love when you tell about your day or week (missed why you have a sore tailbone.. but will check earlier posts). Happy you have such good friends and LOVE the food pics! Ham's Peach Orchard in Terrell, TX has wonderful peach pulled pork sandwiches! Go there every summer for those and their fresh peach ice-cream.
ReplyDeleteHi Rian, I am so happy to hear from you! I know you had to travel to attend your grandson's funeral, and I was worried something may have happened health-related. Thank you so much for your kind feedback here -and- on my couple earlier posts, nothing went to spam. (It just doesn't get published right away after 24 hours.) I missed you and am looking forward to your next post, I hope you had a nice Easter. :^)
DeleteHi Doug I had the best time listening to your voodo doll stories and your impersonations, you missed your true calling!! Yes Bridget is the best, my nickname for her is Happy! See ya soon.
ReplyDeleteMary
Hi Mary, thanks so much for sharing! I was hoping you'd say something here (to back up what I wrote, haha). That's a great nickname for Bridget, now we just need to come up with one for you. I did have one but... you know :^) Thanks again for being such a dear friend and I will see you soon.
DeleteYou definitely eat well. And you are mobile! Those people in your world look so nice with their lovely smiles. Take care and God bless.
ReplyDeleteThanks Gigi, but I'm not as mobile as I'd like to be--I don't own a car! You take care too, you & David are in my thoughts everyday.
DeleteOhh..I know exactly the appearance you are talking about! I bet it’s a great imitation!
ReplyDeleteBeth
Haha thank you Beth--I do love me some Bette Davis! :^)
DeleteThe food looks great; lovely photos. Pulled pork is something I have never tried. I had had roast pork and pork chops...and spare ribs, but I think the pulled pork is something I will have to try.
ReplyDeleteThanks Linda! It really is a very tasty sandwich, both smokey and super tender. PS I like your name, Linda was my mom's name. 🙂
DeleteDear Doug – I just took a look at DJan’s Eye on the Edge from last Sunday and found your reply to the comment I left for DJan. Wow, Doug, that is one of the kindest replies I’ve ever seen. Thank you so much! Truth be known, you are one of the nicest humans I’ve become acquainted with in the blogosphere. Please let me show my gratitude 😊 …
ReplyDeleteDoug’s Dandy Day
No more tiki idol stare,
You shaved, got dressed, and took the dare—
To brave the crowd and face the scene,
At Lutheran lunch, you made it keen!
Mary and Connie, what a pair,
With brand-new ‘dos and flair to spare.
Your Bette Davis had them hooked—
(Though Carson might’ve second-looked!)
Bridget shines, a comic pro,
With superhero facts in tow.
That lunch? A pulled pork victory—
Texas corn and cake? Yes, please!
Your Easter meal? A solo slam,
With broccoli, egg, and Bavarian ham.
Who needs a crowd to eat in style?
You’ve got enough charm for a mile!
John
John, you just gave me a chuckle and made me wipe my eye at the same time! This was wonderful, you made my week! THANK YOU 😊 🙏 😊
DeleteYou're very welcome, Doug. My pleasure! 😊
Delete