I think I’m finally returning to my calm and normal self after the last two days of whining and complaining about every useless thing that was bothering me.  It appeared to be a combination of finally finishing a difficult job I’d worried about for many weeks and the normal let down after the fact. Leave it up to my better-half to figure out a perfect solution.

She returned home from work in early afternoon and immediately advised me to clean up because we we going out for a Dutch Treat dinner.  How could I possibly complain about that?  Regardless of what you might think I clean up pretty good and it wasn’t long before I was ready for my night on the town. My chauffeur pulled up in her car and off we went.

We have a number of restaurants we frequent but for me it’s all about the food.  If the food is good I can eat it sitting in the middle of a junk yard and still be happy.  I worked for many years throughout the south and became hooked on that good old down home southern food that their so famous for.  Catfish, collard greens, black eyed peas, somehow climbed to the top of my favorite foods list. No matter what northern restaurant chains claim their attempts to cook authentic southern cuisine is usually pitiful.

My all-time favorite southern dish is country fried chicken with that unbelievable white gravy and biscuits.  One of our regular restaurants has a chef who must have been born down south and stolen his grandmother’s favorite recipes. That’s where my better-half planned our dinner and I wasn’t disappointed.  The chicken was cooked perfectly and the biscuits and gravy were even better.  Throw in a serving of coleslaw and a side of mashed red potatoes with just a hint or garlic and you’ve arrived in heaven. I pigged out and cleaned my plate like a freaking vacuum cleaner.  I was fat and sassy as I downed an excellent gin and tonic to complete things.

My better-half was busy texting for few minutes and when she finished I was advised we’d be meeting some friends at another local establishment for a nightcap or two.  She actually paid the bill, left a good tip, and we were off.  We arrived at a place that is part sports bar, part restaurant, and part beach hangout in the summer. They were so busy it seemed a little like a hot summer evening with the place packed with beach people.  I said that jokingly because it’s really April in Maine and cold as hell.  Our friends arrived just as we finally were seated in our booth and we had a few drinks and a lot of laughs.  My sober designated driver delivered me safely home at a reasonable hour to end a perfect night.

The night didn’t last much longer because the better-half had a 4am wake-up call.  Fortunately she has a vacation week scheduled next week due to the anticipated arrival or her oldest son from LA. He’s in for a three day visit and that should keep her hopping and occupied for the entire week. Since next week is sure to a hectic one I plan on enjoying this weekend as much as humanly possible.

It’s been twelve hours since that  great meal and I’m still tasting those garlic potatoes. Can’t wait to do it again.