Getting Out and About

My goodness, all of a sudden the county has become rather empty. I can even pull out of my driveway without waiting till all the traffic stops because there is no traffic! It feels kinda nice for a change. It’s been a terrific “season,” though. Lots of visitors, lots of activity, lots of things to do, and new restaurants have opened. I promised myself when I retired that I would pamper myself by going out to eat a few times a week, but during season there are many places you cannot even get into, so my favorite easy places are diners and neighborhood restaurants with great food like Alice Sweetwater’s and Eurasia, and of course Texas Tony’s. And I’m keeping my promise to myself and having a lot of fun with friends as we enjoy all our area has to offer, including the new Miller’s Ale House in Restaurant Row. 

• This Mother’s Day was another special one for me! Four of my kids were here, and the one up in Albany, New York, was just here for my birthday and couldn’t take any more time off work, but he called in, so it was another terrific Mother’s Day at the Fiala Home! I am truly blessed and I say thanks every day! The son T.J. in Albany just created a website with his invention and I thought maybe you would like to see what he is doing when he’s not working at his regular job. He and his brother Bob are definitely concerned with the loss of forests and trees, so he wanted to find an answer to how wood could be made. You’ll see it on his website: Structural Biocomposits.com. He has been interviewed by three newspapers and two TV stations recently. It’s pretty amazing that he struck out to save forests and find a product that could replace wood, and he DID!  

• The Elks Lodge on U. S. 41 has been a source of fun for many in the area, although I’m beginning to see some of the residents are heading back home for the lovely summers up there. When walking into an Elks Lodge with your membership card, you are always greeted warmly, even if they have never seen you before. They have a few games in there to keep people amused and music to dance to on certain nights, but there is always friendly chatter and nice people to keep you company. The bar is always open as well. I’m not a drinker really, but they have iced tea and lemonade to keep me happy. And my friends Cassie, Julie and the fun lovin’ Rae. Those three ladies can keep you laughing and happy all afternoon!  Do stop by and think about becoming an Elk. I’ve been a member for 24 years, and you always feel welcome!  

• And lastly, while some of my kids were here, they decided to weed and fertilize my orchids and patio flowers. I can still hear the happiness coming out of the plants saying thank you, thank you, thank you!