Note
Back up to Newnan (GA) to meet up again with Gail's brother Bill and his wife Diane. Similar to yesterday in that their daughter has Covid and is in quarantine in their house, so we never set foot in the house. But also totally different.
Yesterday, we showed up about 6 pm after an afternoon flight from Hartford, and then followed them to a nearby mall where there were several chain restaurants. The first choice (Mexican) had an hour wait, nearby was a downscale Asian place, very mediocre, also loud. Food was unsatisfying, conversation seemed difficult. We split up after dinner and headed off to a room we had reserved nearby. And thinking, sure didn't seem like they were very happy to see us.
Today, got back up to Newnan about 4 pm. We'd arranged to meet there. There was no one else around the breakfast area. A nice place to sit in the afternoon sun, a coffee for those who wanted. And the vibes were certainly a lot better. After a while, not too long actually because we are all seniors and eating early is in the DNA, it was time to think about dinner. The wait at the Mexican place was 15 minutes, not bad, but it was still going to be crowded and loud. What else was possible?
Well, there was Newk's, right next door, they went there sometimes to get carry-out, sandwiches and salads, definitely not fancy. Tables to eat there? A few. Well, let's go have a look.
And Newk's turned out to be absolutely perfect. The food, large salads with some sort of protein for everyone, was tasty, as was the chocolate cake at the end. We found a quiet table (the place was maybe 1/3 full). And the vibes were even better. 24 hours earlier we had not been sure they were happy to see us. Now, as Diane said to us as we were parting, you don't have to just come in January.
The only sad thing is knowing that no matter how popular Newk's is in the South, it really has no chance of ever making it in Western Mass. The "No Nukes" crowd just wouldn't let it happen....
Off to Aiken, SC after the O' tomorrow, to visit Mike and Vivian Fritz. Looking forward to it.