How Things Work Out...

Happy Mother's Day!!

Yesterday we had a fun, fun, Derby filled day and today, we recovered. This overtired family of four just took it easy. Abigail has learned the art of sleeping in, so she was still sleeping when it was time to leave for church. Hannah was up but was already asking when bedtime was, obviously tired. I had a few responsibilities at church though, so I went and Andy stayed at home with the girls. A couple of hours later I came home to a handmade card from the girls and a simple, sweet note from Andy. The plan was to go to lunch at a wonderful buffet in Amish country. Yum! On a cloudly, a little bit cool day, there is no better destination. Off we went and 35 or 40 minutes later we pulled in to see that the restaurant was closed! Andy had checked their website and the hours were 10-4...it was noon. They should have been open but most definitely were closed. Not to be discouraged, our country drive continued on a little longer as Andy reassured us that we'd find a place to eat in Rushville. We drove on, admiring bucolic farms and pretty houses. We even saw some buffalo on the way!

Once in town though we were reminded that small towns in Indiana aren't booming with reknowned eateries. Especially if you don't live in the town and know the hidden local treasures. We passed a place or two that didn't look quite right and frankly, the kids were getting really hungry. Hungry + tired = Mother's Day meltdown. On the mainstreet through downtown we spotted a restaurant that was open (!) and we saw kids inside(!) meaning it was probably family friendly. So we parked and walked in.

We walked into a small, kind of dingy and quite smoky diner. Awesome. The waitress was clearly known to all of the regulars and today was her birthday. Balloons and streamers proved it. She was tattooed and way too leathery tan and looked pretty rough. We settled into our booth and Andy gave me the saddest smile and said "Well, Happy Mother's Day, I guess." followed closely by, "Just seems like nothing ever works out right." And an even sadder look. I tried to be encouraging, telling him that it would be fine and this is the kind of greasy spoon where the food is always good.

And it did work out, really well! For starters, Andy is not big on planning out elaborate surprises. He's running a business, being an involved father and managing our home upkeep and projects. For heaven's sake, he put in a new hardwood floor last week! And we hosted a huge party yesterday! So the plan for the day was not planned all that well, but I didn't care.

The food was great! Greasy, filling and so, so, good.
The waitress was as friendly and charming as could be and the service was quick.
The drive home was a meandering Sunday drive through the country that Andy used to take me on all the time and it was perfect.
After we got home, the sun came out!

Things DID work out, Happy Mother's Day to me!