I suppose if I told you we made a two-hour drive one way with the last 30 minutes of which was on a twisting, under construction two-lane during a thunderstorm then waited more than an hour outside with no place to sit before finally getting a table in a room so packed it was difficult to walk through, you'd think we had a nightmare of a dining experience. Nothing could be farther from the truth.
We decided to drive down to the Red Bar for dinner last night; there was, after all, an anniversary to be celebrated. We knew how far it was, we knew there were scattered storms in the area, and we knew on a Friday night in the height of tourist season it would be busy. We put our mellow on and went anyway.
And it was worth it. While the rain had driven everyone off the beach early and therefore all ready to eat at the same time, it cooled the air so standing outside wasn't an issue. There were, of course, plenty of people to watch for entertainment. The wait was an hour and 15 minutes when we got there but almost two hours for those arriving as we were leaving. Yes, the food is that good. Wayne had blackened grouper and I chose crab cakes...I think we both moaned in delight with every bite. Our friends Tom and Durlene introduced us to this dive beach bar/restaurant last January and you can read about the tacky eclectic atmosphere in this post. We've been looking for an excuse to go back ever since.
We had a little toast to 44 years of happiness and to continuing it for 22 more...what can I say, we're into double digits. And then the little jazz combo that was playing rewarded us with a rendition of What A Wonderful World. While Ray Charles made a later version, I always associate the song with Louis Armstrong. And in the small world category, that song was released as a single in 1968, the year we got married. It wasn't "our song" but hearing it last night seemed very fitting. It really is a wonderful world.
Congratulations. We 'celebrated' 37 years last month - you must have been a child bride, like me!!! LOL But 2 hours drive!!! And then an hours wait for table! That place really must be special.
I love Louis Armstrong's "Wonderful World" too - always brings at least a tear to my eye, but if I'm feeling at all melancholy it can be full flood tears! :-D
Sounds like a perfect evening despite the travelling.
Jude.x
Posted by: Jude.x | July 15, 2012 at 02:05 AM
Congrats on your anniversary! you are so lucky to have found such a wonderful husband and friend-many many more Brenda!
Posted by: Diane Standish | July 15, 2012 at 07:04 AM
What a great way to spend a special day!! Congrats to both of you.
Posted by: Pat | July 15, 2012 at 09:43 AM
Happy anniversary! It is so good to see a couple married for 44 years and still as happy as ever.
Posted by: Linda | July 15, 2012 at 04:02 PM