Lovely Ladies Lunching

Monday’s are always interesting. You see, each week, I join four of the loveliest ladies I know to enjoy a morning of Bible Study. Since HHH and I tied the knot, on most Monday’s I’ve had to excuse myself after class, missing the fun with my best-est girlfriends.

Now, these women know how to live. They travel to the city in the east to enjoy lunch on a slanted porch before shopping at the sparkling new TJ Max. There is talk of an upcoming trip to the biggest little city to the west. They’ve even been known to take in a random movie from time to time.

If you’ve ever been curious about the what’s in the Greatest Book Ever Written, Bible study is a great way to learn. It’s a window into another world. I used to get stuck on all the hard names of people and places, but when there are girlfriends to help you along, it becomes a wonderful journey. Each woman in my group brings her own knowledge, and what we don’t understand, we simply GOOGLE.

Bible study is never dull. We’ve learned so much while studying the old testament. Already half way through the chapter of Deuteronomy, we’ve gained insight into the beautiful yet very violent world of long ago. Week after week, we gather together to uncover more. While we listen, Max MClean of Biblegateway.org reads the chapters to us one at a time. Each one of us comes up with questions that need some researching, and slowly, we are making our way through the Bible.

Yesterday, it was suggested that we all lunch at the newly re-opened Mexican restaurant, La Fiesta. Months and months ago, a devastating kitchen fire closed their doors. The place just opened last month and the parking lot has been full ever since.

Our town doesn’t have a big variety restaurants. Just recently one of them decided to host a salad bar, closed since Covid in the spring of 2020. The option of a salad bar nearly threw our town into a feeding frenzy. As it stands, we have six Casinos offering a variety of Casino food. McDonalds, KFC, Burger King, Taco Bell, Wendy’s, Arby’s, Jack in the Box, Port of Subs, Subway, and Dairy Queen complete our fast food fare. There are three Mexican and three Chinese food restaurants, and a handful of food trucks. Round Table, Dominos, Pizza Factory, Pizza Hut, and Papa Murphy’s Pizza provide our Italian fare. If I’ve forgotten anything, please forgive me. The choices remain underwhelming in a town of 20,000+, but we’re promised more are on the way.

With the restaurant selected, I called HHH to let him know my plans had changed. Yesterday was pruning day and I’d offered to help. I’d be a little late to that party. HHH was his gracious self, telling me to take my time and have a wonderful lunch with my friends.

After knowing how lonely life can be, I will NEVER again take friends and family for granted. There is NOTHING more beautiful than sitting with a group of the most lovely of lovelies while learning about their lives and loved ones. I hit the jackpot when I met these women, each one intelligent and interesting. Although there are years between our ages, you’d never know it. Yesterday was no different.

It was decided at the beginning of the meal that we’d save the waiter the trouble of writing four tickets. We all ordered the same exact thing, down to the drinks. It would be easy to split the tab at the end of the meal. No Problema.

Our food was delivered, we shared wonderful food and conversations. And then…..there was Mucho Problema.

With the passing of the next thirty minutes, we all became more confused. Looney lunching ladies that’d each enjoyed a glass of water with her $12 enchilada plate were troubled with the math. Somedays, you just need to sit with ladies you love and laugh. We finally DID figure out the math while deciding that next time, we’ll ask for separate checks. I can’t wait for our next adventure.

The pruning at the rental house is almost done. With one more afternoon of snipping and raking, the house will be ready for a new family. All in all, yesterday was a pretty great day.

Whatever you do today, think about joining a new group. Perhaps it’s at the senior center in your town. Possibly your church. Try bowling or golf. A training class for your new puppy. Just get out of the house and meet some new friends.

Friendship. One of life’s greatest treasures!!

More tomorrow.