Jewells of Thought

For 5 months I stayed off this platform frankly because it was difficult to type and I had lost my inspiration to tell stories. Even my own fun and intriguing and ironic stories, although there were a few times I really wanted to break the fast and get back on here and share.

The fact that I made it down to Evansville was a triumph for sure. Then saying goodbye to our family seemed too soon even thinking we would be back in the morning for the graveside service. When we arrived at Bandanna’s another sigh of relief washed over me. The Lord had been really good to me allowing me to get to that next phase of the evening and I was hungry.

The first time Aunt Margaret took us to this restaurant Grandma was with us. The last time we were with Aunt Margaret was for her 97th birthday. I remember my Mom’s brothers were all with us that time to eat and enjoy time with her. On that special day something else happened I caught sight of my OCU Professor and retired President, Dr. Barber. The one that shares my birthday that would have been before he retired though I believe.

As my stomach told me I was hungry my arm and my body was also telling me I was physically exhausted. One of my favorite sides on the menu are fried okra and I learned to love them from eating at Lambert’s Cafe at Sikeston, Missouri. Freddy and Rosemary Alsman would take all of us on family vacations just to their or en route from Six Flags. Those are very, very fond family memories.

Before we left the restaurant we pretty much decided we wouldn’t be able to go the next day. It would have to be good enough that we were able to make an appearance that night. Although it ached to make that decision.

After a bathroom break I had to steal myself. In order to get home I would need one good arm and some pain pills and a drink to get us home. I finished my salad and my okra, but I didn’t finish all of my pork. I decided to take it home so I could eat it later. I never thought I would like Barbecue Ranch dressing until Bandanna’s introduced it to me. It really wasn’t overly barbecue it was lightly flavored just the right way for me.

This visitation happened just 5 and a half weeks after my surgery. It was not the first time I was forced to drive though, something else happened the day I got my bandage off from my surgery in March…