Table For Two

One of the things I really love about Vern is that he always manages to put a fun twist in our happy vanilla lifestyle. Today he got home early,surprised me at work and took me out to lunch. We RARELY go out to lunch because of our work schedules. We went to the local golf course.I have driven by it a few hundred times and circled the parking lot a time or two out of curiosity but never stopped.(I have never golfed,know nothing about golf and I am pretty sure I don't have the patience for anything more than a driving range.) So today,for the first time,we went for lunch.
There is something so special about living in the town where Vern grew up. His stories and memories are so much better than any guided tour. Growing up in a small town myself I can appreciate how precious "home" can be. The golf course was a special place for Vern.  The "restaurant" had a few scattered tables,some commercial looking grills and cooking equipment and a TV. The curtains were black with tiny pictures of golf balls,shoes,clubs etc. and some of the tables were covered in large think pieces of black faux leather.One elderly couple sat in the middle table...that was it. I smiled to myself,it felt familiar..just like Home. The food was decent but the conversation and time together was delicious!For Vern it was a trip down Memory Lane.The Golf course is where he made so many precious memories with his Father,spent long summer days with his best friend and played many rounds of golf. I feel lucky to be able to share in these memories while making new ones. We ate,we "overheard" bits of the day's gossip and watched all the people in silly plaid shorts pass by outside. I even had the crazy thought that I just might try golfing someday. Now I know,that if golfing isn't my thing I still know where to get a great hamburger,so it's worth the risk ;) 
We took the long way home. Up and down back roads only a local would know and avoiding the 60,000 people coming to a Christian festival at our Fairgrounds this weekend. ( I believe our usual population is somewhere around 15,000) Eventually we returned home and life shifted back into gear before we knew it. So tonight I mention it because I never want to take these moments for granted. I appreciate the spontaneity ,the conversation and most of all the company..at our table for two.