Southern Hospitality

One of my main reasons for this Kinston week was so I could come to my friend Debbie’s Farkle fund raiser for the PEO, an organization of women who raise money for scholarships for females. I had never heard of Farkle, but Debbie told me months ago that it was an easy dice game that I could certainly master.

Mastering was not the goal, but going and spending time with friends for a good cause was. We had no idea that even though we were seated together, the top half of the table moved up while the bottom half stayed at the original table for the next round.

I enjoyed all of it. Met a lot of sweet people. Learned a new game and made lots of points. Nothing award winning, but very acceptable. Debbie had made sure there were gluten free lunches for me and Kristi and brought them to us personally. It was great to spend time with Debbie’s husband Paul who fought Jane Brothers to be my host at my next visit.

After lunch I had to go teach Mah Jongg to my sweet group of beginners. They are all excelling as they are getting special attention and are a smart group.

Tonight I was taking Jane and Warren out to dinner. That’s my deal when I go to stay with someone. I think most people already have all the stuff they need, so a consumable is my preferred gift. A great dinner is the perfect consumable.

I told Jane and Warren to pick any place they wanted to go. They told me we were going to the Starlight in Greenville. It was a little bit of a drive, but a new place to me.

Jane and Warren love the Chef and his wife and the larger family who have owned this restaurant since 2000. I asked Warren if he sold them vegetables and he said, “Yes, especially a lot of broccolini this spring.”

We met Toby the chef, and his sweet wife. We had a fabulous server and the most delicious food. It was a perfect night. When we finished everything I asked the server for the bill. He said, “Didn’t Toby talk to you? It’s on the house.”

I looked at Jane and Warren and they both had big shit eating grins on their faces. “You tricked me!”

The Chef was trading a dinner for broccolini with Warren and he and Jane were not letting me get the bill since there wasn’t one. I could not believe they pulled this off. My only consolation is I was able to tip the waiter. Now how am I going to surprise Jane and Warren for their over the top hospitality. I can’t do it next visit because Jane already promised Paul I was staying with him and Debbie. This is going to have to be a long con.