veterans day, pandemic style

"This was taken during the last week or so of USN boot camp, Feb 1977, in Orlando.
See my moles on my cheeks?
Nah, the photographer "cleaned them off", 

not realizing they were supposed to be there.
LOL!"

After posting this to fb, I set out to see what the universe had in store for me today.

First up was a "Parking Lot Party" at Texas Roadhouse!

I had never heard the song, even though it's eight years old.

I guess that's because I rarely listen to country music, now or back then, but I sure understand the concept!

The restaurant had arranged a serpentine path to keep cars moving, even treating us to fresh rolls to keep our energy up - nice!

Even nicer was the coupon for a free meal at the journey's end - a coupon good until June 2021!

Many thanks, y'all!
 

Applebee's was next on my list.

I had intended to dine in, however, that would mean a 45-minute wait.

But, wait!

Due to the pandemic, they were allowing veterans to get their free meal 'to go'!

That's why this Four Cheese Chicken Pasta is on my marble-topped coffee table instead of in situ at the restaurant.

(Plus, there was enough for another meal in the future!)

Many thanks, y'all!

So, why had I chosen to take it home instead of eating there?

My favorite grocery store, Publix, was offering me a ten-percent discount on shopping, that's why.

I bought two gallons of Lactaid milk in addition to quite a bit of dairy products and meat - all needing to stay chilled.

Thanks to the discount, the 10-pack of Peanuts-themed Thanksgiving cards was 'free' - woohoo!

Many thanks, y'all!
 

After that late lunch, I waited until 9 PM to head out for dinner at Chili's -

good timing!

Plenty of open tables for safety.

I had brought some lactase with me so I could order a rare treat: Cajun Chicken Pasta!

I was actually amazed how similar it was to the dish I had at lunch - lol!

I ate every last bite of it, too, even all of the buttered toast.

No leftovers of this feast!

Many thanks, y'all!

And here's a toast to the veterans in my life who are no longer here:

Daddy, in the Air Force;

stepdad Frank, in the Army;

stepbrother George, in the Navy;

Uncle Bob, in the Navy;

Great-Uncle Sam, in the Navy.

And here's another raise of the Henny-rita, to all the veterans I know that are still living - 

I do hope your day has been as blessed as mine!

i thank You, God!