We recently mentioned that we couldn’t meet people in The Villages as easily as in Marloth Park. Last night was the exception, and I can eat my words today.
When we noticed weeks ago that few people approached us when we were sitting at any bar at one of the many restaurants in The Village’s various town squares, on several occasions, we initiated conversations, but usually, it was a person by themselves, not a couple. Generally, couples were with other couples, and we didn’t interrupt.
But last night was different. Since the antique car show was going on, many people were busy walking around looking at the cars, and for a Saturday night, we wondered if we could get two seats at the bar. No sooner than we walked up to the outdoor bar, we found two barstools and plunked ourselves down, thrilled to be able to sit.
I ordered a glass of Wiliam Hill North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon, and Tom ordered his favorite new beer, Yuengling, popular in the US. We talked and laughed, reveling in our time in The Villages and how much fun we’ve had seeing so many friends since we arrived.
Two barstools opened up next to us a short time later, and a couple sat down. After getting situated and ordering their drinks, Tom leaned over and said, “How are you two doing?”
They both responded enthusiastically and from there, a lively conversation ensued between the four of us ensued. They are Terry and Rich, a lovely couple who lives in Maryland but purchased a house in The Villages last January. They are going back and forth between their two homes until they decide to make it more permanent.
By 6:00 pm, we were getting hungry and asked if they’d like to join us for dinner at Cody’s Original Roadhouse, a three-block walk from City Fire. Again, Terry and Rich enthusiastically stated they’d be happy to join us. We’d chosen that restaurant after reading their menu online, and each of us liked several options.
We walked a few blocks until we reached the restaurant. Without a reservation on a Saturday night, it could be busy. We only had to wait about ten minutes and were seated at a table. The conversation continued while we munched on peanuts at the table and enjoyed our drinks. I also switched to iced tea, as Terry had, while the boys continued enjoying their beer.
The restaurant’s ambiance was playful and lively, and we’ll be returning there soon. The service was excellent, and the food was good, better than we’d had at some other nearby restaurants. When the bill came, we realized Rich planned to pay for us. We often insisted we pay our share, but he stayed firm on his decision.
As we left the restaurant to walk to our respective vehicles, their car, and our golf cart, we stopped to do a group selfie, as shown in today’s main photos. We hope to see them again before we leave, but they only come to The Village every so often on weekends and may not return while we’re still here. In any case, we hope to see them again and be able to reciprocate for the dinner.
We said our goodbyes with warm hugs and were on our way. We didn’t return to the house until almost 9:00 pm. Shortly later, Terry sent me the photo she took of the four of us on Facebook Messenger. We’d already friended each other earlier in the evening.
What a great night!
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, June 25, 2013:
Such fun to meet new friends! Carry on! Tom, we have to enjoy Yeungling elsewhere, as we don’t have it on Minneapolis!
Peggy, Tom was hoping they’d have that beer in MSP. Guess e’ll hhave to try something else. Thanks for you frequent kind and thoughtful messgae. We so appreciate you.
Love,
Jess & Tom