Mayberry

I love where we live.  I'm still not up to being really social and all, but tonight I decided to start off small and go to dinner with a friend.  In public.  It sounds silly, but it was a big deal.  I debated about going, and decided that his was a good way to start. 

So off we went with a bottle of wine to our favorite Italian restaurant.  On my way there, I see my neighbor in my rearview mirror.  We have a friendly wave, and I think, "aww, I know the people on the street behind me.  Love that." 

I get to the restaurant, which if you live in the Roanoke area, you've got to go to.  It's called the Italian Bistro, and it used to be an old Dairy Queen.  It's so good!  We walked in, and our favorite waiter greeted us and seated us in his section.  We ordered our usuals without even looking at the menu, and he popped open our wine.  (Love the BYOB!)  Before too long, Sammy, the owner, sat down at our table and chatted with us for awhile.  Love being regulars, love that the owner knows us enough to plop down at our table, and that our favorite waiter makes sure we're in our section. 

Friday nights at the Bistro are even better, because as we call it "Guitar Ray Carlson" plays!  (St. Peter peeps know who I'm talking about!)  As we were leaving, we ran into friends from church. In a big town, you don't just run into people you know. 

On the way home I get a text from my neighbor to tell me to stop by on my way home.  I pulled in their driveway, and out ran all 4 of the neighbor kids with a handmade Valentine in their hands and cookies for me (and 1 for "Mr. Kyle").  Is there anything sweeter? 

I'd say my first outing was a success.  I got to hang out with a friend who loves me in my darkest hours, and felt comfortable the whole way.  There were little reminders my whole time out of people that loved me, and that I wasn't facing all this alone. 

I've always wanted to go back to a small town since I left Cedar Hill.  Somewhere that I'd know the people around town.  I think I finally got there. 

Sometimes it feels like this world
Is spinning faster
Than it did in the old days
So naturally, we have more
Natural disasters
From the strain of a fast pace
Sunday was a day of rest
Now it's one more day for progress
And we can't slow down 'cause
More is best
It's all an endless process

(Well) I miss Mayberry
Sitting on the porch drinking
Ice cold Cherry Coke
Where everything is black and white
Picking on a six string
Where people pass by and you call
Them by their first name
Watching the clouds roll by
Bye, bye 

~Mayberry, Rascal Flatts