Mc-La-De-Dah's

Yesterday, I made plans for a romantic Valentine's date at the Lumberjack Steak House. Now, that probably doesn't sound too romantic to you folks who live in the city -- but for Hayward, the Lumberjack Steakhouse is as romantic as it gets!

So, we dressed up, and I drove her to the restaurant. When we entered, Mrs. Groth, an elementary teacher, was at the hostess counter.

"I just came in with my husband for dinner and they put me to work!!" she exclaimed. That's what happens when things get busy in a small town.

"Do you have reservations?"

"Nah," I replied, "no reservations at all! No doubts whatsoever! We're gonna enjoy this meal!"

"Well, people have been calling for a month making reservations for tonight, and if you're not on the list, Rev. Wilson, then, it's going to be difficult to fit you in."

She made a valiant effort -- whispered something in the ear of the manager, and then they both looked at us sadly. Either there was no way to fit us in, or they were cooking up plans to put us to work as well!

"It's o.k." Cathy said, "Our fault. We'll come back when it's less crowded."

They both let out relieved sighs. There was no room in the inn for the preacher & wife, and yet, fire did not fall down from heaven to consume them.

"Now, where can we go without reservations?" Cathy asked as we climbed in the car.

We ended up in McDonald's. (But since it was Valentine's, we called it Mc-La-De-Dah's)