IT’S ALL ABOUT... Two bars and a wedding

Another new experience! I never knew anybody that would marry the same person again after 25 years! Do you call that a “re-marriage” or maybe a “re-commitment” of initial vows? How utterly refreshing in today’s world of complete chaos that two very special people are still so in love they want to get married all over again to the SAME person! That, in itself, is astonishing.

The groom, we’ll call him Rev. Claude, had everybody laughing as he theatrically strolled down the aisle, several times, once to “Danger Zone” from the original soundtrack of the movie “Top Gun”! One can only surmise that he’s the “card” in the family and keeps life light and playful.

The bride, we’ll call her Jill, still just as stunning as 25 years ago and just as petite, had on her original wedding dress. Another WOW. How did she manage to stay so teeny tiny? Well, Yoga and energy personified would be that answer. It was a beautiful occasion. We shall pray that another 25 years down the road we will be back to do it all over again! Of course, a reception followed.

However, one of my girlfriends and I were starving and decided to sneak out to get some solid and hardy food…thinking maybe a nice juicy steak! Jumped in the car and decided if we hurried, we might make it to Bar #1, *O’Farrell’s Country Vineyard before the kitchen closed at 6:30 pm. We still don’t understand why a kitchen would close at 6:30 on a Saturday night??? It was going to be a close race, as to if we would make it or not.

Allstate was not on my side because they have now hooked me into a “know everything you are doing” gizmo, and I can’t push “it” like normal! (It did save me $500 every six months on car insurance though). Thank you Allstate, we were four minutes after closing and when they say CLOSING, that’s exactly what they mean. Best they would do was a glass of wine. OK, so why not…let’s!

Stomachs kept on talking and after about five minutes we decided food of any kind was a complete necessity. When peanut butter starts sounding good, you know it’s time to go. Down the hatch with the glass of wine, one says “go” and the other says “roll” and we were off to Bar #2, McGarity’s Restaurant and Saloon in Jefferson. It was feeling a bit like the good ole college days chasing the next… whatever! We could almost smell the cheeseburgers, onion rings and sweet potato fries as we legally pressed the speed limit for 30 miles. Currently McGarity’s just happens to be our first choice, popular go-to pub or tavern. It’s actually advertised as an Irish Pub. Not only is the food freshly made but they do a nice job on cocktails, especially chocolate and cherry martinis.

Food aside, the number one reason we find our way there frequently is Amelia Blake, the entertainer. She’s a professional singer and song writer that loves music from the 60’s, 70’s, country and beyond. She has a unique spirit about her; almost a Carole King style with a little Linda Ronstadt thrown in.

And, for you younger folks, maybe a bit of Allison Krauss. We always leave there with a full tummy, a tune echoing in our heads (sometimes for a couple of days!!) and a smile on our faces. She’s the best! If you ever have the opportunity to visit Jefferson on a Friday or Saturday night, please stop by McGarity’s. Don’t miss Amelia from 6-9 p.m. You’ll be singing “Hit the road Jack” or maybe some Elvis, or even songs from “Grease”!

Sometimes impromptu happenings are the best. Find a good friend; don’t plan, just go with the flow. Who would have ever thought we would have gone to two bars and a wedding all in about three hours? Fun times making fantastic memories!

*Obviously O’Farrell’s Vineyard/Winery is just that…a vineyard serving wine. However, since we had a glass of their delicious wine, we considered it our first “bar” stop!