So, I was in the mood for an excellent steak, succulent fried chicken (skin removed, of course), and the best green bean casserole this side of the James River.  Needless to say, I headed over to Golden Corral.  Last night was a very special night there. Unbeknownst to me, it was hideous hat night.  I left before they chose the winner, but personally, my vote would have gone to the rather rotund gal who had a bright red derby perched atop her head.

There were other festivities, as well. One game that I could have/would have participated in, had I known, was "Can you stuff a size 24 derriere into size 8 pair of sweat pants?"  The answer is a resounding, "Yes!" And more than a handful of the diners proved that beyond a shadow of a doubt.

Now, while we all had a lot of fun, especially my grandson who bathed in the Chocolate Wonderfall, I do have to wonder why so many of the guests are content to squeeze into their tightest clothes before heading out to the "Trough."

Not me.  When I go, I wear the most loosely-fitting clothes I can find. Last night I wore a flowered shift that had belonged to my mother. It was a tad revealing, but I was feeling no pain as I dove into the bounty.

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The above nearly-true account is what I had planned to run for today's blog. However, I have received a number of complaints, telling me that what I have written is inappropriate on so many levels. So, here is a slightly amended version.

I had a perfectly delightful evening, last night. Although I am aware of the temptations to overeat, I chose to go to Golden Corral, because their vegetable dishes are divine. I feasted on green beans, cabbage, salad, and so many other hearty dishes.

I dined in the midst of some perfectly lovely folks. Some of the ladies were dressed in a combination of their Sunday finest hat fashions paired with practical, down-to-earth, working-in-the-garden apparel. It made for some colorful and fun outfits, which, if my reaction is any barometer, served to bring smiles of joy to fellow diners.

I was also amazed, as I always am when visiting this astounding West End eatery, to observe individuals who have, obviously and thankfully, never missed an opportunity to consume massive quantities of food, and yet they valiantly trudge into Golden Corral to support the local business folk who toil tirelessly to continue pouring the food into semi-sanitary serving trays.

Recognizing the value of having a night out, where one can dine for hours on end for about ten bucks, these good, and goodly-sized citizens, come often, queue up patiently, and virtually slop themselves in order to be a part of a ritual that one might find only in America.  Is this patriotism at its finest, or what?

These folks know the true meaning of thriftiness. They can stretch both a dollar as well as a pair of slacks to greater extremes than the average person could believe possible. I have to applaud their courage to continue consuming even when the threads of their garments are virtually screaming to be set free.

Of course, I have given up such pleasures due to both an appreciation for the beauty of eating responsibly, as well as a tendency to lapse into a semi-conscious state as my blood sugar levels rise. Hence, my newly-found love of carrots, celery, cucumbers, and bean sprouts.  I could eat them until the cows come home, and then, of course, the cows take over where I left off.

So, while my night was nothing to write home about, I just wanted to share the experience. I had a wonderful evening, eating healthful foods and rubbing shoulders with some good people. And, really, who could want more than that?