Thanks Darden Restaurants, from This Veteran.

Yesterday Pat and I had a day of errands and, yes Christmas shopping to get done. As the day progressed it became apparent that coming home and cooking was not going to be part of the agenda. We did not want to go someplace to eat and pay a fortune, so the choices we went through ranged from Panera, to Chilli's, to T.G.I.F and finally Olive Garden. Pat decided she really wanted, salad from Olive Garden. There was our choice. We picked Jayden up at after school and drove down to the Loop.

When we entered to give our name for the waiting list, I was asked if any members of our party, were a veteran. I let her know I was. When we were seated I was given a choice of a special menu for Vets or the regular menu and also given a ten dollar Darden gift card that could be used at this time. To me this was a very pleasant surprise.

My friend Jon, the editor of SOG Oracle, writes most eloquently about his experiences at local eateries in the Tampa area. I will forgive Jon for not using the low calorie font on his last review, which I enjoyed reading, like I do all of his writings. I bring Jon up to point out that first of all Olive Garden is not a five star restaurant, but I enjoy it when ever we go. I had Spaghetti and Meatballs, wine, and salad. Pat and Jayden chowed down on their food and were very satisfied and full. Over all we enjoyed good food, good service, great company and even a discount, courtesy of Darden.

So to this corporation I say, "thank you" from an appreciative veteran and a loyal patron. To my readers I say support their company at Olive Garden, Red Lobster and any of the other fine Darden enterprises.

And they try To Fight Gay marriage!

I have been watching the media blowout on Kim Kardashian's pending divorce after 72 days of marital bliss and could not help but wonder. Why do the self righteous Christians, who are so adamant against gay marriage, remain silent? They get worked up over two people wanting to have legal rights to match their love and concern for each other and yet we watch a continuous march of celebrities and celebrity want-to-Be's, such as Kim Kardashian, without as much as a whimper from them. She makes a joke out of the sentiment and feelings involved with a true marriage between two human beings that love each other. Just something I wonder about.