Should we call it 'Winter' Break instead?

Sometimes, there are things I can’t think about. If I allow myself to go there, I get a little craziness in my head. Actually, there are many things like this in my life. But right now, I’m talking about ‘All you can eat’ buffet restaurants.

I know, probably not what you were thinking. But it’s true. And the craziness, you ask?

The germs.

Yep. The tongs that the man with the missing teeth used, the person scratching themselves walking out of the bathroom, that really heavy woman coughing over there. You see them? Oh yeah. It makes me loose feeling in my limbs.

This is why, as a general rule, I don’t go to above said locations.

But, once in a while, (like I can count on one hand how many times I’ve been in my almost 35 years) I wind up there.

Yesterday was one of those days. Grandpa stopped by for a visit while grandma is out of town. One thing led to another; next thing you know the whole fam is at Chuck-A-Rama, grandpa’s treat.

And treat, it was.

Walking in, I have to hide that part of me that ‘freaks’ every now and then. I swallow hard and repeat in my mind – “every thing will be just fine…” Luckily there is hand sanitizer at every buffet ‘station’ . Much to my chagrin, I seem to be the only person taking regular, full advantage of my gooey clear friend.

This is the time I remind myself that going with grandpa to Chuck-A-Rama is one of those memories that very well in fact be imprinted on my children’s brain as “one of the best days of my life.”

Believe me when I say; They were not disappointed.

By the end of round one, Samuel had food all over is face and hands. Ready for more. Think of a teenager with all the food you can muster. He ate like a 16 year old, and was proud of it.

It only took Simon one full plate of pizza, bread sticks, muffins and French fries, before he was holding his head saying dreamily – “My dreams have come true.” While Samuel repeated several times, “This is heaven.”

Oh, my. What have I created?

Roo on the other hand, made lovely artwork of her plate. She didn’t eat much, but enjoyed her chocolate milk, and crazy mix of fountain drinks.

I haven’t had sugar, wheat or eggs in six weeks. (sans Hawaii) So I ate meat and salad. Mmm. Grandpa and The Scoutmaster did me proud though. When I asked Peter how the desserts where he said, “Oh horrible.” Trying to make me feel better. But I was looking for great detail to fill my cranial pallet. “Sorry.” He said, “I mean they were delicious. Melt in your mouth…” That’s better. (while I ate my sugar free jello block)

Baby ate whatever he could get his 10 chompers into. Mainly mashed potatoes, french fries, corn and green beans. You really do gotta love a place where every single food desire can be met in one location; well, most any way.

I think operating the hot cocoa machine and the ice cream machine, by-them-selves, where the highlight of the night for the littles. Or their mom saying, ‘you don’t have to finish that.’ Maybe it was, “Do you want something else? More m and m’s on your ice cream sundae?” Basically, the night of fat, gluttonous Americans, was their dream come true. I’m not sure how much they ate, but they had plates mounded high and a selection they’d never seen the likes of before.

We rolled ourselves out into a slushy, snowing evening and off to bed. Only to awaken to this: A foot of fresh snow! On April 16th?! Out of the house by 7:45 am, back in by 8:30 and asking if they could go to Chuck-A-Rama again today!! Uh, no. But oatmeal and hot cocoa from home sufficed. Now back in their make shift camping beds in the family room for a morning movie.

Who doesn’t love spring break?