What a FUN day it was! I drove north to what we call "the valley" around here...which translates to the Phoenix area. Specifically to my 'angel friend', Rhonda's house in Chandler. She has been by my side every step of the entire kidney adventure; allowing me to sleep in her 'spa' guest room; driving me to the hospital for the 100's of medical appts at Mayo & sat with me & waited for me, etc! Am I the most blessed person or what? To have such a friend as this as well as a most wonderful 'spirit' sister as Sally! My heart floods with joy & gratitude for these two women in my life as well as
so many other wonderful friends here that have bouyed me up with their love & caring. I'm one lucky broad! ANYWAY.... Rhonda & I set off to see how many 'FREE' meals I could corner. I hit the jackpot! We ate an early lunch at Liberty Market: A lovely panini sandwich (see the 1-bite-missing, plastic-bagged sammy in pic next to ribs), that came with a lovely side dish of roasted yam w/dried cranberries salad and a drink! FREE! Rhonda had minestrone soup, YUMMO, and shared my plate. You know I don't eat that much, so it was perfect. THEN we went across the street to Joe's BBQ. Walked up to the takeout window, said "It's my birthday, what's free?" I got a wonderful bbq pork (pulled) sandwich, a drink, 1 side dish (cheesy potatoes) and a choc. chip cookie. Then we did some errands & made our way to Joe's Farm Grill (part of the same bbq company) They allowed me $10 toward any meal. I ordered a full rack of ribs (the pic is of 1/2 rack, dad ate the other half.) & the requisite accompaniments; the rack was $19.99. Both of these meals I got 'TO GO' so I could bring them home for us to share for the next few days! THEN, we went through the drive thru at Krispie Kreme donuts; I got a full dozen glazed for (you guessed it!) FREE! Shared them with our local missionaries & froze a couple (they're wonderful if you micro them for 10-30 seconds)
AHHHH, it was wonderful! Somehow, when food is free, it tastes so much better! I recommend you all search out the 'freebies' in your own area. Just make a few phone calls & simply ask! All they can say is no! The least you will probably get is a free dessert.
I think when I was younger, I would be reticent to 'beg' for free stuff, but no more! Age brings utter gall and no embarrassment. Old ladies get away with almost anything! tee hee! LOVE IT!
