It’s Friday night, I’ve got a new haircut, and I’m going out!
Chuck and Geri are waiting for me at Cafe Groovy Gritz in downtown Truth or Consequences. They’ve been trying to get me to join them at their favorite restaurant ever since I met them a few weeks ago.
But what about Bridget and Spike?
The crew has never been left alone in the Casita, except for my brief trips to the shower building. I turn on the television, give them a kiss, and hurry out as the wailing begins. Before hopping into the PTV, I explain to the guy camped across from me that it’s my first time leaving them in the camper, and I hope their howls don’t bother him. He says, “It’s okay. Your trailer must be well insulated. I can barely hear them.”
He either has a hearing deficit or he’s lying like an rug.
Cafe Groovy Gritz is quite a surprise! Chuck and Geri wave me over. Geri has a glass of raspberry iced tea and Chuck a bottle of Polygamy Porter ale (“You can’t have just one!”). Chuck introduces me to Elmo who brings me a lite beer and lights the fondue candle. We load up our plates with nachos and ladel spoonfuls of the cheesy concoction on top. It has just the right measure of zing.
“Gosh, this is good.” I remark as I feed my face. “I could come here and just eat this stuff.”
The atmosphere is friendly, relaxed and cheerful.
We’re on the hippie side of the restaurant (The other side is cowboy decor.) The walls are a happy yellow adorned with flowers the size of pizza pans. Flower power! Wispy, flowing purple curtains drape alongside the windows. Lava lamps glow. The place is immaculate.
The menu at Groovy Gritz is primarily made-from-scratch soups, salads, sandwiches, and burgers. The Kick-Ass Green Chili Burger and the Build-a-Mega Burger look like stand-outs. Geri and I pick the New Mexico Stacked Cordon Bleu Sandwich and Chuck gets the Chicken Parmesan Sandwich with marinara sauce. Both are served on a Kaiser roll with pickle. My sandwich is scrumptious and the side order of cole slaw is the best I’ve ever eaten! Geri lets me have some of her sweet potato fries. I’m so glad I skipped lunch.
You don’t have to work at conversation around Chuck and Geri.
We eat, drink, and laugh together. They introduce me to the owners, Rob and Joyce. Chuck tells me, “Joyce taught chef school up in Albuquerque for years.” (25 years actually). Geri and I are too full for dessert. Chuck asks Elmo for some cake.
Suddenly I hear bagpipes coming in the front door!
“Bagpipes?” I exclaim. I’m surprised and confused . . . why bagpipes? . . .why here? . . . until I recognize the melody . . . It’s “Happy Birthday!” For ME! We all laugh as Elmo sets an “Insatiable Groovy Grit Cake” down in front of me, a lit candle on top.
“Rob, how did you sneak those bagpipes past me to get out the front door?”
“It wasn’t easy!” he laughs.
What a wonderful birthday celebration!
I thank Chuck and Geri both for treating me. As we stand in the dark outside the restaurant, I hug Geri and tell her, “This is one of the best birthdays I’ve ever had!” [slideshow]
rvsue
Take a look at the Cafe Groovy Gritz website: www.Groovygritz.com
¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪ ♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ HaPpY BiRthDaY to
YoU♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪ ♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ HApPy BirThDAy to yOu♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪
*”˜˜”*°•.¸☆ ★ ☆¸.•°*”˜˜”*°•.¸☆
We had just as much fun as you did! And of course we all ate too much!
We are glad you enjoyed Groovy Grits… It’s really become our favorite place to chow down!
You and Chuck made this birthday very happy! (Love the graphics.)
You can copy and save the birthday graphics in your documents files! Then you can share with your friends! That’s how I got it !!!
Happy B day and may you have many more 🙂
Hey, Julia!
Thank you . . . I wasn’t going to mention my birthday on this blog . . . Mick and my sister Pauline spilled the beans. . . Geesh.
Chuck & Geri sound like great friends. Happy Birthday.
Hi, Hotel!
Yes, they are. I guess they’re what are called “fast friends.” I met them less than two weeks ago!
Thanks for the birthday wish.
If Your Birthday Is Today (from our local horoscope lady)
Playwright/poet/novelist Oscar Wilde (1854 – 1900) shares your birthday today. You have a marvelous mind and a way with words. And you like to be provocative! Many of you are well-read and knowledgeable and you are certainly wonderful conversationalists. However, you can be controversial. (Which rarely bothers you because you are secretly outrageous.) In the year ahead, an important choice will present itself to you. Choose wisely.
Happy Birthday
Phil
Hey, Phil,
Isn’t that interesting . . . I sound pretty good according to your horoscope lady!
Thanks for the birthday message.
Again, happy birthday. And a funny thing… just the other day I was driving down East 51st in Austin when I saw a little hole in the wall cafe called “Biscuits and Groovy”. I’ll have to get back there and try it.
Bob
Thank you, Bob . ..
The groovy thing . . . appealing to the hippie in all of us!
Happy Birthday!!! What a nice thing for Chuck and Geri to do! I know it’s one you’ll remember. I’m sure Bridget and Spike were in on the surprise and behaved thmselves in your abscence. Or maybe not.
Most definitely, NOT!
Hi, Kim! Thanks for the birthday wish.
I heard from another camper that they howled every time somebody walked or drove by (geez) . .. but he added that you could hardly hear them. Must be the carpeted walls . . .
Happy Birthday Susan from an “ole” and far away friend.
Karen Dusha McKean
Hello, Karen, far away friend from the old days . . . Nice of you to add a birthday wish!
Hope all is well with you and yours . . .
Howdy Birthday gal,
Did you know you and Nick Russell of the Gypsy Journal Newspaper ARE TWINS!!!!!! Well,
you sure don’t look alike!!!! If you haven’t found TGJ, Google it.. You’re not a REAL RVr if you
don’t read it… Have a great day-after HAPPY BIRTHDAY day!!!! Wishing you Smooth roads,
Clear blue skies & Light balmy breezes(hard to find in NM)!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ear scratches to the pooches!!! Turn Spike loose on them coyote varmintz!!!!!!!!!!!
Hi, Butterbean!
Thank you so much! Actually your comment is right on time as today is the day. You always send a lot of good wishes . . . I’ve got the clear blue skies but I don’t think you’d call today “balmy.” It’s hot again.
I will check out TGJ and this twin you’re talking about . . .
Happy Birthday, Sue! We just missed you at Santa Rosa on our way to Texas. Just got back from a 45 day trip in our liberty, now cleaning and trying to remember all those “mods” we wanted to do when we got back. Truth and Consequences is such a fun town, we will have to check out the restaurant on our next adventure! Sure enjoy your blog; say hi to the crew for me!
Hi, Karen! from me and the crew!
I hope you had a great 45-day trip . . . Thanks for the happy birthday wish. Yes, do check out Groovy Gritz. Next door is another restaurant that’s supposed to be really good . . . The Happy Belly Deli.
T or C is a memorable place!
Glad you’re enjoying the blog.
Happy Birthday, Sue! I’ve enjoyed following your adventures.
Hey, Collier!
Happy to hear it! Thanks.
Happy Birthday! Sue! Thankyou for sharing your wonderful surprise party and cake with us.
Today is my brother’s birthday. He is 69. Now I will go call him, thanks for reminding me!
Hello, Patricia!
I never know what effect my little blog will cause . . . Thanks for the birthday wish.
Happy Birthday My Dear Sister. I am so grateful to Geri and Chuck for making your day so special. Jerold sends along his birthday wishes also.
Hi, Pauline! Hi, Jerold!
Aren’t I lucky to meet such fine people . . . and to get all these birthday wishes!
Happy Birthday Sue,
Have many many more. Great firends on the the road. Priceless
Hello, Don!
You’re right . . . great friends are priceless. Thanks for the birthday blessing.
Happy Birthday to you…….
Thanks!
Happy Birthday Sue.
Thank you, Gypsy!
Happy Birthday Sue.
We don’t get older. Just better and better!!!
If you say so! LOL
Thanks, Kay.
I just want to repeat everything everybody has said, all over again. Glad you had a memorable birthday. HB kiddo.
Thanks, Emily!
Happy B-day Sue. Glad you had a memorable one. Best wishes for many more.
Thanks, Reine!
How FUN is that??? Happy Birthday to you, RV Sue! It sounds like a wonderful time with good friends. How were the pups while you were gone?
A camper nearby said they started barking whenever a car or person went by the campsite, but it didn’t bother them. When I got home, all was quiet. They were very glad to see me!
Thanks for the birthday wish , , ,
At least nothing was chewed up! No poopy surprises. All and all, I would say the crew did a pretty good job!
I truly was surprised!
Thanks!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SUE !!!!!!!!
So glad you were able to get out and spend it with friends. I just hope Spike and Bridget settled down to watching TV.
Hi, Jim! Thanks for the birthday wish!
Spike and Bridget just might turn into Texas Rangers fans . . . watching the games on TV.
Nice to hear from you and , yes, next time you get a picture!
Hey, Carol!
I’m learning that Truth or Consequences is the kind of place that “grows” on you. It’s nice to have a town nearby when staying at a state park.
I’ll write an update on the projects in today’s entry.
You have a very happy birthday!
Contact us when you get here Carol, and we will give you a tour too…. if we are here! We WORKAMP summers and usually go visit grandkids in FL in the winter months! I’m sure Sue will be willing to share contact information!
Thanks, Mumsy. Yes, it was a great birthday marking the end of a great year!
Happy Birthday!! What a great way to celebrate. I am still enjoying your blog and still learning things.
Thanks, Ginny . . . I’m glad you’re still reading my blog.
Sue, Happy Belated Birthday!
I’ve been too busy trying to avoid my own birthday (October 10, XXXX) to stay current, but I’m now caught up with your latest blogs, and I must say, I enjoy them all, smile and laugh with you… especially when you give details about Bridget and Spike.
FYI, I’ve decided to start subtracting 2 yrs for every birthday now, until I reach the 46/47 range. Then I’ll decide if I want to go any younger, or just stay there.
What a nice birthday party you had!
Regards,
Bob