July 4 started out to be a pretty good day. Decided to go out for brunch to celebrate our country’s independence. There aren’t a lot of choices in our city, but we decided to try a place we hadn’t been to for years. The parking looked great—plenty of handicapped places. And we were pleased when seeing so many customers wearing patriotic clothing. Got inside, and looked for the host, or whatever they call the person who meets you at the door and arranges for seating. Nobody at the desk. Waited awhile. Nada. Finally called out, ‘anybody here?” That brought someone out from the back. Everything went downhill from there. Warning! Help Wanted is a bad sign.

Warning! Help Wanted is a bad sign. The service will be poor. — Warning! Help Wanted is a bad sign. You will not receive good service.

Got seated by a pleasant young woman who brought us our coffee right away. We perused the menu, and decided what to have. She took her time getting back to our table, but we weren’t unduly concerned. While waiting, we looked around. The place was half empty. Unusual for a Sunday morning. She finally came back and took our order. And then the long wait began.

They didn’t have WIFI, so I couldn’t get much on my phone to pass the time. After half an hour, she came and asked if we wanted more coffee. We said, “no, we’d like to have our food, if that’s possible.” She swallowed hard. “I’m afraid it’s going to be awhile,” she said. “Like, how long?” I asked. “Maybe 20 minutes,” she replied.

We debated whether or not to leave. But by now, we’d invested too much time to leave, go somewhere else, park, and start all over again. The hunger pangs were making us cranky, so I looked for the waitress. Nowhere in sight. I rose from my seat to find her standing outside the kitchen. Asked her if she could fix us a couple pieces of toast while we waited. She agreed. I looked back in the kitchen and saw only one cook at the grill. No wonder the service was so slow!

We had never waited that long in any restaurant for a simple brunch. How much time does it take to cook bacon and eggs? But as we drove away, we looked at the sign outside. It said, “HELP WANTED. SERVERS AND COOKS AT BOTH LOCATIONS.” If only we had seen that before we walked in.

Obviously, the poor service is a result of the federal unemployment compensation due to Covid-19. When combined with state unemployment checks, restaurant workers can make more money staying at home than going to work. Especially in places that don’t serve liquor– which generates bigger tips.. I felt sorry for the young people who were working that day. Glad we left our waitress a good tip. It wasn’t her fault.

Warning! HELP WANTED is a bad sign.

For the past 10 months, we’ve been treading water. Just trying to keep going, staying alive and well. It’s been a time of emotional ups and downs, as we adjust to the social isolation and other restrictions of the covid-19 pandemic . Now. there’s light at the end of the tunnel. We can allow ourselves to think of seven New Year hopes and dreams for 2021.

Vaccine: Not sure when it’s going to be available. We’re hoping to get it in the next month or so. My husband has agreed to go first. If he can handle it all right, I’ll get it too. Not looking forward to the side effects, but there really isn’t any choice.

Dinner at a fine restaurant. We’ve done a lot more take out this year, but sitting down with cardboard containers at your table doesn’t quite do the job. I want to get dressed up, go out for dinner, and enjoy the ambiance: Romantic lighting. Soft music. An appealing menu of delicious food. . Attentive wait staff. Afterwards, nothing to clean up or throw away in the kitchen.

7 hopes and dreams for the new year — 7 new year hopes and dreams include dining at a fine restaurant.

Getting a Haircut.. Salons have been open, but I’ve not been willing to take that risk. I’ve done a pretty decent job of cutting my own hair, but a professional will do much better.

Talking to people when out in public. When wearing a stocking cap and mask, most people don’t recognize me. And even if I see someone I know, , I’m afraid to stop and chat. Didn’t realize how much I miss interacting with casual friends and acquaintences.

Swimming. Yes the pool at the YMCA has been open. And they’re following all the guidelines for social distancing, but it’s a little too high risk at my age. I was okay with it in the summer because I could leave without going into the locker room. But walking out in the cold with damp clothes is not my idea of fun. I just want to dive in the water, swim, do some exercises, get out, take a shower, dry my hair, get dressed, and walk out into the sunshine.

Senior center activities. Our local senior center is a haven for the retirement crowd. Miss the camaraderie of participating in tai chi and playing mahjong. Eager to once again see friendly faces, and having a good time.

Family get togethers. You can Skype and Zoom all you want, but it’s not the same as hearing the laughter of your grandchildren, seeing the light in their eyes. and the feel of a warm hug.

Happy New Year!

Tag: restaurants

WARNING! HELP WANTED IS A BAD SIGN.

We had never waited that long in any restaurant for a simple brunch. How much time does it take to cook bacon and eggs? But as we drove away, we looked at the sign outside. It said, “HELP WANTED. SERVERS AND COOKS AT BOTH LOCATIONS.” If only we had seen that before we walked in.