Although I do not need eat beef, I was anxious to see what else The Café served up. Their Grilled Chicken Salad did not disappoint. Needless to say, after hiking with that heavy pack, I was hungry. This thing was huge! I ate half and saved the other half for dinner. My sister (who was following me) did order the burger and confirmed Carole’s review.

I was curious to meet the guys who were so afraid to come out and ask what I was doing. They were all very friendly, cordial, and accommodating. Phillip (second picture) was perhaps the funniest. When I walked in, he gave me a look that screamed, “Woman are you nuts!” but politely said, “Looks like you’re doing a lot of running…. or something.” I explained the cause and he of course followed with best wishes. I asked if he cared to walk with me as he looked dressed for the occasion. His responded with swift, succinct, “Hell, no.” Oh, I wanted to die laughing.

The Family that Plays Together Stays Together

During lunch, Carole regaled us with stories about how much she “adores” her kids and their respective spouses. A mother who actually likes her daughter-in-law and son-in-law? No, she loves them! Now, my curiosity was piqued. This is a story that I had to hear. She declined to go on camera forcing me to listen intently while I forked cubes of chicken into my mouth. As I mentioned in the last post, she and her husband are avid adventurers. They have lived out of their backpacks for six months, lived in Angola and Nigeria, and are planning a coast to coast biking trip which starts next month.

I asked Carole about the qualities that her son-in-law and daughter-in-law possess which causes her to be so effusive with praise. Simply put, “they take time to play.” They engage in lots of outdoor activities. Her son-in-law once planned a hiking trip even though he was afraid of heights. The rest of the family supported him along the way and allowed him to go at his own pace and complete the hike in his own time. The same son-in-law is, in turn, supportive of his wife’s demanding career and work schedule. Carole’s daughter is finishing her residency and works crazy hours. Carole says he just picks up the slack at home when and where needed without any question. “He just adores her!”

The Community that Plays Together Stays Together

I also asked my lunch hosts about the East Bernard sign I saw as I entered. Why is this town such “a good place to live?” The number one answer was, “The whole community goes to the high school football games.” Sounds a lot like La Porte!

Robin graciously offered to be my Family for the Night. However, since the nearest athletic store was in Houston, I returned home once again to buy more appropriate technical clothing for warmer weather. I was thrilled at the offer needless to say.

In the spirit of community, I am not sure who paid the check. Carole invited us but no money ever exchanged hands. The Café was nearing its closing time when we arrived, and we literally closed down to the place. We all walked out together. I am inclined to believe that the curious, yet humble owners silently waived the tab.

Nevertheless, cheers to you Carole, Robin, Phillip, and The Café of East Bernard!