Mama Says Monday

So….my daughter calls me the Slacker. Can you believe it? Y’all might recall about a month ago I was sick, so sick. I had a stomach bug with violent throwing up and an upset stomach. Not the best subject for a blog. But I can’t stand to throw up. If I throw up, I consider myself on my last leg, don’t bother with an emergency ride in an ambulance to the hospital, just go ahead and call the funeral home. This was a big concern of mine when I had cancer and was taking chemo. I didn’t want to be sick and throw up. I prayed long and hard about this matter. And I believe in answered prayers. I was never sick during chemo. Let me rephrase that. I never threw up. Which was such a blessing for me. However, never let it be said that God doesn’t have a sense of humor. Because, while I never was sick to my stomach, about 30 minutes before my first chemo ended, I had my first bout with an upset stomach. I made it about 15 miles from the cancer center, when I had my husband stop at a Hardee’s for another bout. And such was my everyday life for next six months plus. Be careful what you pray fervently for, because I got just what I asked for. And don’t get me wrong, I am certainly not complaining. I could, and did, deal with that problem easier than vomiting. I just had to make sure of a nearby restroom. And I continued to work most days. God is surely good!

But I have been plagued with a stomach bug twice in the last month. In fact, this past Sunday, we came home from vacation, and my back was killing me. That lasted a couple of days and then I had one good day, and then the stomach bug hit again. Look up that funeral home number again and keep it handy, I might just need it.

So anyway, Aleta tells me I can’t be a slacker again. No excuse will work. She is crackin’ the whip and I must write. 

While we were at Daytona, we got the opportunity to go to Aunt Catfish’s Restaurant. Ironically, this is one of our favorite places. Ironic because none of us like seafood. But they have an amazing Sunday brunch. The first Sunday, we had my aunt with us. She had never experienced Aunt Catfish’s. I think we have a new convert.

My Aunt Jean and I, enjoying the beach.

But let me tell you why we love this place even though we hate seafood. There is a fishcamp area with baked beans, coleslaw, cheese grits, and wonderful cinnamon rolls. Then there is the salad room, with 3 walls of salad fixins and a chocolate fountain in the center with fruits, marshmallows etc that can be drizzled with the chocolate. O heavenly day!! Then there is the buffet area, where there is lots of choices from mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, fried catfish, catfish filets, hush puppies, bacon, sausage, ham, baked turkey, macaroni and cheese, eggs benedict, and a couple of veggies. Now while I proclaim that I don’t like seafood, I do so love hush puppies and theirs are absolutely the best. Beyond the buffet, is the omelet and pancake station. Here you can pick out the items that you want in your omelet or pancakes. They offer specialty pancakes like Hummingbird pancakes with pineapple and banana and nuts, and Bananas Foster pancakes. I can’t remember all they offer, but they sound wonderful. I must admit I have never made it that far. Maybe next time.

Rheba was working that first weekend, so she didn’t get to go. We took my aunt home on Tuesday (because she had a doctor’s appointment on Wednesday) and picked Rheba up. We felt really bad about Rheba missing out on a trip to Aunt Catfish’s, so we stayed an extra day so she could go. Now, we have always gotten there after 11:00am but decided to go earlier this time so we could start home sooner. It has always been busy, and you would have to wait a few minutes, but it was never very bad if you got there before the church crowd arrives. We arrived before 10:00 and figured there would be no problem. Wrong!! Longest line we have ever encountered. We had to wait about 45 minutes (we were told we might have to wait 1 hour and 15 minutes) but as usual, it was well worth it. But one little tidbit, the baked turkey doesn’t come out to the buffet line until 11:00. Also, if the brunch I described didn’t float your boat, you can always order off the menu (you know, the seafood stuff).

The only drawback is the brunch buffet is only offered on Sunday until 2:00, so if you are not in the area, you miss church. But I understand from some of my seafood loving friends that it is also a wonderful place to dine any other day. Can’t wait until our next trip!!

Until next week,

Cynthia Kay