OT: The Definition Of Insanity

CTMike

I’m sure we’ve all heard insanity defined as doing something over and over, expecting a different outcome. In my case, the something is trying local BBQ restaurants. 

I am in Russellville, Arkansas to visit a close friend from the military who is in the local hospice as he is nearing the end of his days due to ALS. After our visit last night we all went to Fat Daddy’s BBQ. Yelp reviews looked promising, hour wait for a table, decent menu.

Ordered a two meat combo with brisket and pulled pork. Brisket was dryer than the Mojave, and only edible by drowning it in sauce. The pork was moist and tender, but had zero smoke flavor. 

So, I have resolved to not set foot in to another bbq restaurant until I am able to make a pilgrimage to Austin.

Bottom line, if you ever find yourself in Russellville and are tempted, give Fat Daddy’s a hard pass.

Ozzie_Isaac

Sorry about your friend, and sorry about the last meal.

I only got to BBQ or steak restaurants if others in the dinner party want too. I have very low expectations for the food.  That way I don't get disappointed, and occasionally am pleasantly surprised by decent food.  I go to eat with friends and enjoy their company, definitely not for the food at BBQ places.

CTMike

Ozzie_Isaac said:

Sorry about your friend, and sorry about the last meal.

I only got to BBQ or steak restaurants if others in the dinner party want too. I have very low expectations for the food.  That way I don't get disappointed, and occasionally am pleasantly surprised by decent food.  I go to eat with friends and enjoy their company, definitely not for the food at BBQ places.

Thanks for the kind words. The restaurant was plan B as the local pasta place had a 2 hour wait. I also had low expectations for the food, but I always hold out the small shred of hope that I will be pleasantly surprised.  

Jstroke

My condolences on both. No fun. Needed some comfort to feed the soul and got dealt a second blow. Maybe cook a favorite and remember the friendship with a toast or two. 

lousubcap

Condolences to all impacted by your friend's illness.  But I'm sure you made his day by making the trip to visit.

I have a rule I have lived with for many, many decades. "Never order in a restaurant that which you can cook at home."  However, chasing brisket in Central Texas does break the rule-and for good reason. 

caliking

Sorry to hear about your friend. You're a good egg for being there for him. 

CTMike

Ozzie_Isaac said:

Sorry about your friend, and sorry about the last meal.

Jstroke said:

My condolences on both. No fun. Needed some comfort to feed the soul and got dealt a second blow. Maybe cook a favorite and remember the friendship with a toast or two. 

lousubcap said:

Condolences to all impacted by your friend's illness.  But I'm sure you made his day by making the trip to visit.

caliking said:

Sorry to hear about your friend. You're a good egg for being there for him. 

Thanks for the kind words all. Danny is a great friend, we spent many hours shooting the breeze in the horseshoe (an area in the engine room of a 688 where upper level watchstanders would hang out) as we were in the same watch section for close to 3 years.  

There was 8 of us that came so the hospice staff put us in the chapel as his room wasn’t large enough for everyone, but we didn’t realize this. Needless to say, they will need a fire truck full of Holy Water to reconsecrate that room after some of the words that were spoken. 

It was a great time, we had many laughs, but it hurt my heart to say goodbye knowing that this was likely the last time I would see him, as ALS progresses quickly in most people, sadly he is no exception. 

alaskanassasin

There aren’t words.

The Cen-Tex Smoker

Awesome visit Mike. We all have our time to go- friends and family make all the difference. I would never make any assumptions about anyone else but for me, having great friends and family around would make that so much better for me. And after that visit, I hope Danny found a little comfort in your visit and I hope he goes peacefully when he’s ready. ALS is no joke and that struggle cannot be overestimated. If I’m ever in that boat, I hope it’s as short as possible with hugs and laughs with friends and family before I go. 

Ragingirishman2

My condolences for your friend and I’m glad you were able to have a good visit. Best wishes. 

danhoo

Sounds like a time when the journey was more than the destination.

Kayak

I had a friend who passed from ALS. I wish he’d have given his friends a chance for last goodbyes, but it wasn’t what he wanted. As a young man, he watched his grandfather pass from the disease and swore he wouldn’t linger if it ever struck him. It did and he didn’t. His wife and kids were not caught by surprise when he took his own life, so I guess that’s good.