Late-Bird Specials

Hubby and I are now officially stereotype seniors. July4th will be the date that I will set aside to celebrate my admitting to myself and all those who could read my mind, “I’m old, and so are my friends.”

The weather, as usual, was sweltering—nothing unusual for South Florida for this time of the year. It never deterred my peers from joining the festivities before, but this year was different. Not one friend wanted to join the crowds watching the fireworks along the beach.

“Too hot.”
“I can’t schlep the folding chair from the parking lot to the beach.”
“I can’t handle the crowds…too dangerous…too many germs…may get sick.”


What was most depressing after hearing all my suggestions shot down, I was relieved no one wanted to do any of the fun things the local news suggested we do to celebrate. The Souza marches blasting from the various national celebrations that were on TV were more than satisfying, as was my development’s coral group’s performance on the 3d. Sitting soaked to my skin in my own perspiration never appeals to me, but I usually go along with the crowd.

My local area has drastic population reduction from the beginning of May until late October. The snowbirds flee north to avoid our horrible heat—although I have suggested to them that they return home since this summer it’s actually cooler in South Florida. Thus, to stay alive when these folks flee, local restaurants have fantastic deals. Unless one wants lobster, you can get a pretty good dinner for $8-$10 dollars tops—and, if you like Mexican or hamburgers, less than that. I would be the biggest liar in the world if I denied that my crowd isn’t walking into every restaurant with coupon or cash in hand to take advantage.

After the decision was made not to join the movers and shakers who were celebrating outside, I suggested I barbeque. “Why?” asked a friend. “One restaurant has a $6 hamburger special, including drinks and fries.”

Any shopper knows I can’t invite people and get away with spending less than $12 on food and drinks. On July 4th, as the fireworks blasted along the beach, a local restaurant was filled with seniors who celebrated by eating the special in air-conditioned comfort, only it’s no longer served before 6 as it was in my parent’s day.

Cocktail Hour at COSTCO

Today Hubby and I officially became full-fledged, stereotype, seniors. We were out on errands all afternoon – our last stop being COSTCO – right before the dinner hour. I usually shop in COSTCO early afternoon or at night, so I was not aware that late afternoon was “Cocktail Hour.” Occasionally I see samples when I shop in the early afternoon, but never to the extent that they had them that time of the day.

It was almost as if from the time I entered the store until it was time to check out, a different course of a 7-course menu was along my usual path. From cheese on crackers, nuts, a tiny taste of lasagna, goodies were everywhere. Best of all was the whole-wheat breaded tilapia. (It was so good, we went back for seconds, then thirds, and finally brought two packages to take home.)

Hubby was disappointed there were no samples in the wine section. “After all, what’s a good cocktail hour without wine?” he asked.

Someone overheard him. “There may not be wine, but the dessert makes up for it,” she said and pointed to a lady doling out samples of chocolate.

As we loaded our car, I started to laugh. “Do you remember how years ago we made fun of my parents and their friends who only ate at the early-bird specials?”

He nodded.

Well, it’s not even five and we’ve already eaten.