Things might be changing

You’re driving along on the interstate. You and your passenger’s stomachs are empty and your bladders are full. You pass exit after exit without food or rest area signs until finally, “Halleluiah”, an exit sign with restaurants and gas stations listed. You get to the exit, look around and decide that the area looks like you landed in the twilight zone. Oh well, the sign says food that a way so we take the turn, squeeze our legs together and head for relief. Oh yah, so we thought. We drive and drive and drive with nothing in sight, where the hell is the damn restaurant? I’m embarrassed to tell you where some of my bladder relief’s have been. I swear it should be against the law to post a highway sign unless you’re less than a mile from the exit.

Well, this little “bitch” was the result of a recent trip four of us made on the way to a golfing location, Crumpin Fox, to be exact, in Bernardston, Massachusetts. It was very early in the morning and we were all anxious to have a coffee and some breakfast. First possible exit had a Cracker Barrel so we got off only to find it was closed at that early hour. Onward we went to another exit with a Friendly’s sign. Took the exit and started to look for the restaurant. Well, I still don’t know where the Friendly’s was, but I now know what Holyoke looks like in the morning. We’re a little frustrated, but we haven’t starved yet and none of us are crossing our legs so we truck Northward.

We see the exit for Northampton, Mass ahead and lo and behold, it’s got another Friendly listed. No way can we strike out again, but we did. Now it’s onward to a tour of downtown Northampton with still no sign of the Friendly’s……unbelievable. We’re almost out of town when we spot a diner sign, the Blue Bonnet Diner. Doesn’t look that exciting, but at this point we definitely need some food and a coffee? What a surprise when looks are deceiving. Diner was large, clean, service excellent and as fussy as I am with breakfast (you recall some of my previous blogs), I have to admit that the cheese omelet I ordered was by far the best I have had in my 75 years. Couldn’t believe it! And the home fries were good too. All of us were very, very happy we never got to a Friendly’s. Once in a while things turn out great.

Golf turned out pretty good too. Weather held out, no rain, not too hot, beer was cold and I survived 27 holes. Might have been a little too many holes for this old fart. Didn’t play that well, but my partner and I still took the young guys for $4.00 bucks.

By the way we stopped at the Blue Bonnet again for dinner. This ones a real keeper. For $10.59 I had a huge New England boiled dinner of corned beef, boiled potatoes, carrots and turnips. Even building a real hunger after all that golf I still had trouble finishing the meal. All that and a super waitress to boot. Are things changing for me? What the hell am I going to bitch about?

A LITTLE HISTORY OF THE BLUEBONNET DINER

Built by the Worcester Lunch Car Company in 1950, the historic Bluebonnet Diner stands as a familiar Northampton landmark. The name "Bluebonnet" is derived from the Texas state flower of the same name.

Seeing many additions over the years, yet sparing the original craftsmanship, the diner takes on a character all its own.

The dining room was added in 1960, with the later additions of a lounge and banquet all in 1967. Since its beginning, the Bluebonnet has seen a ten-fold increase in seating; with a present capacity of 110 in the restaurant, and 240 in the banquet hall.

Good food, prepared by competent people is standard fare here. Many recipes have earned us the reputation for good home-style cooking. We are most famous for our home-made puddings and cream pies.

The versatility of the Florentine Room (the banquet hall) is present in a week's schedule. The hall has seen many faces, from weddings, showers, and receptions to meetings, seminars, and parties.