Last night my dear husband took me out to dinner because I had worked so hard all week.  NOT!   Actually we had been itching to get back to the new restaurant in town and it was a great chance to do that!   The Italian Garden has opened up very close to us and the last time we were there together was after it had only been opened a couple of weeks.   They were a little chaotic and slow in the service department that night but you know–you gotta bear with that sometimes. The food was delish and that is all that matters to me.  Well, last night the service was great and the food was fabulous.  I had the Penne Bolognaise and it did not disappoint.  I am all about my food, ya’ll!!!   But something caught my eye…..

We were seated toward the back of the restaurant and I could not help to notice a table of women sitting farther back. The restaurant does not have a liquor license yet but you can bring your own—I guess when you think Italian you automatically think wine!   Well, this table of ladies had wine.  From what I could see they had 8 bottles.  At first there were 3 ladies and I was a tad worried.  By the end of our meal there were 6 women so I guess that evened it out a bit but it sure struck me because I was sitting there judging (yep–I sure was).   As I thought about it I decided that it really was not my business at all.   As long as they did not drink and drive and endanger me or someone else why should I care?   But it kind of hit a chord with me on the level that if I was sitting there thinking about it—what do others think when they see me out someplace???  I don’t always behave in a great manner if I think about it.  Hmmm…..and I am not talking about alcohol consumption (that really isn’t my issue) but maybe just the way I might treat others or maybe I am loud when I shouldn’t be or whatever.   Kind of made me think that I needed to take that log out of my own eye.  What made me think I could pass judgment on a group of ladies who were probably just catching up and enjoying each others company??? Good life lesson for me. 

And if you are in the area and looking for a great place to eat reasonably I have to give a shout out to the place which has become my favorite here—-http://www.italiangardeniowa.com/index.html