Lydia's Farewell

On Friday night, we celebrated Lydia’s final days in the U.S. Because if her Wii bowling experience, I decided we would go actual bowling, since it truly is American and you can see some true Americana in a bowling alley.

We arrived at the bowling alley a little after six as I had to stop and get gas. As the gas was pumping, I got back in the car because it was so cold outside. Lydia asked, “Is the fuel that you put in your car a liquid or a gas?” I replied that it was a liquid. She said, “Then why do you call it gas?” “It’s short for gasoline,” I said, “Although I am not sure what the gasoline is made of. Is it methane?...” Again, it’s one of the things I take for granted and don’t know much about. Lydia tends to laugh at me at moments like this.

At the bowling alley, we were able to get the “corporate rate,” which meant that we had enough people to get $1 off each person for two hours of bowling and shoes. We ended up with three lanes, two for adults and one for the children so they could put the bumpers up (although I could have used the bumpers on my lane as well). I had forgotten how much fun bowling was, especially when you are with such great people. Teaching Lydia how to play was interesting. She quickly got the concept, but like with any sport, putting it into action is another story. I think the first couple of bowls were gutters, but then so were mine, so what can you say? We bowled two games and had a blast. The scores reflected the fun more so than the talent. By the end of the second game, Lydia had the hang of it, as her score was higher.

After dinner, we headed to D’s Wings for dinner. It was very uneventful. We had decided that after dinner, we would head over the Krispy Kreme Doughnuts for some dessert. As we were driving to the bowling alley, I remembered that I promised Lydia I would let her taste a Krispy Kreme doughnut. When we got to Krispy Kreme, the “Hot Doughnuts Now” sign was blazing, and the store was packed.!! It had been a long time since I had been to Krispy Kreme, but I have never seen so many people there in my life. The drive thru line was wrapped around the building, and the line inside was almost as long. When we walked in, I began showing Lydia how the doughnuts were made. I think she was very interested in the mechanical process including the conveyor belts. Nicole had given us coupons for a free doughnut. I got the Valentine’s Day special: the heart shaped doughnut with white chocolate and sprinkles!! Lydia got the glazed and lemon filled. When she tasted it, her eyes lit up. She said, “I think if I lived here, I would be spoiled by these doughnuts.” I was worried that it would be too sweet for her. I think it was but still yummy for her.

Bowling, wings, and Krispy Kreme… it doesn’t get any more Southern than that.