We slept in until 9 a.m.
Then it was the usual CBS Sunday Morning on TV.
Just after noon we went to Harbor Freight in Leesburg, FL. I wanted to pick up a "Corded" drill like the one Nick got last week. Doing the headlight renewal last week meant having to wait for the batteries on the "Cordless" drill to recharge. Even though I had 2 batteries they did not give enough "use time" at full power to do a good job without recharging. Thus, the need for a corded drill.
I purchased a 3/8 inch "Close Quarters Drill". The motor is mounted vertically instead of horizontally with a gear assembly giving it essentially a "Right Angle" turn to the drive. This makes the "Drill" portion much shorter than that in a regular drill allowing it to get into "Close Quarter".
The guys (Liz, Nick and Marty) gave us a gift card for Manny's Original Chop House. Today would be the day. After Harbor Freight we started on the route I had planned and entered into the GPS. Using the "back roads" to get there we would avoid the heavy traffic of the major roads.
It was a relaxing trip with virtually no traffic. The weather was perfect for driving the Del Sol in convertible mode. This is not the time of year to be in this part of Florida if you have severe allergies. The hood of the car actually has a very thin coat of golden pollen covering it completely - amazing. The drive was such a treat. With the top off we encountered the wonderful fragrance of the orange blossoms several times during the trip.
The guys included a brochure and a "Call Ahead" card for Manny's with the gift card. You cannot make a reservation; however, if you call ahead you can get your name on the "waiting list". We called when we were 20 minutes out and only had to wait a few minutes. Usually, Manny's doesn't open until 4 pm - except on Sunday - when they open at 9:30 a.m. We figured arriving at 3 p.m. would be a good time to avoid the rush. The regular parking lot had only a few spots left - even at this odd eating hour.
Hey! How many places have a "Corvette" hostess desk?
This is really a "must visit" - if just for the atmosphere. Now we know why Nick likes Manny's so much!
The eclectic memorabilia includes the "Blues Brothers".
Even the "Bluesmobile" was there!
When we went to wash our hands the adventure continued. The door handle was from a gas pump.
...and how about the '57 Chevy decor in the
Service was fast and friendly. Jason was fun to talk with - when he was not "crazy busy" serving (which was most of the time). He was so fast, when he served the salad (which was super tasty), the camera could not capture an image without blurring (grin).
When he found out we were RVers, Jason revealed that his passion would be to RV across America in an Airstream Trailer. He also told us about Bates Airstream Ranch. Bates is one of Americas largest Airstream dealers.in the U.S. The Airstream Ranch can be seen off I-4 (Eastbound Lane is best) just west of Exit 14.
This is an RV version of the Cadillac Ranch that we saw in Amarillo, TX. The Cadillac Ranch was an art project that consisted of 1949 to 1963 Cadillacs, half-buried nose-first in the ground (by year), at an angle corresponding to that of the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt. Graffiti is encouraged at the Cadillac Ranch location; however, it is appropriate that the Aluminum Airstream bodies remain in their original state.
We ordered our usual - 9 oz. filets (Charlotte's - medium / mine medium-rare). They were terrific!
We really came at a good time. The entry was so packed when we left we could hardly make our way to the door. The "Pager" rack that held at least 4 dozen units only had a few left. The regular parking lot was now full. The overflow parking lot was also full and the grass area beyond was almost full. There were at least a hundred cars in the parking lot now. Another few dozen folks were waiting outside. The tradition here is "Manny's Tailgate Party". While waiting for their buzzer folks get a drink from the bar and head to the parking lot to drink and chat. This is a unique place!
Good food - good prices - good service and a great atmosphere - no wonder they are always packed. Thanks guys for the Gift Card! It was a lot of fun!
The return trip to the RV was equally enjoyable. (Has anybody bottled the orange blossom odour?)
All that fresh air and sunshine (not to mention - being stuffed) took it's toll. We decided to pass on the Sunday Night Trivia event in the Rec Hall - besides, I think most of our team is on the Key West Trip this weekend.
I don't think we will have to be rocked to sleep tonight!
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