Easter was freaking scary. About 500 old people live here. Most of the old people have family who either spring the inmates or come and visit and eat with the inmates.
The Asylum makes a HUGE deal out of their “Easter Buffet Brunch” in the Jefferson Dining Room. All of the reservations were taken days ago. There are two sittings. “Appropriate Attire” is required. Of course, I don’t have a reservation. I planned on ignoring the whole thing.
I was doing my laundry this morning, when a man who has lived here many years told me the secret. He said to go down to the “Bistro” right at 1130 when they will start to serve a limited version of the buffet. Ask for a take out box. Fill it up and come back upstairs and enjoy a nice peaceful lunch whenever. And, be sure to get enough to have leftovers for dinner.
I was still going to ignore the whole thing. But, I went downstairs at 11:30 figuring it wouldn’t be busy. Well, I was wrong. The entire first floor was stuffed with people. All dressed up. Except for me. I am wearing jeans and a sweatshirt. People of all ages. Our population of 500 has expanded to include children, grandkids and great grandkids.
I notice that the Bistro has a modest buffet line setup. And, no customers. Everyone is in lines for the first sitting in THE FORMAL DINING ROOM, PROPER ATTIRE REQUIRED. So, as I was instructed, I get a box of food, from the Bistro. And retreat to the tranquility of my apartment.
I go back downstairs at 2PM – and the lobby is still stuffed with people waiting to get at the buffet lines.
Thank you, man in the laundry room. This shall be my plan for each and every formal holiday meal at the asylum. Take Out. And, since Carlton and I never actually celebrated the traditional holidays… I don’t get all sentimental about them. I am perfectly happy to eat, drink and read. Alone.
Being happy in the asylum requires patience, flexibility, and being nice to everyone no matter what. But, if this was Easter, it is frightening to think of what Xmas must be like. Well, it will be a few years before I have to find out what Xmas @ Asylum is like. (Hopefully).