The economy continues to change.  Many businesses simply can’t survive, others don’t know how to survive and at others, the employees don’t know how to treat their clients. 

On Wednesday, George and I celebrated our twentieth wedding anniversary.  We had two daughters within the first two years of our marriage and life at our home was hectic.  We forgot our first few anniversaries and our forgetfulness became a joke.  But twenty years, that’s a biggie. 

We decided to celebrate at Celestino’s in Pasadena;  I phoned, the hostess said to come right over, no reservation necessary.   We thought we would enjoy a celebratory drink at their small bar before being seated, (it wasn’t yet 6:00 PM).  Their bar accommodates five and three men were plunked in the middle, no offer to move down a seat, so we asked to be seated.  George informed the hostess of our anniversary and requested a corner table.  There seemed to be lots of empty tables to choose from, the front patio was empty and only two filled tables in the main dining room.   Apparently every table except the one next to a lovely family with children was reserved. I thought the economy was floundering, I had no idea that Wednesday’s 6 PM dinner rush at Celestino’s was so busy. George refused the table, told the hostess that she should remember us, we dine there at least a ½ dozen times a year and that they won’t be seeing us again.  Glendale’s Far Niente restaurant also offers excellent Italian food, and they are always polite with "regulars".

Now where to go?  We decided on Pasadena’s Chop House.  When told of our anniversary, they couldn’t be nicer, a lovely table, complimentary desert, orchids for me to take home and of course a fabulous dinner.