By sunset Ruby and “Daisy” had reached the town of Loamsdown, where they would spend the night. They checked into their hotel. While “Daisy” handled the business of it, Ruby checked out the swimming pool. She peered into the window where she expected the pool to be, and choked back a laugh. “Wait until “Daisy” sees this” she thought to herself . When “Daisy” came to the window, she laughed out loud. She had to get pictures. It was a kidney shaped “pool” that was about the size of Ruby’s bathtub, above it was sign which read NO DIVING. They both giggled. (It was actually the “spa” and there was no pool).
By now Ruby and “Daisy” were ravenous and ready for that steak that they had now both been thinking about. They asked Lupita, the desk clerk, where to find “Insane Todo’s Steak House and Saloon”. Lupita drew them a map and they were on their way. As Ruby and Daisy walked out the door Lupita called out “Are you sure you don’t want to go to Outback?” Oh no! replied Ruby and “Daisy”, we want to try something local.”
They closely followed the map that Lupita drew for them. They were looking forward to seeing this fun, new place that the radio advertisement had them expecting. They drove up Route-66, passing 50's and 60's-era hotels and eateries. They drove and drove checking addresses as they went. Ruby finally spied a huge plastic heifer (the kind in front of the butcher shop at home), it was standing in front of a small, shed-like building. Above it was a faded sign which read “Insane Todo’s Steakhouse and Saloon.”
Both ladies were quiet as “Daisy” parked the Focus among the herd of pick-ups in the parking lot. As they approached the door, they silently looked at each other, eyes wide. They shrugged their shoulders, shook their heads and entered the ramshackle building.
They entered the dark room and found a booth beneath an aged swamp cooler. The red checked curtains meant to cover it were loose and blowing. They ran there hands across the gritty table, made a face and wiped them off on their respective shirts. This was so far opposed to what they expected that they just had to remain for the entire experience.
“You know, said Ruby attempting a positive spin , “sometimes places like this have the best food!” “Ooooookaaay” replied “Daisy”, not exactly sure.
A handsome young waiter came to their booth, welcomed them, and asked them if they wanted something to drink. Ruby went for the hard stuff, gulped it down and wiped her mouth with her sleeve. Ahhhhhh! That was a good one," she said. “Daisy” had a glass of wine which she primly sipped. They ordered their steaks and waited. “Daisy” jumped.. "Oh! she said. I just felt something on my leg." Ruby quickly moved her legs and looked under the table. She didn’t see anything, but she was still uneasy.
Finally the long-awaited steaks arrived. Ruby and “Daisy” picked up their knife and fork and attempted to dig in, and then they turned the steaks around and attempted again... and then again.... it would have been easier to eat their sandals!
When the waiter returned to check on them, “Daisy” told him of the tenancity of her steak. The waiter was sympathetic and offered cheesecake as a consolation. Ruby, being diabetic and “Daisy”, watching her carbs... declined his offer.
They bought T-shirts. The waiter took their picture in front of the large plastic heifer, and they left. Lupita’s voice was ringing in their ears,“Are you sure you don’t want to go to Outback?”
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