Out & About with Linda

Well, it FINALLY happened. I have officially be referred to as an “older lady.” Publicly!!!

Hey, I know I’ve surpassed the age of being called an ingénue, but an “older lady?” I’m not ready for that. Of course, it was said gently and without malice… but still, I did hear myself referred to as an older lady!!! But, let me clarify the whole story, which by itself, is REALLY quite amazing…
I was in a car accident this month. I’m fine. More rattled than anything else. Was traveling along Old York Road going to a bakery in Elkins Park to pick up some goodies for my lovely daughter-in-law, Deena. Made a left onto Stahr Road and BAM!! I don’t think I’ll ever forget the jolt I felt.

Once the police report was taken, etc. I thought I could go on my way straight to the bakery. However, I felt my car wobble and the ESC said it needed attention, so I decided it was best to call AAA and be towed to safety. I found myself in a parking lot across from the bakery. SO, YES, even in my shaken state, I managed to pick up Deena’s goodies and wait for AAA to arrive. LOL!!
Was I lucky!! What was supposed to be an approximately 3-4 hour wait turned into just 45 minutes (or less). My car was hooked up to be towed and I jumped in the truck cabin accompanying my car. I talked with the driver introducing myself, etc. and who would have believed it?! He was an original Carrier Pigeon delivery boy. Phil Fisher, the driver, is a member of that very special fraternity….the Carrier Pigeon Delivery Guys from way back then. He was among the teens that drove around in the open trucks, rolled the Pigeon in a bag and threw them on the yards of so many people in Northeast Philadelphia. I felt so comfortable in his care. I really figured someone above was looking after me.

But this is not all!!!

We talked about the repairs my car would need. As it turns out, he’s owner of Tom Sawyer Auto Repair in Warminster. I said take me over. Convenient, and I trusted Phil, he delivered me to Tom Sawyer. David Siper, his partner, got me settled with my insurance and a car rental. As he was making the rental arrangements, I hear David say, “No, the van won’t work. She’s an older lady. She’ll need a ladder to get in!” Do I have to tell you the darts in my eyes were in slo’ mo’? I just looked at Dave forlornly, thinking to myself that I had finally crossed over to where I wasn’t ready to go. This realization was almost too much to bear!

Yup, this “older lady” was in good hands… but again, this is only part of my story.

If you remember, a few months ago, I reported that I had an emergency issue with my tires while traveling on York Road in Willow Grove. As I recounted, I pulled over to an unknown auto repair shop and literally banged on the garage door for assistance. It was almost 5:30 and they were just about to close. But I continued to bang on the door. I guess the gentleman inside took mercy on this “older lady”!

George, the mechanic, helped me out and I am forever appreciative. The name of this Auto Shop? Tom Sawyer Auto Repair!!! They’re an affiliate of my new Tom Sawyer Auto Repair in Warminster?! Who would have guessed?! LOL!

SO funny!! Happenstance? Fate? Who knows, but Tom Sawyer Auto Repair is definitely my go-to car place now. I’m not sure when I’ll get back my repaired car, but I do know I feel comfortable and secure in the work that will be done. And every “older lady” needs that security when getting their car fixed!! Stay tuned!!!

I finally had a chance to check out Meadowlark Bakery on Old York Road in Warminster. I believe they just celebrated their one-year anniversary at this location. They’ve become a go-to place for take-out breakfast, lunch and dinner, AND ice cream. That’s Gifford’s ice cream from Maine. Take it from me, you’ll want to enjoy this creamy dessert.

Their baked goods are superlative. I grabbed a sampling for my office and we all agreed “buttery, deliciously layered and decadent.” We especially liked the Koulgn-Amann, a smallish cake thinly layered with dough and covered with sticky sugar, honey…. just a bit crispy where you’d want it to be crispy. We shared a Cinnamon Muffin…. with a tendency to be dry, this muffin was moist and light. We also liked the Chocolate Croissant with chocolate that was almost solid. Very good.

On another visit I enjoyed a specialty, the Meadowlark Sammie. A he-man sandwich, served with chips, I shared it with my pal Theresa. I also checked out their home baked sourdough loaf. Don’t scream, but I used it to make my own toasted croutons. Yummy. Highly recommended.

Once the weather warms up a bit, there’s an outdoor patio to sit and enjoy a coffee, tea, or meal. It should be quite a gathering especially with Gifford’s ice cream on the menu. Trust me, you’ll want to go for the ice cream!!! Just remember to tell the folks at Meadowlark you heard about them here, between our covers. We’d like to get them ON OUR PAGES!! LOL!!

Break Time Family Restaurant just opened on York Road in Warminster. I haven’t had a chance to pay them a visit but promised to join them on their grand opening February 7. Some local celebrities are expected at this Ribbon Cutting. (P.S. That’s not me!!) I hope to visit Break Time before then. You can look for my “report” in the March issue. However, if you visit before the March issue, maybe you’ll share your comments and let’s see if they’ll appear in that issue!! The owners are working hard at making this restaurant part of the landscape of delicious, casual dining. Stay tuned!

And one of our favorite restaurants, Rozana Mediterranean Grill in Hatboro is introducing a special dessert, Konafa, this month. Especially priced for February, use the coupon on their ad on page 6 and split this crunchy, creamy, sweet dessert. It’s the perfect ending for whatever delicious entree you choose.

So, this “older lady” is finally signing out. See you in March. I pray it will be much less eventful than these past few weeks!! P.S. All prayers are accepted!!

Thank you!

Tom Sawyer Auto Body & Repair
327 Madison Avenue . Warminster
215-674-2713

Meadowlark Bakery & Cafe
1414 Old York Road . Warminster
215-902-9155

Break Time family Restaurant
41 York Road . Warminster
215-307-3198

Rozana Mediterranean Grill
802 S. York Road . Hatboro
267-400-0022