We had not ventured to Devine Street from our NE Columbia home next to Sesqui Street, but this was my birthday, and I had heard that Il Giorgione on Devine was excellent. So down 77 we go to Fort Jackson to Devine Street, parked the car, and walked to the door, which was locked, “Closed until dinner.”

So we went next door to Back Street Grill, which we had heard about, but not yet tried. We sat on the deck for an early lunch. The vibe was convivial, with other diners having lively conversations. The server, Luke, was experienced, charming, maybe late 20s, having worked there for four years after working at Halls Chop House. I always ask the server’s name, because I can’t see them. Maybe that’s an old people’s thing.

We had a most delicious lunch: He had a pastrami with Swiss on rye and French fries, I with a cranberry pecan, goat cheese salad with a cup of one of the most flavorful, beef, mushroom, and barley October soup.

During COVID, my husband and I had Field Trip Fridays. We’d eat out and explore the countryside of Kershaw County, eating outside often at La Fiesta under the covered deck with its bountiful coleus during summer and heaters during the cool weather. We also ate at McCaskill Farms on Fridays occasionally. Sometimes, we’d drive to Bishopville, my husband’s home, to pick up his sister to take for lunch and a drive through the countryside. When her husband was still alive, we’d pick up a Zaxby’s salad or barbecue to share. She would serve ice cream for dessert, having cooked enough throughout her married life to feed her husband and their four children, plus host Thanksgiving and Christmas. Then the daughters-in-law and sons took over hosting meals at one of their children’s houses. Having a picnic out in the countryside in rural Lee County was miraculous. We brought bag chairs and a dish to share, except for these last few times, we did not have to bring anything, because we had aged out….rather graduated!