8/26/2026 at 5:24 p.m.

The mister called while he just pulled away from the parking space at his office. He said he's calling to invite me for a walk, if I'd like to.

OMG!

I never say no to so many things, especially to walks and hikes.

We went to the park but didn't park our car near it but a few alleys away. I love it when our routes are in these streets, as I get to see backyard gardens.

I was honestly jealous of the vegetables and flowers we passed by. In all of the years since I started gardening, this year is my lowest-achieving year. I have only a few varieties of plants that I was able to grow.

I do have a few flowers and vegetables, but most were grown from "volunteer" seeds. (Those plants that grew from the seeds dropped on the ground from that last year's crops.)

We passed by the creek at the park. I saw a bed of zinnias, hibiscus, cosmos, marigolds, begonias, tomatoes, pumpkins, and sunflowers. 

So envious. 

I will do better next year's planting season. 

Oh, by the way, we walked for an hour and hurried home because we were starving. What was for our dinner? It was roasted pork, and mango cucumber salad. I used the lemon cucumbers from our garden. 

Showroom

The mister had a medical procedure done today and hadn't had anything solid since yesterday. While still half awake from sedation, he told me that he's ready to have a burger for his late lunch.

He was very specific about his food choice, insisting that there must also be a milkshake.

Wow!

All the restaurants that we thought of were close on Mondays.

We also thought of another restaurant, Thai Meric Eatery and Bar. Although burgers aren't on their menu, it's closer to our home. Sadly, they're already on their midday closure but would open for their dinner hours starting at 4. 

Men! That's another hour and a half to wait.

Milkshake!? Burgers?!

I suggested Showroom! It serves milkshakes and burgers, plus the post office is on the way from the restaurant to our house. You see, I need to drop packages at the post office before it closes at 5. These packages contain items that I have sold from three of my online shops.

The last time we dined here was in February to celebrate my little sister's birthday. I usually order their Huevos Rancheros but decided to try something else this time.

J had their Double Stack Burger with duck fat fries, while I shared my chicken and waffle with him. We also shared an espresso milkshake. 

We inhaled them. I loved the sweet and savory marriage of flavors from my plate. The fries were also really good. They were cut thicker than usual, and the duck fat kicked the French fries up to a higher notch.

...and the milkshake? It was noteworthy!!!

Showroom 

882 N. East Street,

Frederick MD 

21701

8/22/2026 at 10:19 p.m.

Json just came home from a gathering held in Harper's Ferry. 

Me: Why are you home early? 

Json: Ma, they're old. 

Me: Old?!?! 

Json: I mean, they're in their 30s. 

Me: What are Papa and me? ANCIENT???

8/22/2026 at 4:25 p.m.

 At the dinner table...

Me: Papi, what's your favorite vegetarian food?

J: Rice!