#mariettaDiner – Dreaming Reality

What a Ride! Endgame Experience!

#mariettaDiner, art, Camaraderie, Dreaming Reality, free48, humor, Marvel’s Endgame, movies, Uncategorized

I must state simply that The Avengers series has gotten exponentially more exciting with every piece of the puzzle over the years, causing expectation levels to rise with each new installment. I was a bit nervous when the advertisements for #Endgame started to show up.

I have been exposed to this genre of film since my four sons were youngsters and none of us has stopped loving the various superheroes that really do exist in the imagiverse of sci-fi comic existence.

I have my favorites, of coures, being a closet Thor groupie. He is not dissimilar to HeMan, a favorite of my oldest. That child used to watch his Saturday lineup of cartoons, having to don full attire for each one, complete with his version of Bruce Banner clothes and Hulk’s torn transformation outfit. Of course, back in those days we were watching reruns of Lou Ferrigno and Bill Bixby’s Hulk, my personal favorite. 😉 Love you too, #Mark Ruffalo and Ed Norton, Jr.

So, if you have time, you must catch up on Spiderman-all of them-, The Incredible Hulk, Ironman, Antman-1&2-, Thor, Black Panther, all of The Avengers, Captain America, Captain Marvel….oh, and Guardians of the Galaxy. Got it? 🙈

I regularly tug out my copy of Guardians of the Galaxy when I want to feel hope for this troubled world. A good soundtrack while saving humanity is definitely a must for me.

ummmm….there is no secret about what a #Chris Pratt fan I am. Love the Pratt man. This might be my favorite role of his though.

So, unless you know the basic storylines for the main characters in Endgame, you might be lost and not enjoy the film as much as you could. However, if you like humor, action, great special effects, excitement and heartwarming moments, your expectations will surely be met in this movie. It was a thrill ride for me! Big thanks to all the cast, creators-R.I.P Stan Lee-and supporting crew that brought this Disney production to life for us- the rabid fans of #The Avengers.

Experience the wonder, the thrill, the pure genius that is Marvel’s Avengers Endgame. Even just so you can say you did.

This post is brought to you courtesy of Linda Hill’s #SoCS prompt. Visit her blog for more great posts. Today’s prompt was to use xp in the post, either alone or in words.

Happy #Free48 folks. That expression has a whole new meaning for me this weekend! Yay! Beer and movies, walks and sunshine, oh yeaaahhh….

C662CD53-492E-40B4-971C-CB5CA45E9EC2 — Waiting….

102B0612-0508-4245-BE88-E9FB216341EB — Supplies…check!

B2489694-BAFC-42B3-AD75-C8122728E32B — Saving the galaxy works up an appetite.

Running Late With Free 48

#Free48, #mariettaDiner, Atlanta, food, Georgia, movies, photography, Uncategorized

I guess that must mean it has been a good 48 hours! Plus. Well, it has. Although the weather has kept us tap dancing between sun/no sun and the occasional misting rain, we managed to get out for a few mini adventures. I didn’t want to leave the fun behind without sharing it with you, my good friends. I hope wherever you are, you are finally feeling the gentle nudge of Spring and have been able to get out for a bit of fun and some sunshine. For many of you I hope that sun does a dandy job of melting ice and snow!

On good weeks my Free 48 starts on Friday afternoon and last week was no exception. We normally like to do something fun then since many people are still at work and there is less crowding as well as traffic. It was on my Free 48 wish list to see the new hit film Ready Player One. This film is based on the best selling book by Ernest Cline. It is a great film for both young and old, especially if you left part of your heart or your boogie shoes in the 80’s. Filled with pop culture references and based on the best loved video games of that era, this movie is action packed and good for the entire family. I am currently reading his second book Armada. I knew it would be action packed so suggested we go for the 3D theater which I never do normally and we did not regret it. The AMC venue had full reclining seats with completely separated aisles. That translates to ‘better-than-at-home comfort and no one to kick our seats. They were motorized and the temperature and volume were absolutely perfect too. I would recommend it to anyone. An extra bonus was that the entire film was in 3D so no taking the glasses off and on.

This is no ordinary movie theater! Bowling, pool, laser tag, games..we had trouble finding the theatre!

Ready to be thrilled!

OMG! New Potter film alert!!

Ummm….seriously? What fun.

Nice giant living room right?

So much glitz. My young boys would have loved this place!

That was just the beginning. We knew we were hungry but our first stop at Copeland’s was a bust. When we asked to sit in the bar they put us at the table right by the steps in the direct path of all traffic. There were other tables open but still they sat us there. After a few minutes we got up and left. Know what they said over our shoulders? “Thank you for coming in!” WTH? New age service….

So we headed to The Battery where we were ignored or treated with ho hum attitude in three more restaurants before going into the newly opened Punch Bowl Social. The venue is pretty incredible and the ideas behind what the owner is doing are noble. There are three bars, all kinds of fun stuff including a mini bowling alley, pool tables, fooseball, ping pong, and giant scrabble. There is a nice patio upstairs as well. BUT….the prices were ridiculous and the food fell short in a few ways. They are trying some eclectic and healthy selections but the portions were too small for the money. My Old Fashioned was awesome but hubby’s drinks were not worth the extra money and the beer selection was limited although they did have some local craft brews. I can’t say it will be a regular hang like Wahlburgers has become. Well…see for yourself.

Old Fashioned was pretty on point

Fried chicken sandwich was Gluten Free but way over cooked.

One of hubby’s drinks.

The bowling alley really caught my eye.

Giant scrabble is a win-win for me.

That wrapped up our regular week. Sleeping in Saturday morning was nice since we knew it was due to rain and be cold all day. I planned to do some jewelry work and we did get out to Michael’s for some supplies. Oh. And I made some gnarly waffles for our brunch. 😊

On to Sunday. I really wanted an outing but the destination I hoped for was closed today so we headed back up to the Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield Park. We didn’t get to hike and there were so many people but I did get out in the old section we visited before to get a few shots. The area is so amazing. We enjoyed the drive as well. After that we treated ourselves to dinner at the Marietta Diner. It is always such an experience. Good food for the money and seriously great service. The dessert deserves a restaurant all its own….

Their Greek version cream of chicken soup with lemon. Such an amazing flavor

Tour of Greece platter. Kabob and gyro

Old fashioned Bacon Cheeseburger. Comes with slaw, fries, onion rings. Oh and I had Corona!

Yeah, I brought it home so it wouldn’t be lonely. Mocha caramel.

There are actually TWO of these cake cases and one with just pies and cheesecakes around the corner! n😱

The cannons

The dogwood dotted the woods like cotton in the trees.

Good old friend

Not sure what this tree bloom is. But I love it!

Young bluejay

The king of diner’s here as far as we are concerned.

What’s not to smile about?

What’s left? My dear lovelies in the yard are knocking themselves out in spite of the chill. The Rhododendron is on fire with color. And I will leave you with these. I hope everyone had a peaceful weekend and that your week is brilliant. Hang in there guys….

Open, open open! But what are you?

She smiles!

Oh Marietta!/Free 48

#mariettaDiner, free48, Uncategorized

I wasn’t sure I would squeak this out but with the Academy Awards booming in the background, I am bound and determined to share my 2nd installment of my new theme #Free48, my weekend tribute to those hours which are afforded to me that belong to me. Sometimes they are quiet, sometimes busy, manic, lazy or productive. But, since I am the conductor of my 48 hour train, I vow to attempt a new journey each time it pulls away from the station.

This 48 started out lazy on Saturday morning, sleeping in and doing my morning reading. After watching the birds enjoying the gorgeous day, we decided to head out in search of junktique and thrift stores, with an eye peeled for something to hang over the new bed. Our online search pointed us in the direction of Marietta, so we dressed appropriately for the suddenly chilly temps and headed out. What a beautiful ride!

I can only imagine the beauty once Spring actually springs! Of course we had to take a slight detour on our way to the antique village….cuz we couldn’t miss out on seeing….

The BIG CHICKEN This iconic bird is a landmark, legendary as one of the oldest Kentucky Fried Chicken stores in Georgia, although it started out as Johny Reb’s Chick, Chuck and Shake restaurant. It is pretty impressive and the beak and eyes are motorized, the beak opening and closing and the eyes rolling. And I thought the giant bucket was pretty special when I was a kid. 😏

During our U-Turn we spotted a promising looking thrift store, Value Village, so decided to hop out for a quick look around. An hour or so later……

I have been unable to find any sweaters this season at half a dozen stores….

Until yesterday!

Nothing was over $6

This angora is in pristine shape.

But this was my prize. I love, love corduroy

Grand total? $59! Hooray for detours and side trips. I love recycling! Makes me so glad for all those bags of clothes I have donated over the years. It all comes back in the end. 😊 Next stop….The Antique Village!

This place was huge and well laid out

Loved this vintage sign room. Hit it Jake and Elwood!

I should have bought this one to bring home….so true.

We did pick up a few treasures here, but I didn’t really find what I was searching for. Maybe at the next one. So….three hours later and my stomach was screaming at me.

Where else could we go but to another icon in Marietta, famous for its great home cooking and for being featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives-Marietta Diner ! What a grand place. We were not disappointed. This restaurant serves up thousands of faithful and new patrons daily and the staff really know how to provide a great experience. It has a bustling diner feel but elegantly chic at the same time with professional and friendly servers and better than quick food arrival. Everything is made to order and tastes like someone’s Mom made it. 😉 With love.

Click on the link above for the full history of this NY family’s successful history of restaurant greatness and the different restaurant venues they have added over the years in Atlanta. What follows is a pictorial of our own adventure there; and I can only say I hope there are enough Free 48 weekends to make our way through the entire, extensive menu. 😱

The building just screams…”Come inside for good ess!”

I was stuck in the parking lot beneath the glowing marquee!

How about these doors, Norm?

We know what we love…

Gratis appetizers…the best spinach pie and freshly baked loaf of Greek bread.

Caesar salad and seafood bisquehhubby’s Greek gyro platter

Seafood Platter. Fried catfish, flounder and shrimp with a seafood stuffed mushroom and fries all over the place!

And then there was the complimentary beer from the owner…just because!

Thank you #Marietta Diner for such a wonderful meal and experience.

Oh…who could pass this up?! We got ours to go.

Hubby’s treat was a luscious Lemon Meringue pie slice. Me…must be chocolate and there were many options. Of course I chose the Death By Chocolate Cake which was so large a sluce it is lingering on. So far I have had three desserts out of it. And there is still a bit left for breakfast. 🙊

Now we are settled in watching the Academy Awards. I hope your weekend has been all you hoped for or needed; and I hope you had a bit of this in it as well..