So I should probably write something sentimental and mushy today, saying how much I appreciate all my mother has done for me. Not to say that I don't appreciate everything she did while I was in my formative years, because I do. But a post like that just wouldn't accurately reflect what this day means to me. Not Mother's Day in general, but May 9, 2004, specifically.

Because we're going to Buffalo Gap.

Yessir, we're taking Mom for lunch at The Perini Ranch Steakhouse in Buffalo Gap, Texas. Everyone involved is making at least a three hour drive from different starting locations to meet at the steakhouse at noon so we can make our 12:30 reservations.

This is how special today is. We're not meeting at Zentner's Daughter Steakhouse in San Angelo. Nor are we going to the Sandwich Shoppe in Seymour, Texas. We're even passing on the Towne Crier Steakhouse in Abilene, Texas.

Yessir, my step-sister is due to arrive in a few minutes so she can ride with my wife and I, my brother and his new wife and step-daughter will be leaving their place shortly, and if my other step-sister is making her way down from Dimmitt, Texas, she's already on her way. And presumably my mother and step-father will be on the road soon, if not already.

So I'd better stop writing so I can get my wife out of bed and figure out what music we're going to listen to on my iPod while we're in the truck for 6+ hours today. Hopefully the food will be good...