Will and Jacks Burger Shack

I talked to my Wisconsin neighbor, Peter and learned that his daily routine includes writing every day. I’ve been informed that people who are truly writers have discipline about their writing and write every day. So far I have not become a true writer, I guess because I can’t bring myself to make it part of my everyday routine. Peter has a blog, too, ppazucha.wordpress.com. His is open to search engines so I’m sure he won’t mind if I put his blog address here on my blog. So far, I haven’t read his blog but maybe since I am at my computer, I will check it out and see what real writers write about.

Here at Palmdale, days follow days. I keep track of the day of the week depending on what activity is happening that day. Monday is pot luck, Tuesday line dancing, Thursday 500 and so on. Last week was chilly and rainy and people were a little cross. We finally got some sunny days beginning last Friday so the general mood is more upbeat. We have less than 3 weeks until we leave here. I have mixed feelings. We’ve made some friends here and have enjoyed the soft life of the Winter Texan. I will miss this place when we leave. However, I’m excited to start moving again and see more places that I’ve never been to. Don has gone fishing for the second day in a row out on the gulf. Yesterday, he stepped out lower than he intended at the same time a big wave came up and filled his new waders. He spent the rest of the excursion soaking in salt water though he wasn’t pickled when he came home. We do have some fresh fish in the refrigerator for dinner tonight.

Peggy and Greg very generously gave us some gift certificates for Christmas. One was for a Dolphin Watch cruise out on the bay and the other was for Will and Jack’s Burger Shack & Beer Garden. Sunday we went with friends Ray and Cindy on a very windy and sunny boat ride to see some dolphins. I like boat rides and any reason is good enough for me. We cruised the bay between South Padre Island and Port Isabel and did see some dolphins who came to swim with our boat for a while. After the boat ride, we went to Will and Jacks who pride themselves on having the best hamburgers in South Texas. The hamburgers were good  and the venue was very unique. They advertise their business hours, ”We’re open every day about 11 am. Occasionally as early as 10:30, but some days as late as 11:30. We’re closed about 8:30 or 9:00 pm. Occasionally as early as 6 or 7, but sometimes as late as 11 or 12. Some afternoons we aren't here at all, especially when the weather is bad. Lately, we've been here just about all the time.” The front of the building appears to be indeed a shack with weathered boards and faded out signs. When we arrived, a young woman who was sitting at a table on the sidewalk visiting with friends, got up and welcomed us to the restaurant. She led us through the open door out of the bright sunshine into a small dark room that has a counter behind,which, is the kitchen. I explained that we had a gift certificate and she enveloped me with a big hug and said she was glad that we came. It took a minute for our eyes to adjust. There was no seating in this building but we were directed out the back door, also open, to outdoor seating behind which is another building with indoor seating. We never saw the interior of that building. Next to that were some larger tables made of plywood circles painted in bright primary colors, and we sat at one of those. Once we had stabilized the table with wadded up napkins, it worked pretty well.  Around to the side of the shack and open to the back are several small shops selling a variety of jewelry, beads, rocks, etc.  Those buildings had doors on the front out towards the street. There appear to be no boundaries between one business and the other. The buildings all appear to be ramshackle and run down though the merchandise looked fine. Palm trees provided some shade and splashes of sunshine gave the place a nice ambience. The young man who waited on us was from Chaska, Minnesota and he stated that he would rather be in Chaska though he appeared to be acclimated to the culture of the Burger Shack. Service was laid back and minimal. We had to ask for the napkins (paper towels) and condiments. Speaking of condiments, the mustard bottle had a loose lid and fortunately when Ray shook it up he put it down by his side and most of the mustard went on the floor though Don got a smattering on his pants and socks. When our waiter brought the check, he handed it to Don and just stood there. Don asked him if we paid him. The young man stood there and Don set the check on the table. The waiter then picked up the check and said that he couldn't just leave the check until he got the money because he had to make sure all the checks and the money matched. So he stood there while Don and Ray figured out what we needed to pay that wasn't covered by the gift certificate. As we were leaving, I noticed a small building with a window and a sign stating that it was a hot dog stand. There were not many customers around but then it was early, before 5:00…definitely business hours.

Don gave me some feedback that he thought this post was a complaint about the experience. I want to clarify that far from being negative, I thoroughly enjoyed the day. We were windblown from our boat ride and were able to relax in the outdoor seating that was sheltered from the wind. We were hungry and thoroughly enjoyed the food and drink at Will and Jacks. We enjoyed much laughter this day and wouldn't change anything. Thank you Peggy and Greg.