[Kuntryboy816]

November 18th

Last night, I was out running around getting some last minute gear for a hiking trip this weekend. I met up with my brother and nephew at Cabela's. After we finished there and made a few other stops, we decided to take my nephew over to 5 Guys for dinner. Saw a gentleman who was OC but best of all he had one of the coolest beards I've seen in person! I thanked him for carrying as he was leaving and also complimented his epic beard. Not sure if he's on the forum or not... the encounter was brief.

[Dugan]

November 18th

Last night, I was out running around getting some last minute gear for a hiking trip this weekend. I met up with my brother and nephew at Cabela's. After we finished there and made a few other stops, we decided to take my nephew over to 5 Guys for dinner. Saw a gentleman who was OC but best of all he had one of the coolest beards I've seen in person! I thanked him for carrying as he was leaving and also complimented his epic beard. Not sure if he's on the forum or not... the encounter was brief.

I dont remember seeing you at 5 guys...

[Kuntryboy816]

January 10th

Our Jeep club (Delaware Jeep Association) had our after holidays member party again at Cantwell's Tavern in Odessa. I had OC'ed there last year for the party without any issues. This year, Whatevah and I decided to OC again. As usual, no issues at all. I actually had a gentleman come over and thank us for OC'ing. We got to talking about OC and CC in general. Had a pretty good conversation. He first asked me if I was part of the Deloc group, to which I replied I was. I don't think he's on the boards here but if you are, shoot me a message. I completely forgot your name.... I do remember that he's a doctor from dowstate (below Doverish).

After that convo, I had another member come up and initiate a conversation about carrying and firearms in general. He and his wife said that they were very interested in getting into firearms and carrying for their protection. I offered them any assistance I could as well as some good resources (Viper, being the first) to get them started on the right path. I do hope to see them take up the offer but they seem to have a genuine interset.

[Kuntryboy816]

Sunday May 31st

Took my mother-in-law out to TGIFridays (896, across from the UD fields) for her birthday. I was the last one to show up about 15 mins after they had gotten there. I was OC and walked up to the door. Two of the staff opened the doors for me and as I was walking in, the one guy said, "Sir, I can't allow you in!" I turned to him and was like, "Uh, and exactly why is that?" So he proceeded to point to my hip where my holstered S&W MP stood, proudly, boldly and then he said that firearms were not allowed... then points to a sign on the exterior window by the door. I asked himif that was necessary or if he had also made the Newark LEO leave his in his patrol car. He sheepishly said no and told me that it was the restaraunts policy. Then he started with the whole, "Well I believe and support the 2A..." and I just stopped him mid spiel and said, "Look, if you do that's great but go talk to the manager/owner and tell them to change the policy. I'll be back in a minute BUT the ONLY reason I am staying is because it's my MIL's birthday and they're already here and seated." So I went out to the Jeep and removed my holster... <- did ya catch that? I walked back in and the guy was scanning me pretty hard trying to catch a glimpse but there was no way he was going to find what he was looking for. Then I sat down and had to explain the whole interaction to the family who were seated in full view of the entrance. Everyone offered to pack up and leave based on principle but I told them not to worry about it as we were already seated and the drinks and appetizers had been brought out. On top of all that, the service was sub-par, they brought the cake out and sang before we were even halfway through our entrees, they brought the WRONG cake out, the waiter set the to go boxes down in my brother-in-law's and my food, right on top!.... the list goes on and I'm sending an email of complaint. I'm still deciding on what to say about their GFZ policy. If they need a LEO present for security purposes, then wouldn't a law-abiding armed citizen just make sense to have around as well. Too bad for their profit margin, they'll never have me around again!

[Owen]

Sorry to hear about the way the party went for your Mom-in-law. Hard to get good service today.

I rarely eat out any more but good to know that it don't need to bother with TGIFs.

[Kuntryboy816]

July 8th

Made plans to meet up with my brother at Buffalo Wild Wings (Rt. 40 by Fox Run) for dinner. I took the liberty of filling out and printing his renewal forms for him as he's been so swamped with work that he hasn't had time to get up to the prothonotary's office. The intent was to hang out and give him the forms as well. I was a bit earlier than him so I figured I'd make a quick stop over at K. Scott Jewelers. I needed to have a couple watch batteries replaced and my wedding band needed the diamond mounts checked and cleaned. Now, I've done business with Ken for over 13 years (long before I started OC'ing) and we get on very well. I'm not in there often but Ken is a great guy and remembers his customers. I've never had any issue at all carrying in the store and Ken is very pro 2A. Ken was helping a young guy in choosing an engagement set so one of his associates, a new guy named Bob, took care of my jewelry. Neither Bob nor the other customer reacted to me OC'ing. I actually talked to Bob for close to 30 mins after he was done with the repairs/cleaning. Top class place and I highly recommend them!

After I was finished there, I walked over to B'Dubs to meet my brother. We spent a little over an hour there hanging out, eating wings and watching American Ninja Warrior and a UFC fight. I've OC'ed @ that B'Dubs many times and have never had any issues. I don't recall exactly what their corp policy is and only vaguely remember B'Dubs having issue w/ OC'ers at some establishments but apparently it hasn't affected that restaurant in the least. As long as I'm welcome as I am, I have no issue supporting their business from time to time.

[TexasJay]

July 8th

Made plans to meet up with my brother at Buffalo Wild Wings (Rt. 40 by Fox Run) for dinner. I took the liberty of filling out and printing his renewal forms for him as he's been so swamped with work that he hasn't had time to get up to the prothonotary's office. The intent was to hang out and give him the forms as well. I was a bit earlier than him so I figured I'd make a quick stop over at K. Scott Jewelers. I needed to have a couple watch batteries replaced and my wedding band needed the diamond mounts checked and cleaned. Now, I've done business with Ken for over 13 years (long before I started OC'ing) and we get on very well. I'm not in there often but Ken is a great guy and remembers his customers. I've never had any issue at all carrying in the store and Ken is very pro 2A. Ken was helping a young guy in choosing an engagement set so one of his associates, a new guy named Bob, took care of my jewelry. Neither Bob nor the other customer reacted to me OC'ing. I actually talked to Bob for close to 30 mins after he was done with the repairs/cleaning. Top class place and I highly recommend them!

After I was finished there, I walked over to B'Dubs to meet my brother. We spent a little over an hour there hanging out, eating wings and watching American Ninja Warrior and a UFC fight. I've OC'ed @ that B'Dubs many times and have never had any issues. I don't recall exactly what their corp policy is and only vaguely remember B'Dubs having issue w/ OC'ers at some establishments but apparently it hasn't affected that restaurant in the least. As long as I'm welcome as I am, I have no issue supporting their business from time to time.

BWW corp policy is anti carry period. There was even a store that asked uniformed LEOs to leave (iirc it was in VA, not sure). It seems to vary by store if they enforce it but the no carry allowed signs are on the front doors. Unless something changed recently...I haven't been in a few weeks.

[Kuntryboy816]

I neither know nor am I concerned if the signs are there or not. As signs hold no weight of law in DE, I don't even look for them anymore. It's easer on my eyes and less stressful that way.

IMO, it appears a lot less susupicious if you just confidently walk into an establishment (where OC is legally allowed, of course) and expect to be treated like any other patron than it is to stand outside the door looking at/thru the windows for a GFZ sign. The signs are sometimes very small or positioned so obscurely that you have to wonder if the business actually wants you to see them. If they cared that much, you'd figure that they'd display it prominently... but, no, they won't do that b/c they want your business, regardless. When I'm asked to leave or remove my firearm from their premises, I will cease patronizing their business.

[Glockamole]

I was in the Rehoboth Beach bww last week. Don't recall any sings out front. Still carried nobody said a word.

[Kuntryboy816]

So, 2016 was mostly a year of concealed carry for me. I had bicep surgery back in May '16 and due to a few weeks in a cast, then having restricted usage of my left arm and a general loss of strength in that arm, I decided to CC the majority of the time. My reasoning was that with all of the craziness over the elections and every other cry baby mamby pambsy movement that led to acts of violence in the country, I didn't want to be perceived as a potential unwilling source of firearm acquisition to the ne'erdowells who might see that as an opportunity. So, 2016 was an uneventful year as far as OC goes.

Now we come to 2017 and hopefully a better upkeep of my OC log.

Saturday February 25th
Spent a few hours at Whereabouts Cafe' in People's Plaza. I had organized a morning Meet & Greet through our local Jeep club and also reached out to the others in the area. The M&G started at 09:00 and we had about 15-20 people there. I went into Whereabouts and talked to a few of the attendees that were standing in line waiting for their orders. When I got up to the counter, the gentleman took my order and we chatted briefly. I also got the chance to meet w/ and speak to one of the ladies that work there who I had called the week prior to inform them of our small event. The place was fairly busy and most of the tables were occupied. The staff were very nice (as always) and the food is always good. None of the patrons nor any of the staff seemed concerned about the S&W holstered on my hip. I was wearing blue jeans and a fairly bright orange shirt so it's not like the S&W was by any means camoflauged against my attire.

All of our event attendees purchased their food inside but then we reposed to the parking lot to enjoy the nice weather and talk Jeeps. A friend of mine (who is very 2A friendly) commented that he couldn't bring himself to OC for whatever reason but he's a good guy and he's working on his CCDW. One of his friends showed up late but we eventually got to talking about carrying and firearms. He is unable to carry due to an infraction in his past but said that he had talked to some legal counsel about how to have his 2A rights reinstated in the future... I think he said he had to wait like 7 years from the date of conviction(?). I wished him all the best and hope he can get what he's seeking. After that, I headed up to the Pike Creek area to pick up a hardtop for my Jeep. The lady greeted us out front and showed us where the top was. Not once was she in any panic or even mentioned the S&W holstered on my hip. We loaded up the top and headed out on our way.