Vacationing in the Emerald Coast

I'm all excited tonight, because tomorrow my beautiful bride and I travel to the beautiful Emerald Coast of Florida. The "Emerald" in the name "Emerald Coast" comes from the distinctive, irresistible shade of green seen on the Gulf of Mexico waters. We'll be spending the night in Baton Rouge, LA and hopefully enjoy some great seafood while there. Sunday, we should arrive in Destin, Florida where the white sand beaches are beautiful. We'll be laying at the beach and having a great time enjoying the sunsets while there. Fort Walton Beach is just around the corner and the largest Air Force Base is also located within a few miles. Eglin AFB is the largest AFB in the country. That should be amazing to see. We might even get to see some lighthouses; however, I'm not sure the lighthouses are near this area. There is plenty of recreational things to do while visiting the Emerald Coast; nevertheless, we'll probably just sit back, relax and enjoy the wonders of God's beautiful handiwork. I once read there are three very important things to take on vacation that doesn't fit in a suitcase: a sense of adventure, an open mind and a sense of humor. With all three things in mind, we should be able to have a great time. I've got to go to bed since we're getting up at 4:00 AM to pack and try to leave by 8:00 AM. Keep us in your prayers for traveling mercies.

June Happenings!

June has been a very busy month for Rhonda and me. With Father's Day at the beginning, we celebrated with my family at Logan's Roadhouse (one of my favorites) and also my families. They always serve us well with such kindness and love. We like the big room (I think they call it the barn). This area has such great space and wonderful ambiance, complimented by a beautiful stone fireplace. We got to enjoy my sister, Cora and her husband, Ronnie this time, along with my brother Archie and his beautiful wife, Linda, along with one of their daughters, Cheryl and her great family, and of course Dad and Mom LaRue. It was just a wonderful day and I appreciate my dad so much for all of his leadership in the church and guidance throughout my life. Dad - you're the greatest! Rhonda surprised me with tickets to Gaither Homecoming, convening this October in Wichita Falls. Wow! Can you believe Gaither's are coming to Wichita Falls? We're moving right on up with the big dogs! Ha! Ha! Our church has reserved a section and should really be good seats. I can't wait! We heard the Gaither's at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City last year and they were marvelous! We were on the sixth row and had great seats. It was such a fun trip.

We're trying to pack everything up for our vacation. We'll be leaving for Destin, Florida (the Sunshine State) and can hardly wait. Destin is such a beautiful area with The Emerald Coast and such white sand beaches. We've always travelled through this area; however, we were never able to stop and visit. The waves are calling me right now. Just two more days and we'll off and away. Can't wait! Everyone's been teasing me at work this week, counting down the number of days till my vacation, so I had to throw that in.

God is such a great God, having just read on Kenny & Karen's post that Kolton went home from the hospital. His surgery was great and we will continue praying for Kolton's continued healing power to flow within him. We love you, Kolton.

I'll close for now and keep you posted on our trip.

Have a great day in the Lord!

A Night At the Bass

To Rhonda's surprise, I was able to get tickets to see Wynonna Judd at the Bass Performance Hall in Fort Worth. Wow! It was great! Traveling to Fort Worth in my wife's new HHR, I used On Star to navigate our journey to the Bass. First, we would eat at our favorite Mexican restaurant, Dos Gringos. Fantastic! Great Mexican food, so if you really want a great lunch or dinner, drop by Dos Gringos on University Drive in Fort Worth and you won't be disappointed. The chips are awesome! Arriving at the Bass, I dropped my beautiful bride off at the door and parked her car. Catching up with her in the lobby, we picked up our tickets and easily found our seat. This hall is awesome! If you haven't had a chance to see anyone perform at this wonderful hall, please take some time off and head to Fort Worth. You won't be disappointed.

As we were listening to the symphony first, I was so amazed at the sound in the Bass. We were in the fifth balcony and heard every musical instrument great! Makes up for the stuff you put up with at work to be able to enjoy the finer things of life. After the intermission, Wynonna came on stage! And wow! She can sing! Not only, country, but jazz, rock, christian, etc. Her range was phenomenal. She is so inspiring, innovative, and imaginative. After her performance of "I can only Imagine," the whole house was in tears. She really is an awesome person, with such a down home feeling.

After the concert ended, we meandered around the hall, checking things out and taking pics. Finally, we finally ended up outside the hall and noticed a long line starting outside on the sidewalk. I told Rhonda, they must be waiting for Wynona to exit, so, naturally we waited. After about 10 minutes, Wynonna came out and she was so friendly with everyone. She probably took around fifty shots of photographs with her fans. And, yes, Rhonda was able to get a snapshot with her. Really made her day.

After the concert, we headed to the mall for some shopping and afterwards to TGI Friday's for some appetizers and dessert. This was a wonderful experience and a really awesome day. Just the two of us, enjoying each other. Life just can't get any better!!!

Rhonda's New HHR

Well, Rhonda's '92 Cady finally hit the dust. To her dismay, we had to finally look for something else. She loved that car, with the boulevard ride and great handling, just didn't want to give it up; however, she knew it was time. I had looking for awhile; nevertheless, she had to be happy with her new car. So off in the car lots we go. First to Archer City and found a really good deal on a brand new '08 HHR; however, just didn't quite cut the mustard. So, here we travel down the Texas roads to Henrietta. I thought we would surely find the best deal at Four Stars; nevertheless, to my dismay we were off again to another dealership. I thought well, we'll try Wichita Falls Herb Easley Chevrolet. Again, no deal. Well, what should we do? I thought maybe, Dallas/Fort Worth; however, it was just too late in the day for that trip and we really needed a new car. Voila! I would try Aubrey Chevrolet in Lawton. We found the perfect HHR for her. The just perfect Cardinal red HHR with all the bells and whistles! And the deal was perfect. Better than we had found anywhere else. They treated us great and Rhonda was very excited. This was her first brand new car. We had other brand new cars; however, since I had to drive from Vernon to Wichita Falls to work, it made more cents for me to have the newer car. So, you can see how my beautiful bride was so excited. Off in the wild blue yonder in Rhonda's HHR!! Wow!

Graduaton Day 2008!!!!!

The day has finally arrived and I was awarded the Associate of Applied Science Degree from Wayland Baptist University! Yeah! I can hardly believe part of this chapter in my life is closed. Having begun my pursuit of a degree just thirty-three years, I finally received my Associate's Degree. (I'll continue pursuing my Bachelor's) You see, I began this conquest in 1975; however, while working nights at the Main Post Office, I couldn't seem to the keep up the pace. During my early years at the Post Office, I worked tons of overtime and failed to see the need for my degree. I thought I had a good job and that was enough. I'm so thankful I realized a job wasn't the only thing I needed to be successful. You see, a degree doesn't do anything; however, it assist a person to open doors that might have possibly been kept shut. As Dr. Orr put it, as soon as we receive our degree, pause 5 seconds and begin to work on something else. Manhind has to continually educate themselves and keep the mind in tact.

Wayland put on the ritz big time today, with a luncheon starting off the day, with my family joining me in the celebration. Dad and Mom LaRue, Cora, Archie and of course my beautiful bride cheering me by the waysides. Rhonda - I couldn't have made it without your love and support through this whole endeavor. She's been a God send to me throughout my whole life. You will never know how much I appreciate and love you. You are the best!!!! And to my family, I appreciate all of your support and prayers throughout these last few years. To my nephews, Mac and Daniel for all their guidance and direction regarding my computer classes. Man, I couldn't have pulled it off without your technical support. Hats off to everyone involved!! And to top that, my Supervisor out of the Fort Worth Post Office came and celebrated with me at the graduation, along with my former Supervisor at the Annex. You don't know how much that meant to me. Along, with postal friends, Jane and Loyd Reeves was at my graduation. These wonderful friends called afterwards and took us out to dinner. What a way to top off a beautiful day! Thanks, Jane and Loyd; you're the greatest!!!

He is Risen!!!

He is risen! Hallejujah! I haven't written on my blog lately, so I thought I would post something regarding the beautiful Easter season! Just the other day, I was eating lunch at McDonald's (my very fav fast food), and ran into an old friend of mine, Mark Brewer. Mark is the Constable in Wichita County and a wonderful young man filled with the Spirit. We've been friends around twenty years and once in while, I'll see him out and about. It's times like this that we are able to catch up on a few things. I became acquainted with him several years ago, while working in Claims & Inquiry at the Main Post Office. Mark would come to my office to obtain address searches regarding his clients whom he had to serve. We kinda hit off and have been friends ever since. We began to talk about old times and catch upon our families and various things. Mark informed me that he spoke with a friend of his who had just returned from Jerusalem. His friend informed him that he visited the tomb where Jesus was buried; however, the tomb was empty. Mark and I already knew that Jesus' tomb was empty; nevertheless, it made me more aware than ever that Jesus' tomb was empty. Isn't that great how Jesus came to this earth as a baby boy, dwelt among men, lived and walked this earth and died for our sins, but then he rose again to give us Eternal Life. I'm so thankful God is alive and well and living in the hearts of men. Hallejujah, He's Alive! Let's share the good news of Jesus Christ everywhere we go, sharing the risen Saviour's news! Hallejujah!

This Easter Sunday, we traveled to Vernon to be with my dad and LaRue and all of our friends at our home church. It was so good to see everyone and know that the Lord is working miracles in the church in Vernon. Dad and LaRue - keep up the good work!

Happy New Year!

Here's wishing each and everyone of you a Happy New Year!

Rhonda and I celebrated by going out to eat at my favorite restaurants, On the Border, and had a excellent dinner. The food was was wonderful, along with everything else. On the Border in Wichita Falls is one of the best Mexican Restaurants anywhere. Their management, along with staff serve excellent Mexican cuisine and serve it with style. If you are wanting great Mexican food, along with fantastic service, I highly recommend On the Border in Sikes Senter Mall. We closed out the new year with a movie at the new Cinemark Theatre. Rhonda had wanted to go The National Treasure (2nd sequel) and I gave in. I'm so glad I did. The movie was fantastic. It kept you on the edge of your seat the whole night.

The first was very quiet at our home; however, Rhonda made her usual Fried Chicken (yum, yum), along with Rice and gravy, black eyed-peas (of course), along with Lemon Meringue Pie. Whenever we have Lemon Meringue Pie, it reminds me of my mother. She made the most delicious Lemon Meringue Pie anywhere. We only have it once in awhile, being the pie has so many calories and I can't afford that many, since I'm on Weight Watchers. Everything was just great. We had a wonderful New Years' Day.

On the 3rd of January, everything changed. We woke up to sleeting outside, so both of us left a little early in order to get to work on time. On my way out the door, I slipped and fell on the sidewalk and walked back in to tell my wife, to please be careful; very slick and dangerous. We didn't want her falling on it, being she has just recovered from foot surgery and didn't need any other problems. She definitely stated she would be careful and even suggested she take her cane (the one she had after her surgery) to give her move support. I said, great! Very carefully, I made it to work and begin to lay out everything I wanted to get done for the day. About 9:15 AM, the phone rang and it was my worst nightmare come true. Rhonda was on the phone, stating she was in a car accident. I immediately asked, "Are you okay?" and she stated, she was. I asked her where she was at and she told me at Loop 11 overpass. I told her I would get there as soon as possible. I immediately called my boss, Billy Hall who graciously understood and told me to be careful. The ice seamed to be worse at this time and while I drove down Henry Grace Freeway, I began to notice Highway 287 South being backed up. More accidents!!!! As I drove further, Highway 287 North was being backed up, so I thought I would travel down Seymour Highway. About that time, Rhonda was on the phone, stating the ambulance was on the way and wanted me to meet her at United Regional Hospital. Arriving at the Emergency Room, I frantically waited for my wife, not knowing exactly how bad she was hurt. Finally, she arrived and I was able to see her. Upon my first glance, I said, Oh, no! She had a neck brace on; however, she explained to me it was just for protection. The nursing staff was wonderful as we waited and finally they were able to get some X-Rays. After a few hours (remember 119 accidents in all that day), the doctor came in and said everything looked really good. A sigh of relief!!! Cars can be repaired; however, our lives are very precious to us. We are so thankful that God had His hand upon Rhonda's life and spared her from a more serious accident. She is just a little bruised up and more than likely she will have Chiropractic care and return to normal. Isn't God great! He provided a way and the angels were in place that day. We would like to thank the wonderful Air Force pilots who so graciously stopped at the scene and placed all the torn fender's in the trunk. As bad as it was that day, someone else could hit the torn pieces and slid back into Rhonda's car, causing more damage and harm. Also, thanks to all of the staff at United Regional Hospital Emergency Room. They were gracious and so kind.

Having said all that, we do serve a great God! Hopefully, the remainder of the year will not be as nerve wracking.