Florida Happenings!

It's been a little while since I posted from returning on our trip from the Emerald Coast. Having returned, I've been really busy at work and just didn't have time to write a few things down. Wow! We really enjoyed ourselves in Destin, Florida. The white sand beaches are as beautiful as described in the brochure and if you ever get a chance to vacation at the Emerald Coast, I would definitely refer it. Destin had changed quite a bit since we were there awhile back; however, the beaches were just as beautiful. Condos everywhere, taking the breathtaking from view from Old Highway 98. I don't know why these beautiful coastal towns allows developers to build skyscrapers on the beach, other than the all American need for dollars. Nevertheless, the view is breathtaking and the food was great. Since it rained the first few days upon arrival, we shopped at Destin Commons and made various tours of the town. Relaxing a lot and enjoying the wonderful seafood. By the time we were leaving, I think I burned Rhonda out on seafood. I asked her where she wanted to eat and she stated, "anything, as long as it's not seafood." So, I compromised and went to Hard Rock Cafe and I had a fish sandwich, while she had a veggie burger. We try to go a Hard Rock Cafe whenever on vacation, not because of the music, but I think it's kind of neat. I am not a fan of rock music; however, I love music and I think the ambiance it kind of cool. While at the Fisherman's Wharf restaurant, we were sitting on the beach side and noticed some fisherman bringing a large fish. Quickly catching our attention, Rhonda noticed it was a shark. Later, I asked how much it weighed and they informed me it weighed more than 600 pounds, because their scale only went to 600 pounds. Wow! A very large shark. I'm glad I didn't meet that one while on the beach. The sharks swim within 5 - 10 miles of the beach as informed by the locals. That's kind of scary. Our next night we ate at AJ's Seafood and Oyster Bar. That was a really cool restaurant. More laid back than the Fisherman's Wharf. Really loud restaurant right on the pier. After supper we went on the pier and enjoyed watching the seagulls find their food and enjoy their supper. The weather was absolutely beautiful and I think I could really get used to the surroundings. Meanwhile, I'm back in Wichita Falls and don't think I want to chance the hurricanes. I'll take my chances with our ferocious tornadoes.

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!