Stark Opposite Saturday

I went North, they went South. I saw snow and ice, they drove thru rain and we had sun back home. Gwyn and Jeannette took Alyssa to Dallas to audition for a J.C.Penny commercial shoot. Five driver friends and I drove to Chanute, Kansas to deliver the first 5 of 10 brand new white F150 trucks to Quest (an energy company like Devon or Chesapeake). The number of people who lost their homes and businesses in Coffeyville was sickening; block after block had been bulldozed down. We ate well at Big Ed's Steakhouse in Thayer. We rode back
in a slick Lincoln Navigator. How about that OSU upset over Kansas. I'm sure glad we were back across the border when the game ended. Oh, sorry Teresa!
ps Its raining at the NASCAR track in California.

One Perfect Moment

or was it Some Enchanted Evening? The evening spent with the OKC Philharmonic and Art Garfunkel was an incredible experience for us. Thanks to James and Beverly sharing their tickets to the Pops, we were there to welcome this ageless superstar to Oklahoma. His unbelieveably talented band featured Cliff Carter on the piano.

Since the Abilene deal fell thru, I spent the morning working on my sermon slides. While Jeannette worked at the American Cancer Society office, I tracked down some meds for Rob, studied in the van, and made a happy hour run to Sonic.

Frigid Funeral Day

Services for our neighbor of over 20 years were held today at Vondel Smith. Gloria's memory was honored by three daughters and our Lacie. It won't be the same on this street. . . but then it hasn't been the same for a while now. I'm remembering Joseph and Pat, Charlie and Eunice, the Berkenbiles, and Charlie's cigars. It was a bitter, long day below freezing: some icy drizzle and a few flakes.
The day long trip to Abilene fell through for Friday. But the trucks are finally ready to convoy up to Chanute, Kansas on Sat and Mon from Downtown Ford. Mother is still in the hospital in Tucson but her BP and heart rate have improved. I started working on the taxes and Jeannette enjoyed the start of Caring Sisters tonight. Geoff is nursing a sore jaw from an major extraction and guess what . . . Julian is going out for spring football!

OC Gathering

The monthly preachers' luncheon at Oklahoma Christian was a real blessing. John Curtis from Durant spoke on Psa. 119. I enjoyed seeing a big number of "spiritual giants" who have had an impact on the church (and my life over the years). I was especially thrilled to visit with Ralph Burcham (credited with introducing me to my future wife at Camp Rock Creek) and Duane Eggleston (mentor to hundreds of youth ministers).
Two late contract runs sent me through rush hour to the Camp Kickapoo area beyond Will Rogers Airport and to Bridge Creek tonight. Sonic got "sandwiched" in between. I'll make an early trip to Ponca City Wednesday. For these three, I have an '07 Saturn.

Weekend update

Friday morning Jeannette went to visit Dr. Fanning while I returned the Chevy Uplander. For the evening trip to the Lawton area, I picked up a big black Ram 1500. What started out as a quick run down to Elgin, turned into a trek into the "foot hills" of Mt. Scott. Almost to Meers, I found the home and the couple as it started to rain with freezing temperatures. I made it back up the H E Bailey turnpike before the region posted a winter travel advisory.
Saturday's hard rain finally melted the ice on the windshields. I bought groceries while Jeannette made a cherry cobbler for the families gathered next door. It was a very long weekend for Gloria's girls.
Sunday's teen class started John. Brent ate with us at Boomerang. I watched the Daytona 500 after flying my Earnhardt # 3 flag. OK, I did doze off a couple of times. I pulled for the Toyotas but those pesky Penske Dodges stole the show. DJ bows out with a respectable 16th finish.
The "group" went to Taco Bueno in Moore. We laughed all evening with Rocky and Brent's stories
Monday morning begin with news of Gloria's passing. I went to Westside for a Youth Ministers' meeting to plan the summer series. Buster, Logan, and McKnight were a riot! The Whiz Kids learned about Obed and the story of Ruth's love for Naomi.

Thursday Travels

Wednesday Night Bible Class was energizing; most of the girls were there. Sterling broughts Anna and Angela. It was a good day spent with David, Michelle, Rob, and Jeannette at Aunt Velma's funeral. After the graveside service we visited at the Pizza Hut (Velma's favorite!).

Thursday began with a trip to Chandler where I discovered the Rt. 66 Bakery & Deli. After the contracts were signed I found a Taco Mayo in the other half of town. I barely made it home in time to see the second race of the Duals at Daytona. Joe Gibb's 11 car has won the first ever Cup victory for the Toyota Camry. MWR teammates worked together to get Dale Jarrett into his final 500!
Then the call begging me to come back to work. . . I drove to Guthrie at dusk, and then all the way to Woodward for just 2 signatures! When I started back at 9:20, it was 28 degrees and traffic was light. I managed to get home for a valentine kiss just minutes before midnight. Thank You, Lord, for safe travel and a good job.

Aunt Velma Remembered

Velma Fay Lowrey Thompson, 1919 - 2008, graduated to glory after conqueroring brain cancer with grace and dignity. She and Vernon moved North to forge a new life together at Wagoner. And build they did. An "empire" of service and success in ranching, nursing, law enforcement, and church work. Velma is held in great esteem by many of the community for delivering 999 babies into this world in her role as a midwife and longtime assistant to Dr. Nelm. Vernon raised cattle, ranched hundreds of acres, and kept the lakes safe. Although she seemed quiet to many, Velma was a pillar of strength to the Church of Christ in Wagoner.

On a personal note, I will always cherish the summer visit: the chance to tag along to the marina at Ft. Gibson Lake, the plane ride taking off from the lake, the steak n gravy trip to Muskogee, the ranch house near the highways, putting up campaign signs for Sheriff around the county, and the old green chevy pickup.

Here are some pictures from the memorial service today.

http://www.swalkercoc.com/canan/Velma2.htm