The Journey Continues

For some time now I have considered the possibility of doing something different. I have been at my present vocation for almost 30 years. However, every time I consider this thought, I am reminded of this one fact. There is nothing else I would rather do.

Reception for the Newlyweds

Yesterday was a great day. My wife and I hosted a reception for our daughter and her new husband. They were married in February and this was an opportunity for some of our friends and family to meet my daughter's spouse. I have to say that my daughter looked lovely. I was so proud of her, and she seemed genuinely grateful for all we did.

Friends and family are the best. We had about 13 different people come for the party. Each person was able to show their love and appreciation for the young couple. They received several cards in the mail wishing them the best, and will be able to get several items for their new home with all the cash and gift cards received.

All in all we had a lot of fun. We ended the day eating out with five of our closest friends. We all have been together for about 24 years. No matter where we have been we have always been able to count on these folks. They truly are the best of friends.

I want to take this time to personally wish my daughter and her husband the best. He leaves for Iraq soon, and they will be separated for at least a year, maybe even longer. It is our hope that once his deployment is over, they will be able to reconnect and enjoy their journey together.

Lunch in Bell Buckle

My wife and I spent the last two days at a conference in Manchester, TN. On our way home today, we made a small detour to a great little place called Bell Buckle, TN. We had lunch at the Bell Buckle Cafe. I had the vegetable plate with greens, beans, corn and strawberry spinach salad. Karen went with the country fried steak, cucumber tomato salad and mac and cheese. We both had fried cornbread and shared a dessert. The dessert was oatmeal cake covered with caramel sauce. The cake was very similar to a cake my grandmother made that Karen used to love.

As you have probably guessed by now, the meal was fantastic. The whole experience was awesome. Even our server gave us a reason to smile. This young lady was waiting tables, going to cosmetology school and MTSU majoring in business. Her plans are to have her own business some day, and after spending just a few minutes with her we both believe she will.

After lunch we walked the town, which did not take long. We met a gentleman that has lived his whole life there who's parents run the best ice cream place in town. Unfortunately we were stuffed, so we will just have to take his word for it. He talked about the festivals at Bell Buckle. The pride of joy of festivals is the Moon Pie and RC festival coming up some time this summer. The gentleman said that about 25,000 people will crowd into this little town and enjoy all the festivities associated with this event that started a few years back when Bell Buckle threw the Moon Pie a 75th birthday party.

Our time in Bell Buckle passed way too fast. After getting directions we headed out agreeing that this sidetrack to our journey was well worth it indeed.

Donations Needed for 5K Run/Walk

On May 30, 2009 the Brentwood Campus of the Tennessee Baptist Children's Homes is sponsoring a 5K Run/Walk. This year the event will be a little different. Instead of an entry fee runners/walkers are being challenged to raise support for their efforts. Personally, I hope to raise $1000. In order to do that I need your help. If you are willing to sponsor my walk not run then here is what you need to do. Send your check made out to the Tennessee Baptist Children's Homes to my attention at 1310 Franklin Road, P.O. Box 2206 Brentwood, TN 37024. All donations must be received by May 30th. I made the walk last year, so I know you will be sponsoring a winning effort. Be sure to send your name, address and email address along with your donation. By the way, TBCH is a nonprofit organization, so your gifts are tax deductible. To learn more about this event check out www.tnrun4kids.com.