I could go on and on and on about my current four-day hiatus from work, which regretfully ends when I return to the office tomorrow afternoon. But I won't. I'll keep it short.
Elizabeth and I were planning to take off to Atlanta, but it just didn't fit in the budget. I was saddened, but undaunted. Instead, we just relaxed around the house, for the most part. Except for Monday.
On Monday, we trekked up north to Ruston. I love going back home and seeing old friends. I try to get to Ruston as much as I can. Anyway, I promised short, and I'm breaking said promise. Now to the point.
We had lunch with a couple of old friends, Kyle and Judith, at Monjuni's. Good food. Good conversation. Love Kyle and Judith. Then we ran by the bank (CTB) where Elizabeth used to work. She got a chance to spend some time with former co-workers, while I ran off down the road and visited with Smoothie King owner Bradley Walker, who I've known since I was 5 or something. Again, just good to see and old face and chat. When I arrived back to the bank, I had a chance to talk with Dave Anderson, whom I've known since I was a freshman in high school, when he nicknamed me "Arnold Palmer" for leaving his track team to play golf at Ruston High. Anyway, we chatted for 20 minutes or so, just catching up.
After leaving the bank, Elizabeth and I ran out to her brother Jason's house, where we watched a little Nascar (ha!) and visited, both friendly and business. For those of you wondering, I still haven't heard anything from Shreveport. Everything is good on Elizabeth and Jason's end, but I'm just waiting to hear back from Shreveport to see if we can take the next step. I hate lack of progress, but I'll keep you informed.
The only sad part about our trip was the lack of little boys, as both Caleb and Seth (Jason's two sons) were at daycare and we didn't get to see them. Sad times, because those little boys are fun!
After spending a few hours with Jason, he ran off to chat with a lawyer about getting his business started, while Elizabeth and I went over to visit with the Ferrels, a family I've known for nearly 20 years. As always is the case with the Ferrels, no matter who's home, it was good conversation and a good time. Michelle, one of my little girls, who aren't so little anymore, (there's a whole other blog that I might post about memories on this one) wasn't home, but her twin sister Ashley was. As was their mother, Sherri, and her two grandbabies, Aiden and Brenton. Those boys are tons of fun! Was saddened to hear her oldest daughter has gotten herself in quite a bit of trouble, but I'll just pray for her safety and guidance in turning her life around. All and all, that was a fun time, as always.
After leaving the Ferrels, Elizabeth and I had supper with a couple of college friends, Alan and Misti. Well, Alan is a lot more than a college friend. He was one of the first friends I had when I moved back to Ruston in seventh grade, and one of my groomsmen, as well. Anyway, Alan and Misti just moved back to Ruston from Houston, and we got to have supper with them at Chili's. It was the first time we'd seen them since we went down to Houston around October. Great times. I really enjoy being around those two, and having supper with them made me realize how much I've missed spending time with them over the past couple of years. Now they're just two hours away, and I'm hoping we'll be able to catch up much more often.
All in all, it was a great trip. Even got myself a couple of handfuls of those wonderful Ruston peaches. Yummy! Can't wait to scarf those down!
I'm sorry, everyone. I promised short, but I'm coming to realize I just don't do short. It's going to be very challenging when I begin blogging for work next week -- since my blogs are supposed to be 10 paragraphs or less. That's going to be tough! LOL.
Until later -- Bret
