That's What Friends Are For

Today, I am going to Memphis with an old (not in the chronological sense .. I've known him a long time .. come to think of it .. yes, in the chronological sense, as well) friend, Bill Kisner, to check on someone we both know and love (please pray for Ernie Owens) at The Regional Medical Center.

Bill Kisner (known to everyone as 'Brother Bill' .. everyone except his sister .. to her he is .. brother, Bill) and I have been friends since our college days at Union University (I sure hope he called to confirm his information was 'accurate and up-to-date' in the Alumni directory .. it's urgent, you know).

We served on staff together at FBC Millington and FBC Humboldt (fool me once shame on you .. fool me twice ..) where we were hired exclusively to boost morale and make people smile (there were a few other minor things we did .. like youth & music related stuff .. but it was mostly for the yucks).

On several occasions, Union U had us co-emcee (as in co-dependency) alumni events (when you don't contribute to the alumni fund, they find other ways to use you) on the Memphis Queen Riverboat (for the inauguration of president, Hyran Barefoot, Bill was dressed as a hunter looking for that 'hairy Bigfoot' on board) and at the Peabody hotel (we came out dressed as Batman and Robin .. me, as the Caped Crusader .. Bill, as the bird).

They don't write 'em like that anymore .. thank goodness.

We were Willie Nelson and Julio Eglacious once (a lot of playing 'dress up' .. I didn't really recall doing that so much until I started this entry .. that's somewhat .. disturbing) when we sang, "To All the Schools" and for a student government sponsored fashion show, Bill came out wearing some "Chicken Boy" (made by Chic and Bugle Boy) jeans with their famous slogan: "Chicken Boy: You can smell the difference."

Speaking of chicken .. we instituted "Chicken Day" at First Baptist, Millington (complete with a parade and Chicken Queen, financial secretary, Billie Jean Maxwell (Ms Max).

Like I said, we occasionally worked in the youth and music areas .. but only when absolutely necessary.

Today, it will be good spending some time together as we travel to Memphis and back. That gives us the opportunity to do some "catching up" and a little bit of reminiscing .. this time as mature, adult ministers.

I'm dressing like a cowboy.

"Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth."

- Psalm 16:9a

Weekend Update

Cheryl and I pulled in to Humboldt last night around 8:30 PM, completing a long, food-filled (hey, the weather didn't cooperate .. what else was there to do?? .. man, I AM getting old!!) weekend in Chattanooga.

Since Friday and Saturday's blog entries were written entirely about .. food (Sunday's non-entry sort of alluded to it), here is a run down (btw, that's exactly how I'm feeling at this early hour) of all our other meals.

Saturday lunch: pizza .. personal pan pizza.

I can't remember the name of the little "hole in the wall" (actually, that might have been the name .. ), but our son had taken us there on a previous visit and we were psyched (when you hit fifty, that's about as good as it gets) because it was sooo good last time.

We were not disappointed this go around, either (yum .. I'm not getting into that trap again!! .. that was my final yum .. promise).

Dinner (that's what people in a sophisticated town like Chattanooga call supper) was at Sweet Basil (where Megan and Will used to work .. I have mentioned it a couple of times before on this blog) and I can never say enough (watch it) good about this place. It has the very best Thai food I have ever eaten.

As an added treat, we called Megan while we there and she was able to speak with the owner, Song (love the name .. it's music to my ears) .. who inquired about their lack of children .. I believe her exact phrase was, "why you have no baby, yet?" (thinking about starting a family? .. no need to seek advice from your doctor, friends, or clergy .. call an Asian restaurateur).

Sunday lunch was Drew's choice (next week is his birthday) and he chose, of all places .. Cracker Barrel. We all ate breakfast (at 1 PM in the afternoon) and it "tasted mighty good" (I had pancakes with cherries .. fruit topping: because I'm trying to eat healthier .. and whipped cream).

Afterwards, we stopped by Drew's apartment, said "hi" to Alfie, his tailless cat (the purrfect pet for a tailless owner .. Drew has no 'junk in the trunk' .. he's a Hamilton) and then took off for Humboldt (with an extended stop at Opry Mills Mall in Nashvegas).

Jason's Deli in Jackson was the last stop on our "weekend eating binge" and the ham muffalettas with soup on the side (I spilled a little soup on my side) were great .. as always.

I will not be eating anything for the remainder of the week ..

Starting right after breakfast .. no 'mo bacon, no 'mo country ham .. no 'mo ....

"And having food and raiment let us be therewith content." - I Timothy 6:8

Nothing New Here .. Check Out the Archives

"Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy."

- Exodus 20:8

Get the Duck

Last night, Cheryl and I ate at Drew's restaurant (it appears this blog is turning into some type of 'food critic's corner' .. btw, yesterday I had the country ham at Loveless Cafe and it would make you want to 'slap your momma' .. however, that might hurt her and tick dad off .. only order it if you are willing to put a strain on your relationship or cut off all family ties .. consider yourself warned).

Table2 is an upscale yuppy hangout (I didn't look at all out of place with my 'old man jeans' and 'tourist tennis shoes' with velcro) that offers a menu of items you don't normally find (at least not where I eat .. like the Humboldt Grill) at other places.

Drew brought us an appetizer of Bison (that's what I said when we left .. 'bye son' .. thank you very much, ladies and gentlemen .. I'll be here all week .. I've got a million of 'em) TarTar and Vidalia Onion (yum) and then he suggested I try the duck.

I don't think I've ever had duck (unless it was one of those mystery meats at a 'wild critter supper' I've attended). It was tender, tasty and .. delicious (although I kept thinking about poor Daisy having to raise all those little ducklings alone .. without Donald).

The meal concluded with a wonderful bread pudding (made from zucchini bread .. double yum) served with homemade walnut ice cream (triple yum .. it's a good thing we stopped there .. I was running out of yums).

So, there you have it .. what I had to eat yesterday.

This blog has definitely jumped the shark.

Tomorrow is Sunday .. my day off from blogging and a time to collect my thoughts and regroup.

It couldn't come at a better time. I was considering writing about my trip to Walmart to buy Sudafed and toilet paper.

"A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards." - Proverbs 29:11

The Biscuit Eater

The Loveless Cafe has been in operation in the Nashville area for close to sixty years. However, I had not heard about it until a week or so ago when my wife came home from the state basketball playoffs bragging about the wonderful soul food (things like beans, greens, okra, and fried chicken .. not to be confused with Seoul food .. things like chatchuk, ttokkuk, Rin Tin Tin, and Lassie).

Originally known as the Harpeth Valley (I wanna tell you all a story 'bout a Harpeth Valley widowed wife .. ) Tea Room, it changed hands (and names) when purchased in 1951 by Lon and Annie Loveless, who set up picnic tables in the front yard and sold chicken & biscuits from the front door to those traveling up and down US Highway 100.

Soon, the rooms of the 1900's home were converted into the dining room and kitchen of the Loveless Cafe and, as they say .. "the rest is history."

Today, Cheryl and I will be headed (off with their heads! off with their heads!) toward Nashville and we are going to stop in for lunch.

The planets are aligned (I can't say the same for the front end of my Taurus). The timing is right (I need to have the Ford dealer check that, too).

I am 51. The Loveless Cafe has been around since 1951. I just watched a trailer for a new film entitled .. Planet 51 (click here for a sneak peek).

Coincidence? I don't think so.

It is my destiny.

"For He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things." - Psalm 107:9

Sweeter As the Days Go By

Yesterday, I discovered an article on CNN.com about a West African fruit that turns sour things sweet.

It is tiny in size, the color of a cranberry, shaped like an almond, and flavorless. However, after chewing this "miracle fruit" and rubbing the pulp (I'm telling the truth .. this is not pulp fiction) against your tongue, the little berry can "trip up the taste buds" and, for about 15 to 30 minutes, turn anything sour .. sweet.

Grapefruits become "great fruits."

Lemons stop causing you to pucker .. because they now taste like .. a "sucker."

Tabasco (a sauce known for being hot) is suddenly .. "not."

That's all of the Seussisms for today. Come back tomorrow. You never know what I will .. say.

I'm sorry. It's an illness.

Some researchers believe the berries can help people with diabetes and obesity (hey, I'm not fat .. I'm just two feet shorter than I should be) problems because they are natural and, unlike sugar, have very few calories.

If you have a "bitter pill to swallow," give these a try.

I'm keeping a handful in my pocket before going to choir on Wednesday nights.

Maybe it will help my "Gregory House-like" disposition and I can go from being bitter (mad) to .. "glad."

This is getting sad .. and ..... bad.

"O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in Him." - Psalm 34:8

Kev's Klip of the Week

I tried my best to support my children when they were growing up and I was at most of the major events in their lives. However, on those rare occasions when I just couldn't "be there" .. this sure would have been nice.

Bringing SaxyBack .. I Was in the Band

Today is the birthday of acclaimed American designer, Tommy Hilfiger and since "high fashion" is one of the very first things you think of when you see me (Clinton and Stacy from TLC's 'What Not to Wear' keep trying to surprise me in public .. I've given them the 'slip' three times, so far), I wanted to acknowledge TH's (that's what all his friends call him) special day.

Perhaps I'm not the most "fashion-savvy" guy in Humboldt (no camo before Labor Day??), but I do recognize nice clothes when I see them.

Unfortunately, I shop based almost entirely (okay .. entirely) by what's on the price-tag.

If something is on the clearance rack (at 70% or more, a tiny tear often falls down my face .. it's a beautiful thing) and within a size or two of what fits, it will make it in to my shopping cart. In my eyes, there's so such thing as an ugly $4 shirt (Cheryl doesn't quite hold to that way of thinking and often refuses to be seen in public with me .. I'm relatively sure it's the clothes, but I can't be certain).

Last Saturday, Cheryl and I went shopping in Jackson (THE fashion capitol of the world .. they have a TJ Maxx, you know) and she made it very clear she was not to be rushed (sometimes I try to encourage her to complete her purchases in a timely manner). She didn't mind me going, but if I was in a hurry (who? .. me?), we needed to take two cars.

At the end of the day (this is not an expression .. it WAS at the end of the day), I had bought three shirts, a pair of pants, shoes and three 100% wool blazers.

Cheryl got a skirt .. and blisters.

Lady Eagles Win Ugly

This was the headline and photo included in yesterday's Jackson Sun newspaper. I don't know this young lady, but I'm sure she's going to be unmercifully ridiculed by her peers all week.

Here are some other "boneheadlines" I found surfing the www (for those from the deep south .. that's world wide web and has absolutely nothing to do wrestling).

Grandmother of Eight Makes Hole in One

Police Begin Campaign to Run Down Jaywalkers

Stolen Painting Found by Tree

Milk Drinkers Are Turning to Powder

Farmer Bill Dies in House

Local High School Dropouts Cut in Half

Drunk Gets Nine Months in Violin Case

Iraqi Head Seeks Arms

New Study of Obesity Looks for Larger Test Group

Enraged Cow Injures Farmer With Ax

Red Tape Holds Up New Bridges

Man Struck By Lightning Faces Battery Charge

Closed on Sundays

Yes, Deer

It may come as a shocker to you, but Cheryl doesn't read my blog .. at least not on a daily basis.

She usually catches up by the end of the week or every couple of weeks, but it's not because she hangs on every word of wisdom from her husband's lips (or .. fingers). No, it's just in case I've said something offensive (what are the odds of that??) or stupid (okay, I can sort of see her point on that one) enough to warrant her attention or .. intervention.

That being said ..

Yesterday, I wrote (maybe ranted is more like it) about my great disdain (this reminds me .. Penny Williams, if I ever said anything critical to your husband, tell him I'm sorry .. I never meant to 'diss Dane' .. I tried a little too hard for that one, didn't I?) for working in the yard and Cheryl's great passion for it.

When Cheryl got home from school, where did she go? That's right .. outside to do some work on the compost pile (don't even ask .. we're like Oliver and Lisa Douglas from 'Green Acres' .. only she's Oliver and I'm Lisa).

Within thirty minutes, she came in and asked if I could get the mower out and mulch some of the leaves (uncanny .. she didn't read Friday's post .. Do I know my wife, or what?).

I try to do whatever Cheryl asks because 1) I want to make her happy and 2) she told me when we got married .. I had no choice in the matter.

That's what marriage is all about (not the 'having no choice' part): taking an interest in what interests your spouse.

I will never love working in the yard. However, I love the one who loves working in the yard. So, I'll help .. but only when called upon.

"Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it" - Ephesians 5:25

Spring Has Sprung

A Vernal Equinox (the tilt of the Earth's axis toward the Sun .. the Sun being vertically above a point on the Equator .. yada, yada, yada .. anyone with a basic understanding of science knows that) has taken place.

In other words .. today is the first day of Spring (so named because of the new plant growth that "springs forth" due to the warming of the hemisphere).

Cheryl loves this time of the year. She enjoys working in the yard, trimming trees, planting flowers, gardening .. anything related to the great outdoors.

I associate springtime with mowing the grass and that, in the famous words of Ms Cathy (Meister) Melton .. "makes me feel sad in my heart."

When my children were at home, I loved it.

We played catch, flew kites, participated in RA rocket launches, threw lawn darts, visited the emergency room ..

Good times.

Since they are grown and gone, the "fun factor" has disappeared, as well.

Every time I go outside, Cheryl wants me to pull weeds or haul off limbs. Where's the joy in those activities? If I wanted to do an honest day's work, I wouldn't have gone in to the ministry!

How I long to have my kids back home .. Megan picked up pine cones and Drew ran the mower.

"Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord."

He Shoots .. He Scores

If you love basketball, this is your time of the year.

The TSSAA tournament is going on this week in Murfreesboro (Humboldt lost in the final seconds of Wednesday's game, 63-60 .. great season, guys!!) .. the NAIA Division I National Women's Championship started yesterday at Oman Arena in Jackson (Union girls rule!!) .. and the NCAA "March Madness" (not the mental disorder sometimes found in band members after a long parade .. however, we do need to raise awareness of this condition .. it's almost as bad as .. 'dance fever') has begun.

I'm not much of a sports guy (I only go to a football game to see the half-time show), but it's easy to get "sucked in" to all the excitement.

If the University of Memphis makes it to the "Final Four" (someone had to tell me what that was .. apparently, it's not the name of a comic book superhero team), I will be watching with all you Tiger fans (sorry, Tennessee enthusiasts .. I see enough 'orange' looking at our circa 1980 church carpet).

Cheryl has been there for the Vikings all season. She has attended every game, cheering and encouraging the team from the stands.

I've been a "silent" follower. I do support the team, but you would never know it by my attendance (or lack, thereof) at their games.

Many claim to love Christ and His church. However, actions speak louder than words.

Are you a silent follower?

Kev's Klip of the Week

One of my choir members (thanks Brad) sent me this several days ago and I felt like my readers might receive a blessing (and maybe just a few 'morning menu' ideas) if I posted it on the blog.

Ladies and gentlemen .. "The Breakfast Song."

Kissing the Barney Stone

Top of the mornin' to ya and Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Saint Patrick (approximately AD 387 - AD 461) was a British-born Roman Catholic missionary and the patron saint of Ireland. Legend credits him with banishing snakes from the island (too bad he didn't live at a later time and in another part of the world .. we could really use his services in Washington DC) and teaching the Irish the concept of the Trinity by showing them the shamrock, a 3-leaved clover.

St. Patrick's Day is celebrated worldwide by people of Irish decent and those who just like to wear funny hats, fake beards and drink a lot.

The first St. Paddy's Day parade was held in Boston on March 17, 1737. It had a very meager beginning (the colonists marched through the streets throwing Irish Spring and Lucky Charms to the crowd), but has grown to draw thousands, including celebrities such as the Green Hornet, the Green Lantern, the Incredible Hulk and Al Green.

I don't really get in to all the hoopla (actually, I've never even used the word 'hoopla' until this very moment), but I will be wearing green and I do have something in my back yard that is distinctly Irish ..

Patty O'Furniture.