Happy Birthday in Denton, Texas

Ranchman's Cafe in Ponder, Texas

Viewed from "Miller Center," the library of FUMC-Denton

The "Noah's Ark" rug, a memorial gift in Mom's name

What was the Industrial Arts building at the University of North Texas

Dad on the steps of what was the Industrial Arts Building

(The octagonal window above was his office window)

On Wednesday, January 10th, I arrived at Love Field in Dallas for a few days with my father. He's such a sweet, loving man! He greeted me at the furthest point one can possibly go into the airport without passing the blocade at security, which at Dallas Love Field, is pretty far. It did my heart good to see him. After walking through to get my luggage and wandering a bit in finding the van, we headed to an old seminary haunt for lunch ("Snuffers" on Greenville Avenue), and then headed north to Denton.

We've been enjoying our time together. We went to see the church of my childhood, which took possession of an addition to their building between Christmas and New Years (sound familiar, COGS?). "The East Wing" is huge, and Dad and I wandered through all three floors, as well as the new connections to the old buildings, even taking time to wander through the old Sunday school wing, too. The cost of their project was around $5 million. I once figured out that on a strictly per-capita basis, our addition of $950,000 in Ann Arbor cost us quite a bit more per member.

A great blessing was our conversation with several women who have long been family friends. Dad and I even had the opportunity to help the librarian shift some things around in the church library, carrying some boxes to storage at the far end of the building and returning a "Noah's Ark" rug to its promiant place on the library floor. The Noah's Ark rug was among the items purchased by the library from memorial gifts given in my mother's name.

Then, on Thursday night, I had the blessing of getting to meet Marie, the woman my father has been dating since October. First we went to her home in Argyle. Located south of Denton, Argyle is about 25 minutes away from Dad's house on the north side of the city. It was a joy to get to meet this woman about whom I have heard so many wonderful things (all true!) from my father. Next we drove over to Ponder, population 527 -- which is up quite a bit! (An old bumper sticker said, "Ponder, Texas. Just think about it.") Dinner was at the Ranchman's Cafe, an old fashioned, small, small town, cattleman's steak house. It's the only place I've ever heard of where you have to call ahead to get a "baked potato reservation."

Following dinner we returned to Dad's house and celebrated my 44th birthday (which isn't until January 17th, but as I'll be in Buenos Aires then...). Dad had baked a two-layer, chocolate cake, from scratch, with home-made, fudge icing. The fudge had run out in the top and middle (woo-hoo! Nice and thick!), so he'd iced the sides with a white, powdered sugar frosting. The cake was beautiful, moist, tender and delicious! I'm telling you, my Dad... he didn't start cooking or baking until he was in his mid-70s, and at 82, he's truly adventurous -- and successful! Baking a layered cake in shaped pans... no challenge too large for him! Dad and Marie sang happy birthday (with harmony!) and both had presents for me to open. I'm so blessed! It has been decades since I celebrated a birthday at home.

As Dad took Marie back home to Argyle, I reflected on the many blessings of this visit home, giving thanks to God. What a gift! And we've still got one day together. On the schedule is a trip to Fort Worth to our favorit Mexican restaurant and to see a couple of friends from my Boy Scout days on the staff of Worth Ranch.

There are a few things I need to get done before I leave tomorrow. Some things (like my winter's coat) will I fly to Miami in the afternoon and on to Buenos Aires overnight on Saturday, arriving in Argentina at 6:55 a.m.

Again, I thank you for your love, care, support and prayers. As my departure from the U.S. draws very near, I ask for special prayers -- for Traveling Mercies, for fruitful studies, for an open mind, and for eyes to see and a heart to know the rich and bountiful blessings of life.

Grace and peace,

-- Bill