|
I think I'll post here one time just to give my regards to Thad.
I came to FCF in February of 2004 and have said all along that Thad represents the things I miss about my life in "ole time pentecost" with his sheer enthusiasm and his interest in things fellowship-wide.
(Digressing, Rayford Strange makes me feel the same way.)
There have been plenty posters over the last four years who remind me why I'm glad I left it far behind.
"Thad's Tab" was nothing more or less than what was talked about and IN THE MANNER talked about on a fellowship-wide basis around pastors' tables after services, around campmeeting concession stands and general conference halls.
This comes from a former full-time evangelist of nine years who sat around pastors' tables from the Alabama District to the Idaho District.
I defended Thad against his naysayers before and was glad to do so.
So, in the spirit of Thad's Tab ... what's been going on around good ole Alexandria?
I took a quick trip to California last weekend. It was impromptu; the plane ticket was paid for so how could I refuse?
I flew into Ontario International Airport.
I made, what was for me a pilgrimage, to the Richard Nixon Library and Museum and stood at the gravesite of the man I consider to be the greatest president of the 20th century. That was the only tourist spot I had a chance to see.
Of course, I went to the beach at Costa Mesa.
This was my first time in "The Golden State" in almost 45 years when I lived in San Diego as a small child when dad was in the Navy.
I admit I was pleasantly surprised. I was expecting a heat wave, a jungle and a dunghole, based on my impressions from afar of southern California in 2007.
Now I probably would have found that in Los Angeles proper. I was in Orange County, in which you about have to be a millionaire to live.
But I was wonderfully surprised at the balmy seventy degree weather, the breathtaking scenery, the electric blue sky without a hint of smog and the wide, clean streets in Ontario, Rialto, Yorba Linda, Costa Mesa, etc.
Uh, no ... I didn't have a chance to visit "Loophole Larry's" church.
On the way home, I was delayed by a canceled flight in Dallas but I enjoyed the time there and found a GREAT steakhouse in Euless.
Deplaning at Alexandria, and heading out of the security area I saw a portly elderly man sitting at one of the gates waiting to board a plane. He was chowing down hard on a bag of peanuts.
Yep. I knew I recognized him. It was ... Tom Fred Tenney.
(And no, I am NOT going to play that stupid game of putting peoples' initials. If it's okay to call the name of a TBN'er, then I'll call the name of whomever, thank you.)
I said a quick hello and I frankly don't believe it dawned on him who I was. It was crowded and I didn't stop to speak. I was decked out in black Nike wind pants, an LSU tank top and a purple LSU cap so it probably took him a bit to realize who it was who waved at him.
Coincidence.
When I got home and unpack, I ran down the street for a quick meal at Piccadilly.
Sitting down a few tables away was ... Thetus Tenney.
She was with Nita Hale. Nita is David Hale's wife. David was TFT's administrative aide back in the 80s before Loren Yadon.
I believe David now is head administrator for Tommy Tenney.
Her cellphone rang and she said "Hey Darlin'" so I assume Tom Fred called her before the flight.
I hadn't run into either Tenney for a couple or three years and then running into both of them separately was a bit coincidental.
Anyway Thad, this post is not a return but since I posted strictly for Jeannie and Brother Strange on one thread ...
... then this post is for you.
You deserve it.
|