Cimarron Steakhouse

I had the pleasure of going today with six friends from the Oklahoma City ACW Conference to Cimarron Steakhouse for lunch.

Wow, what a happening place--and at lunch on a Saturday! The western decor was fun to take in. I counted thirty-five saddles hanging from the rafters all around the room!

And the Mesquite Steak Salad was terrific!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Oklahoma City Digs

My digs last night thru Sunday morning are here at the Oklahoma City Airport La Quinta Inn on S. Meridian Avenue.

I don't just have a room. I have a suite. Overlooking the lobby.

It is spacious and comfortable.

The hotel is also the site of the ACW Conference at which I'm speaking today and tomorrow.

P.S. while my room was nice enough, I must add that spotty wireless service (very frustrating), filthy lobby restroom, and barely okay continental breakfasts make this a hotel I would rather not stay in again.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Ohhhhhklahoma

I arrived safely--and right on time--in Oklahoma City this evening. True to its reputation, as I stepped off the plane, the jetway was rocked by crosswinds. Sweeping down the plain, apparently.


The airport here is named for Will Rogers.


It took no time at all to get from plane to terminal to curb. A pain-free arrival in a pleasant place.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Pinch Me Places: Stratford Upon Avon

In 1995, the lovely Robin and I traveled with Aubrey and Aaron to that "green and pleasant land" that gave birth to the U.S., where we were hosted by our dear friends Nigel, Rachel, Samantha, Carlene, and Dathan Horridge for a tour of England. While there, of course (OF COURSE), we visited Stratford-Upon-Avon, the birthplace and hometown of William Shakespeare.

This is me (above...right in the center...no, really, that's me, the silly American in the trench coat with a camera hanging from his neck) exiting Shakespeare's birthplace and first home. The Bard grew up here and played here. He ate meals in the hall and slept and dreamed in those rooms. He spent the first five years of married life in this house with his new wife, Anne Hathaway.

Shakespeare's house. SHAKESPEARE'S HOUSE. Did I mention: SHAKESPEARE WAS HERE? THE Shakespeare?

Not only that, but previous visitors to this spot have included Charles Dickens, John Keats, Walter Scott, and Thomas Hardy. I didn't happen to recognize any of them while I was there, but neither did they recognize me, so I guess we're even.

And, of course, included in our day at Stratford-Upon-Avon (I just like saying that) was a visit to Anne Hathaway's cottage where, obviously (judging from the photo above) Aubrey was saying something utterly baffling to Nigel. Although his face always wears that look, so maybe not.

But did I happen to mention: SHAKESPEARE WAS HERE! And I was, too. Though it all seemed so hard to believe, I probably literally pinched myself.

Collierville First Assembly

I worshiped God this morning at Collierville (TN) First Assembly of God with my friends Reg and Eleonore.


As I entered, a crowd was making their way into the auditorium (nee gymnasium). I was welcomed repeatedly as I entered, and three times after I was seated.


Worship was capably led by a young man with a New Zealand accent and four other mic'd vocalists (though for the life of me, I couldn't tell if their mic'd were on; I heard no voice but his).


They were supported by three or four unmic'd singers along one wall, a grand piano, drums, bass, and trombone (though I never heard the bass and only occasionally heard confirmation that the others were playing). But it was a fine worship experience, as we sang all praise songs, ending with Revelation Song.

The pastor, Jason Murphy, got up to preach at 11:15 (the service started at 10:30) and did so enthusiastically and effectively. Unfortunately, I had to leave at 11:50 for the airport, just as the pastor was getting to some exposition, which I was sorry to miss.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Corky's BBQ

The lovely Robin and I try to observe a rule when we travel: no restaurants we can eat at when we're home.


When I told some of the conferees at today's Memphis writer's conference at which I'm teaching, they took me to Corky's.


Corky's is a barbecue place, terrifically decorated with vintage posters and photos of visiting celebrities.


We ordered takeout, which was ready in short order.


My lunch was a pulled pork salad--or pig salad--which was delicious.


I'm not sure I can forgive myself for having a salad instead of ribs or a pulled pork sandwich. But I'll try.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Hampton Inn, Collierville

I checked in last night for a two-night stay at the Hampton Inn in Collierville, Tennessee (near Memphis).


It's quite nice, comfortable and clean. But most importantly, just outside my room, are machines offering free candy.


The breakfast room is spacious, and the breakfast bar has a great variety.


The fitness room, unfortunately, is small. And its location (entry on the far side of the lobby from guest rooms) seems odd.


But it's a lovely place to stay overall, just off the busy Poplar Ave. not far from I-240.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone