Here and There...

Well, friends, Fall is here but may not be here for long. I love the cool crisp days and I hope they are here for a few weeks before Winter rears its nasty head into our lives here in Southern Illinois.

A lot of great experiences have happened lately. I think I just have had writer's block lately. Here is a few things that have happened the past few weeks.

ABRAHAM LINCOLN PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY & MUSEUM
Abe has always been my favorite president. So, when my friend, Andy, suggested that we take a road trip up to Springfield to check out the new library & museum, I didn't waste time in loading up the car. Andy, Cory, Travis, and I had a great guys day out to the musuem. Hopefully, I will soon have a pic to share with you of me with Honest Abe. If you are ever in the area, the museum is a great place to visit. http://www.alincoln-library.com/home.html

SO CLOSE BUT YET SO FAR AWAY
For those of you who live elsewhere, Southern Illinois is not a major thoroughfare for our country's highways & byways. St. Louis is about 90 miles northwest of Marion, Nashville is 3 hours south, and Chicago is a good 5 hours north. This past week I have had many old friends "passing through" but haven't had the chance to meet up with them (with St. Louis tending to be the closest place to connect). I had a college friend from K.C. passing through the other day on his way up to a White Sox Game. It has been over a year since I have seen Brad last. I have a friend all the way from New Zealand who will be "passing through" tomorrow, and once again, I won't have a chance to connect with his wife & him. It's been over 2 years since I last saw Chad. This is why I think this whole concept of work is so greatly overrated! :-)

HOME SWEET...NOT YET...HOME
I was minutes away from buying my first home on Tuesday night. At 9:45 PM, we came to a Stalemate. The gap is only a few thousand dollars; but I won't (can't) go any higher and the seller won't go any lower. So, we wait. I have kept my offer on the table. Perhaps, with Winter on its way, the seller will see the wisdom in accepting my offer and then we will have one amazing Welcome-To-Our-New-Home Party!

A DAY OF REST...
Today, I went to the early service at the Vineyard and quickly came back to spend some quiet time at my parent's house (while they were at their church) with my dog, Baxter. We had a good time together. I then had lunch with my twin sister & parents. Shortly after 1:00, I found myself on their couch practicing the spritual discipline of napping. I continue to practice the discipline for almost 4 hours. It was bliss. :-) The rest of the day has been filled with laundry, grocery shopping, long distance phone calls, etc.

THRILLING EXPERIENCE TO COME...
One of the most thrilling experiences I have the pleasure of having from time-to-time is horseback riding. Ski Diving, White Water Rafting, 4-Wheeling, Jet-Skiing, and horseback riding are all experiences that make me simply want to hoot, hollar, and yeehaw all day long. Seriously, though, there is something magical when you & the horse are in harmony together galloping through an open field . The horse is living life to its fullest by going full-bore...and in some way, I feel like I'm living life to my fullest when I enjoy such an amazing creation of God.

I don't know if this was even half way enlightening or entertaining for you to read. Nevertheless, this is what has been going on in the life of DrNeilClayton.