In Eckleburg's Eyes - 2/20/2009, Part 1

News & Notes from Wednesday, February 18th, 2009

-On Wednesday night, KJW, MPW, RAW, and I watched the Tennessee basketball game at RAW’s home. JTH and ALK joined us for the second half and KLTW arrived just as the game was ending. They did not miss much.

-When I arrived, KJW and RAW were eating pasta. KJW loves pasta (see above) but on this night decided to be obstinate about not finishing her meal (see left). Thankfully, her foul mood was short-lived. I attribute this in part to her father and I never caving in to pouting. Unfortunately, I do, however, cave in to cuteness. (You will note KJW was the only one who wore orange for the game.)

-The Vols played Ole Miss in Oxford. The game was broadcast by Raycom Sports. For the first time on the station, the game was shot in High Definition.

-The Rebels blew open a two-point half time lead (34-32) by beginning the second half with a 16-3 run. The Vols never really challenged after that. Tennessee shot horribly, missing 33 of 57 shots from the floor and 13 free throws. The final score was 81-65.

-While Ole Miss’s overall record of 14-11 is not especially impressive, they are 11-2 at home. Despite the loss and the Vols’ disappointing season, they finished the day in a four-way tie atop the SEC East standings. They are 7-4 in conference play.

-While the game was disappointing, KJW was as entertaining as ever. As she struggled to vie for attention with the game, she brought out a series of props. She carted out three Mylar Valentine’s balloons. Asked where she got them, she replied, “In my room.” When we were more specific in our questioning, we learned they were bought by her aunt, PWC.

-Later she gave us some of her mother’s Valentine’s flowers. When asked if she stole her mommy’s flowers she denied it. She was sharing.

-After the game, JTH, ALK, and I ate at Applebees where AFH was our waitress. We had just missed Amy (another frequent waitress) and her children. Amy’s daughter, Emma, followed the manager (Marsha) around the restaurant and made $7 in tips!

-We also learned that the store’s other manager, JL, was feeling better and scheduled to return to work on Thursday. (See this February 15th Prayer Blog for details.) After being mis-diagnosed in the emergency room, it seems he had a bacterial infection.