Out-of-Order

No one likes to arrive at a rest room or a gas pump or a water fountain to fine the words "out-of-order" posted.  But sometimes the phrase means "not in the correct order."  Such is the case with this blog.  I won't bore you with all the reasons why this blog post should precede the one that follows it but suffice it to say that getting older is not for "sissies."

A week ago, I had a very important appointment to keep in the early evening but the schools I needed to visit were at some distance.  I arose very early and left to visit schools which sit along the Virginia border and in the north.  east corner of the state.

I arrived first at Halifax Community College.  Outside the main building on campus is a fish.  I assumed it was some sort of mascot but I learned the school's mascot is the "Knights."  Marc Finney is the Director of the Library.

One of the few public libraries I call on is in Scotland Neck.  Brenda Mills is the librarian there and has led the county-wide system of public libraries to serve this rural community.

Vance-Granville Community College in Henderson is led by Elaine Stem.  She was preparing to leave for a meeting when I arrived so I didn't have long to speak with her.  I learned a week later that VGCC qualified for a very special award from the company I represent.  Congratulations to Elaine and her fine staff!


Piedmont Community College is in the town of Roxboro.
 Vanessa Bass is the director and had just begun her duties when I visited during the summer.  Vanessa was not in her office when I arrived so I left my calling card on a table near the entrance.  The next day, I received a gracious note from her to indicate she had found my card.
 
It was after lunchtime when I left PCC so I stopped at a place called "American Hero."  American Hero is run by two brothers from Lebanon.  Sammi prepared my meal of grilled chicken with peppers and onions on a bed of wide egg noodles.  The meal was accompanied by a salad and garlic bread.  Ordinarily, when I have calls to make, both onions and garlic are off the menu for me.  But since I had made my final call for the day and had only the drive home ahead, I enjoyed Sammi's fare.
 

What could be more American than two brothers from a foreign country serving delicious food at a reasonable price to a diverse clientele? American Hero indeed!

It was a long drive from Roxboro to my home but I made it in time for my evening appointment.