I provided the last Kevin Neal Life Update on this post from 11/22/2016 so I won’t rehash older news and I’ll move right into significant updates since then.

 

Bellaringa slowly on-the-mend

After a tremendous medical scare a few weeks ago, Brandee and I are glad to report that Bella seems to be slowing improving. We have no illusion that she will revert 100% to her kitten-like and somewhat vicious demeanor because, after all, we appreciate blood inside of our bodies instead of Bella’s bite or scratch wounds with our blood running down our arms!

No, in all seriousness, we encourage and appreciate Bella’s feisty attitude after what we’ve been through with her the past few weeks. Bella is playing with Jack more often, she’s certainly more active, she continues to eat well and is in no obvious pain. I guess it’s just natural that a 14-year furr-ball might lose a step-or-two at her age.

Overall, we continue to pray for her to be comfortable, enjoy her life and bring the happiness that Brandee, Jack and I enjoy so much.

 

Home away from home

Have you ever felt like there is some special place that you feel most comfortable although it has never been your permanent place of residence? Is there a place that is so full of genuinely decent people who share in each other’s life’s journey through good times as well as the challenging times? Most might think of their home away from home as a nice vacation spot on a sandy beach, enjoying a refreshing drink in the warm sunshine. Not me.

I, personally, feel that my home away from home has always been visiting with my Dad’s family and friends in Oklahoma. For me, there has always felt some amazing level of comfort there. Although I have never maintained a mailing address in Oklahoma and we generally visit for one week per year, the heartwarming reception received is such an inspiration that I sincerely try and capture into my travel-bag and bring back to California to infect people with kindness. Wish me luck.

 

The decency of people

Sometimes in our daily lives, and which is reasonable considering stressful life events, we might tend to think that by default everyone and everything have bad motivation. This is not true and there are decent people everywhere.

During my recent travels, I would like to recognize a few exemptional people that really stood-out:

1. AOK Printing, http://www.AOKPrinting.net/

I went into their business with a random print inquiry. Not only did they satisfy my need, they went far and beyond my expectations to provide a professional representation of the material. This company is top-notch and highly recommended for your print, graphics or design-marketing needs.

Even if you don’t have printing needs, AOK Printing is a great place to visit to discuss football, family or current events. Highly recommended!

2. American Airlines flight #AA103 on 12/15/2016 (French-speaking flight attendant)

As the safety announcements were announced on the intercom system of American Airlines flight #AA103 on 12/15/16, the accent from the lady over the speaker system was clear that she was most likely fluent in French language. With this rather obvious evidence I engaged in a feeble attempt to engage in a conversation “en français” with this lady. I had studied French in High School but that was long ago and “J’ai oublié le français” (I had forgotten French).

Through-out the flight she played along and encouraged the an ongoing conversation in French as much as we could which was quite fun and entertaining. It was super fun! Merci beaucoup #AA103!!!

3. All Oklahoma Truck Stops and Eatin’ Places

One of the really special perks of visiting Oklahoma is the down-home cooking and genuine hospitality of the local truck stops, diners and eatin’ places.

Unlike most places where most of us might quickly scarf down a meal for pure nourishment sake or simple sustenance, in Oklahoma any meal is a time to slow down, relax, be grateful and enjoy a great conversation with friends or family.

If you have ever had the pleasure to enjoy such an experience then you certainly can understand my point, if not and you happen to be traveling through any of the ‘fly over states’ (including Oklahoma), do yourself a favor and stop-by a truck stop and enjoy this great atmosphere for yourself. You won’t regret it.

 

I’m pleased to report that, by the grace of God, things are good. Brandee, Jack, Bella and the Fish all are getting along well. Friends and Family are still beautifully amazing people. Business is solid and growing. And, most importantly, people all over our awesome country have renewed confidence in the future and they are optimistic for good things to come.

God Bless and here is wishing everyone a wonderful early Merry Christmas.

Sincerely,

Kevin