Cookies, a Slim Jim and Scooby-Doo Update

First things first, I am still trying to find the Scooby-Doo van so that I can get a picture. I found out where it "lives" and have been driving by daily and no such luck in finding it at home. Alas, I will keep trying, but if you live in Garland and see it out and about - take a photo and send it to me..I will give your credit.

I went to the Rowlett Town Hall meeting last week and it reminded me of going to the City Commission meetings back in the "Little Apple." City status updates by the Mayor (who I have already introduced to you), City Manager (whose office I visited in an earlier blog), Deputy Mayor Pro Tem, and City Councilman and followed with a Q&A. Most of the Q&A was more complaint than a question and those who did ask a question - lost me. Not because it was an issue that I wasn't familiar with, but because the question became so convoluted in detail that I forgot what the heck the original question was. I also question my fellow Rowlettians, Rowlett-tonians (I am not even sure that is what we are technically called) who stuffed their pockets and purses full of cookies and water that had been set-up in the back of the room. You know the type - they show at any and everything that provides free refreshments. And if we are speaking frankly, some of them can smell out a free cookie about 500 yards away. After the meeting, I was waiting to meet the City Manager (since I had already met "her" office), when I had a woman approach me. She said to me, "I know you from somewhere, but I can't place it." I smiled and replied, "I am the meet a stranger-a-day lady and you are Denise from the City Manager's office." Excitedly she said, "Yes, yes -that's it." How cool. I then noticed that she had gentleman with her so I decided to meet him. I could tell from his jacket that he was the Fire Chief (it was embroidered on the left shoulder). I extended my hand, just like I had when I met Denise, and gave him my spiel. I was meeting George Harris, Rowlett Fire Chief. George looks like a fireman - broad shoulders, tall and a moustache. He has been a fireman for 25 years and hired Chris's cousin, Jimmy Wilson. I told him that he made a good choice with Jimmy and with a hearty laugh, he agreed with me. George is also the go-to-guy (words from the Mayor) when a City Manager position opens. George, I found out use to be the Rowlett City Manager so when Rowlett has position open - George fills in during the candidate search. Talk about being handy as a pocket on a shirt!!! I wished Denise and George a good evening and headed toward the door, but before I leaving I made sure that I met the City Manager.

Lynda Humble is the Rowlett City Manager. She has been in office for one year and is very passionate about her job. That passion came through during the Q&A session when responding about volunteer opportunities within the city. I liked her before I even met her. I told her that I had two things when I approached her and she promptly pulled out her notebook. I am sure that she thought that I was going to complain about something. "First", I said, "I have to ask you if your shoes are comfortable?" She was wearing very pointed black below the ankle boots. She said, "Surprisingly, yes." And as I extended my hand, "Hi, my name is Donna and I thought I should meet you since I have met your office." She cocked her head and looked at me the same way my dog does when I burp...oh come on....everyone burps. I went on to explain that I had met Denise as one of my strangers-a-day and she told me that she had heard about my visit. I smiled and wished her a good evening and thanked her for doing a great job. Nodded at John Harper (the Mayor) on the way out because my hands were full - I was stuffing a cookie in my mouth with my right hand and I was grabbing a second one with my left.

One other stranger I met was at the Chili's in Rowlett. Dressed in red shirt and black pants, he greeted us at the door and seated us. As we (the family plus Britni) waited for our food and as he moved through the the restaurant to seat other patrons - we commented on how tall he was and that he must play basketball. Food consumed and bill paid, we headed for the door, but I stopped to meet him. I extended my hand and told him my New Year's resolution that my name was Donna. He told me that his name was Jimmy and shook my hand. I asked him how tall was and he replied about 6'5" or 6'6". According to my brother-in-law, Mike, anything over 6'7" is freakishly tall so Jimmy - not freakishly tall - just tall. I continued, "Please tell me that with your height - you are playing basketball somewhere." "Yes, I play for Richland College," he said. "The Thunder Ducks," I said and he beamed, "Yes, we were National Champions." Chris had already left and started the car so I wished Jimmy a great evening and he said to Grayson, "Good Night, Baby Girl" and shook my hand again and said, "Good Night, Love." I hopped in car and said, "Jimmy plays basketball for the Thunder Ducks." Chris asked, "How do you know that?" "Jimmy is my stranger." What a polite Thunder Duck.