I talked with a good friend on the phone this weekend. I've known Fred since I was a freshman at Virginia Tech (go Hokies). He lived next door to me in AJ hall. He even inspired me to major in geology for one quarter, then I realized it wasn't my calling. He went on to get a Ph.D in it and has done well in his field. Fred just moved back to Texas after living in Amsterdam for several years and he's glad to be back in the U.S.
Fred and I (or is it Fred and me?) quaffed a lot of beers over the years and had a lot of good experiences, such as the time when he gave me a ride to Illinois after we finished college and we went the wrong way for a good number of miles because my navigating wasn't good. He gave me a ride on his bike handle bars when he was at A&M when I crashed mine and then I naively agreed to play sniper while he shot at me with his BB gun. Maybe that was revenge for farting in his dorm room while I listened to classical music on the record player for the class I was taking at that time. Then again, he did plant a firecracker in my popcorn popper, which he had borrowed. It blew up of course and he never did replace that. Hey what are friends for?
When it comes to talking about people you've known for many years, it seems like you most remember the good and funny experiences you've had. I suppose the brain is wired that way. I hope that Fred finds a good house to buy in Houston and I'm looking forward to getting together with him again soon. Maybe I'll help him drive a truckload of furniture from Pulaski to Houston. That would provide some good material for a future blog.
