Goats chasing me

It’s been a very surreal few weeks. About three weeks ago, I was in Charlotte, attending the Billy Graham Library dedication and I was up close and personal with three former presidents – Carter, Bush and Clinton. Normally the security is so tight, media can’t move around, but this time I was so close to Clinton that he actually said “hello” to me, which I thought was pretty cool.

Next up – two weeks ago – was a soldier’s funeral. I’ve covered several over the past few years, and they’re always incredibly sad. It’s also sad to say that I’m becoming a pro at covering funerals.

Last week, Ruth Graham passed away, and all eyes were on Asheville. I went into overdrive, trying to get audio, video, galleries and more up onto the Citizen-Times Web site, and then I covered her funeral on Saturday. I feel so sorry for Billy Graham. He really loved Ruth. I mean, really, really loved her.

Sunday was spent at the pool with Nanci (Kenny was out of town all weekend.) Nanci and I needed the relaxing time after Saturday’s funeral coverage, that landed me in the office until 11:30 p.m. (I started my day at 7 a.m.)

I’m training again for a half marathon – two, in fact. Kenny is even running with me some days, which has been fun. This morning, he and I started out just before 6:30, and when we got up to Eliada, which is beautiful at that hour of the day because of the sun rising over the fields, we encountered a goat. A goat in the middle of the road. And, the goat was not scared of us. In fact, the goat chased after Kenny for a minute, before he turned around and ran back to me and started running with me. After about 10 minutes, we found someone who could help us with the goat, and knew where Hager belonged (that’s what she called the goat.) It was quite the eventful run.

My vacation starts next Friday. I’m excited beyond belief. Kenny and I are going to New York to see my family – and to take in a Yankees game!!

Hopefully, I’ll update again before Friday. Maybe the goat will be out again this week.