At 7:30pm on the evening of day 2---January 2nd---I arrived at Pat and Keith's house in Nacogdoches.  They are fellow Goldwing riders who have now triked their ride.  Goldwing motorcycles weigh close to 900 pounds, so some folks choose to add a third wheel to prevent spills and to be able to take in more scenery while still feeling the thrill of traveling outside of an enclosed cabin.  Keith also has a second bike to enjoy two wheel travel when not riding with Pat.

Pat and I discussed recent events in Nacogdoches ISD and her overall impressions of the district.  She also shared quite a bit about neighboring districts, including a very positive assessment of Douglass ISD...with its Exemplary high school that celebrates academics above athletics.  In fact, it is one of the rare Texas school districts that does not have a football program.


Another individual I spoke with said students will sometimes transfer out of Douglass and other more academically rigorous districts in the area to enroll in Nacogdoches ISD for their senior year in an effort to bolster their GPA and class rank for college admissions.  Are you familiar with schools in your area where this occurs?  Can anyone support or refute this assertion regarding Nacogdoches?

One of Pat and Keith's dogs is a French Bulldog.  French Bulldogs are half English Bulldog and half Pug.  A neat mix!  I had never met one, but I loved that little guy.  His name was originally Putter (when he belonged to a different owner who liked to golf).  He was then named Renee, until Pat heard one too many times that this name should be reserved for girls (though she notes it is common for French men to go by Renee)!  Now, he is known as Beret.  I should have taken a picture of him! 

I was only able to stay with Pat and Keith for one night before heading out the morning of day 3 for the sister city of Nacogdoches, TX...Natchitoches, Louisiana...and on to neighboring Alexandria, LA.