It was one of those, Green, White, Checkered races again this weekend.  And, a big wreck that looked to be intentional that called for a second restart.  I’ve headed back to the campground to spend the night, before heading back toward Griffin, then down Georgia 16 to I-85.  A quick stop at the Alabama Visitor’s Center (I have some stuff for them), then home and back in the office by Noonish.  Camping is truely the best way to enjoy a Nascar weekend. God Bless America!

It’s about 45 degrees, with the temperature on the way to 32, before an afternoon high tomorrow at 62.   Not a big deal, unless you’re camping at the Atlanta Motor Speedway.  There’s a haze hanging over the camping areas and track from the hundreds of campfires buring this evening, before folks move inside their homes on wheels.  And I can’t think of any place I’d rather be.  Redman has the duties of dog sitter.  Bo andMitch say he’s pretty nice to them when he comes over with treats.  Kevin Harvick won the truck race today.  Dale Jr. is on the pole for the race tomorrow.  I did the tour of the vendors hawking their racing stuff today and resisted the urge to buy that new Mark Martin Go Daddy Jacket, it’s cold out here after all. The camp site camp together just fine, only one trip to the Wal Mart Store (yea, I called it that) for some cheater logs and propane lighters.  Bring it on.

Takin some pictures, and I’ll get them posted on Monday. Sorry, that darn cable to connect to the computer is anywhere but here.   

I’ve not been able to get anything done the last few months.  But, Saturday, I grabbed the camper from its winter storage in the warehouse, got it in the driveway (thanks to Redman for some traffic direction) and washed and waxed the Jayco in plans for some camping, racing and cold beer in coming months.  Not sure, well, I know for a fact, that I’ve not done that much outdoor physical activity in months, so I’ve discovered a few aches and pains on Sunday, but with this weather, who cares.  Allison (on WSFA) is saying some colder weather next week.  I’m off to Idaho later in the week, where the forecast is snow and 32 degrees, so anything above that on return is fine by me.

Lots of events on the calendar in coming days, that I’ve already posted here.  If you don’t have the time to dig thru the post of the past weeks, I’ll summaries them sometime on Monday Night.  Have a Great Week!

Ran by the Outback Steakhouse after work today to get greeted with some gifts from Stephen the Head Man in Charge at the resturant.  Seems the Sam Adams promo guys had dropped off some special Sam Glasses, a Hat and Cooler, which are mine now.  Thanks Stephen.  It’s appreciated!

After watching the race at Daytona this weekend, I can’t wait to see Nascar’s best come to Talledage and Atlanta this year.  Rule changes and some Restrictor Plate modifications made for better racing.  Gone is the Green, White checkered that gave away the race more than a few times last year. Well, maybe itns not gone, but it’s different and better thi syear.  Now, with a end of race caution, you get two final green laps to determie the best driver at the end of the race.  I grabbed breakfast at Sid’s 8th Street Cafe this morning to catch the beginning of the race, moved it to BW3 for what I hoped would be the race and end, but no… A nearly 2 hour Red Flag Stop, so I caught the end with some other friends at Outback.  The number 88 picked up 8 positions in the final two laps and finished 2nd.  It was good to see Dale Jr. out doing what he does best and getting a finish.  Speaking of BW3, I arrived on Saturday to discover a second Birthday Party for me in two weeks.  I had George send over this picture of some of the gear I received at the event.  Good time was had by all.

Oh yea, I’ve been trying to grow a beard.  I understand I look like I may just crawled out from under a bridge.  It’s not bery pretty, but I plan to give it another week or two.      

Eighth and Rail will be open Ssunday Night for some special time for you and your Valentine Sunday Night at 8PM.  It’s a special Valentines Day Concert with Jessica Campbell and Martha’s Trouble.  Grab the lady and have a great time.

I have a friend that takes off with his young beautiful wife from time to time and need to have someone take care of his dogs and maybe house, pool, cabana, beer locker.  Now I’m not one to just drop all of my day to day responsibilities to run off and “House Sit” after all. Wait, yes I am.  Of course, Friends don’t charge friends for this service, but the doctor always returns with some new  beers for me to try.  I tend to put them in the frig and try one or two of the six or so various beers provided as payment.  As I poured the Duvel Belgiam Golden Ale this evening while working on the web, I thought the picture of the rich foamy head was worth the shot.  I’ll go do some research on this later, but the smooth taste is just what I like.  I think, there may be a little more in the alcohol  content of this one, but I should be okay.  It’s going to snow in the morning and we don’t have to go to work, right?

We’ve all watched the weather all week with anticipation of the Big Snow of the year. It was March of 2009 when we got that heavy early Saturday Morning Snow.  It was fun and gone by lunch.  Now the forecast has gone from 1 to 2 inches to 3 to 5 inches late this afternoon.  Snow on Friday!  Auburn Schools, Auburn University are closing on Friday, but Opelika City Schools were planning to open and let the kids go at lunch.  Now, that’s when the big weather is scheduled.  We’ll see how that works out.  If I get a note from Becky at Opelika Schools, I’ll share it here first.

I was over at the “Ack Steakhouse” (hey Redman, you’re right, that’s what it says! ) They’ve got a new Tortilla Soup that is the best I’ve had since I tasted the same at the Four Seasons Resort in Dallas.  Congrats to Emily, who is a fan of the soup as well, on word that she and that “Best” guy would have a little one join them on July 4th!  

Santa was in the restaurant with his  wife again this evening.  They are more regulars than I am.  I have been growing somewhat of a beard the past month.  I got to thinking, if he is doing the party with the little kids, I might be able to do the ones at Auburn University.  Soriety Santa!  What do you think?

And for my friends that like racing and the University of Alabama.  The folks over at Aaron Rental, who also sponsor the Aaron’s 499 at Talledage in the spring, have a special paint job going on the car for the race.  You can pre-order a die cast of the “Double O” car at the store with expected delivery in May.  I’ve got one scheduled. From the Aaron’s website: Every fan will want this limited edition, die-cast replica of the race car David Reutimann will drive at Talladega, in the Aaron’s 499 on April 25, 2010. This salute to the University of Alabama 2009 National Championship will be rolling off the shelves. Get it now.  Click Here to learn more!

And does another Alabama Race hold a surprise for those on the track that get passed by some local favorites in a VW or Audi.  Could be General! More on that later!

As you my know, each month, normally on the first Tuesday of the month, I write a column for the Opelika Auburn News.  This month some thoughts about turning sixty.  I’ll start it here, but you’ll need to follow the link to read the whole thing on the OA News website!

I thought with Massachusetts in the news the past few weeks, I’d discuss my connection with the state. I had planned to write about a book I recently bought: 60 Things To Do When You Turn 60.  But instead as I turn 60 I thought I’d let Mom know I’m doing fine.

Not sure I’ve told the story here. I was adopted at birth, maybe had a twin brother and ended up with a Jewish Family in Spartanburg, S.C. Abortion wasn’t one of the things done at that time in our U.S. history.  Read the whole story on the OA News Website – Click Here!

A quick reminder of this community wide event this Saturday, Feb 6th.  Now is a good time to check around the office for that old computer box, or monitor. 

The East Alabama Recycling Partnership will host an electronics recycling event on Saturday, February 6 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The event will take place at Mid-Way Plaza, 3700 Pepperell Parkway in Opelika.

The East Alabama Recycling Partnership (EARP) is composed of Auburn University, City of Auburn, City of Opelika and Lee County. The partnership was formed in effort to combine expertise and capabilities to make recycling more efficient in our area. In 2009, the Partnership was awarded a grant from Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) totaling $120,139.00.

The Electronics Recycling Event will allow all citizens of Lee County the opportunity to recycle their outdated or unused electronics. Items that will be accepted include televisions, computers, small kitchen appliances, video games, DVDs and telephones. Their will be a $10 charge for the disposal of televisions. The East Alabama Recycling Partnership is working with Creative Recycling to recycle the collected items. All items will be separated and shredded while properly disposing of stored information. Keep Opelika Beautiful hosted two similar events in 2009.   For more information on the Electronics Recycling Event, please contact Tipi Miller at (334) 749-4970.