KFLP Christmas Party

One of the percs of helping with the West Texas Friday Night Scoreboard show is the Christmas party. Tony and Pam open up there house to us. We have lots of good food and really good fellowship. After the meal this year we played Guitar Hero on the Wii. Here are some pictures from that night!

Top is Cory Johnston. Cory is the voice of the Floydada Whirlwinds.

To the right here is Tony St. James. He is the Voice of Agriculture Today on AM 900 All Ag All Day. Below is Ricky Hughes. Ricky is employed by Lighthouse Electric and helps out with the show as well as does color commentary for Floydada Whirwind Football.

2008 Things I'm Thankful Of

These are just a few of the things I'm thankful for this year.

1. My Faith
I have to work on this daily. Putting God first is something I struggle with daily.
2. My kids
Sarah, Lizzie and Jonathan. I gained a daughter-in-law this year, Kirsten, whom I am thankful for also.
3. My Church
I couldn't make it through this life with them.
4. My Job
I have struggled here too this year. My sales have been off. Just part of the life of a fertilizer salesman.
5. My Community
I search for reasons every year why I stay in small town America. It's a way of life, I suppose, that I enjoy. Don't know if I could survive anywhere else.
6. My Home
It's not much, but I like it!
7. My Friends
I have the best group of friends anyone could wish for.
8. Agriculture
I know! It's all I know!

Remembering

So far this year, I have been to 12 funerals. Each one always seems to bring back fond memories. Today, I went to Quanah for the funeral of Sam Breedlove. Sam was the granddad of one of my classmates from high school. Sam was one of those men that, in his actions, demanded respect. He was a leader of the community. I can remember when he was the mayor of Quanah. He was very active in his church. He was active in civic organizations. One of my fondest memories of Sam Breedlove was during my senior year in high school. I was a junior Rotarian and Sam was a life long member of the Quanah Rotary Club. Sam was the song leader. I remember Sam leading us in "God Bless America". He had a voice that stood out. Very strong and praising. You could tell that he was very committed to the American way. Sam was an American. He was a Christian man.

Fox News Channel

As most of you know, I am an avid Fox News Channel Fan. I started out watching Fox News many years ago. I started out watching Fox and Friends in the morning. If it's news I'm looking for, Fox is where I go. Tonight as I was driving in from Stillwater, I was listening to The Factor and O'Reilly was interviewing Brit Hume. At the end of the interview, Bill made a comment that Brit was not going to be on "Special Report" any more. Brit went on to say that he was going to concentrate on the "3 G's". God, Granddaughters and Golf. Did you hear that? A major league news man is going to concentrate on God! He said that he was going to spend a lot of time studying the Bible. WOW!

The more I watch and listen to Fox, the more I'm impressed with the whole crew. Yes, even Alan Colmbs! LOL! He's really a conservative in a liberal body! LOL! More than once daily, I hear at least one person on the network to give praise to God.

I was channel surfing the other day and went by MSNBC. Keith Oberman was spending his time, instead of reporting on news issues, ridiculing and running down Bill O'Reilly and Gretchen Carlson on their views on the Washington state governor's lack of judgement on what kind of holiday scenes could be put out on the state house's lawn. Because Gretchen is a Christian, Keith took his time to run her down.

Keep up the good work Fox News! And Brit, I will miss seeing you on air every day!

More CCOOLLDD!!!!

I'm in Stillwater this morning. It's about 16 degrees here this morning and slick. It is only about 4 blocks to where the conference is this morning. Plus OSU is out for Christmas break so this town is almost empty. I got into to Stillwater about 10:00 last night and I almost didn't find anything to eat! I finally found a Whataburger!

I stayed in the Hampton Inn last night. Really clean and super nice folks! If your ever in Stillwater, I recommend the Hampton Inn.

I'm super excited about this meeting! I hope to learn lots of things about infra-red and near-infra-red technology today. I know, big words for a country boy!

Hopefully, I will be headed home around 6:00 this evening. Haven't really made up my mind which way I am going yet, but headed in the general direction of Lockney.

Thanks for stopping by today!

P

CCOOLLDD!!!!

Can you believe this cold weather we are having? I worked outside most of the day yesterday. I have been working in the girl's bathroom putting in a new toilet and putting tile on the walls of the shower. I looked to see what the high temp was here yesterday. The Texas Tech Mesonet site showed a high of 71 degrees yesterday. This morning we had a low of 13!

I am getting ready to leave town here in a few minutes for Stillwater, Oklahoma. They are having a wheat fertility conference tomorrow. I know it will be cold there. I checked to see if they are having any freezing precipitation there. All looks clear.

I had a good conversation with Carolyn Marble Friday. Carolyn is the keeper of the Floyd County Museum. I have been researching some stuff as to how many cotton gins and other agricultural type businesses there has been in the county.

Tuesday!

Tuesday are special to me. Every Tuesday evening my girls and I go and have pizza on the buffet at Main Street Pizza in Lockney. (YES! We have something besides a Dairy Queen!) Our Tuesday night routine has become somewhat of a tradition for us. After pizza we do a variety of things. Lately, we have gone over to Plainview for hot chocolate and desert at the Broadway Brew. Now that basketball has started, we may try to get up to the gym and catch a few games.

Tuesdays are special to me because the time I get to spend with my girls. It is especially good after the weekends I don't have them. It gives me that "dad" rush.

I can't wait for tonight!!!

Thanks for stopping by and God Bless!

My Step Family

I talked to my sister yesterday. It's finally happened. My step family has split. One of my step-brothers has gone through a divorce. In order that my girls and my nephew Ronnie has a relationship with their cousins, my sister and I have continued the relationship with our ex-sister in law. Let me explain further. For years, we have gone to mom's for Labor Day. Our family has always enjoyed labor day together. We have always hunted, Joe Gayle (my step-dad) has always cooked this huge meal. I think I have missed one Labor day since 1988. My step brother Jim has missed several always blaming someone else (his ex) or some other excuse. When we would make plans in the weeks leading to Labor Day, and he was always coming only not to show up a majority of the time with out even a phone call to let us know. I have watched my girls be crushed when their cousin's didn't show.

This Thanksgiving it happened again. Still not willing to take responsibility for his own actions, Jim didn't show up again. So, my sister stopped in Wichita Falls and picked up one of my nieces that wanted to go to her grandparents for Thanksgiving.

So now, to protect our kids from all the drama and crap, my sister and I are going to have Christmas here at my house here in Lockney with my mom. It's kinda like my parents are having to pick sides. My step-dad is a grudge holder and somewhat blameless himself. Just a shame that no one wants to make an effort to keep our family together anymore.

I just have one question for me! What did Jesus do?
Pray for us!

In Memory of Van D. Foster

The Foster Family of Goodlett, Texas was one of the first families I remember meeting when I first moved to Quanah. Jay, Vanda and Rodney rode the same bus I did to school everyday. Rodney was quite a bit older than me and I remember him driving to school mostly. Vanda had this long blonde hair that caught my eye! LOL! I immediately had a crush on her. Jay and I made friends right off. Of course, he had a crush on my sister.

The first time I can remember meeting Van was at the old Quisenberry filing station in Goodlett. He always had a pipe he was smoking on. The aroma of pipe tobacco followed him. He would aways take time to joke with us kids. Giving us a hard time about different things. Always had a smile that was his trademark. His precinct barn was across the street form the filling station.

As the years passed, all us kids got closer, good friends! My first car date was with Vanda and Jay's first car date was with my sister. We always looked after each other. We used to play basketball and other games out at the old Goodlett gym. I can remember one time, Jay and I had to go out and find Vanda and Keith Melton, who were out in the country one night. They had run over a utility pole that was laying out in the middle of the county road and blown out all 4 tires on the pickup they were in. Jay and I took 4 wheels and tires out to where they were at and got them back going again. I can remember Van pulling up there and ribbing Keith a bit about putting the lug nits on backwards on the one spare they had with them. I think Keith was scared at first, but Van always had a way of making everything "OK".

Jay and I ran around together quite often after we got out of high school. Jay was in the class behind me. We used to fly his plane to Goodlett from Vernon to hunt. One time Jay had Travis Taylor, Skeeter and I in his plane with 4 shotguns. We landed on the farm to market road next to Van's airport north of Goodlett because it had rained the day before and the runway was muddy. On our "approach", I noticed we were about to take out a guide wire that was going across the road. I just grabbed a hold and yelled "wire!". Jay just ducked below it and we landed just fine. Waiting for us at the airport, Van asked us "how much did ya'll miss that wire by?". We were all still scared, trembling a bit as we got out of the plane. We went on to hunt dove and finally got to where we could laugh about the experience.

Van always took the time to make sure we had "prime" hunting. He had scouted out where the dove were before we got there.

I will miss Van dearly. I know he's resting easy, being able to breath with ease now.

Just some thoughts!

A couple of things I'm thinking about.

How bout them Red Raiders!!! This has been one crazy ride! I have been a Texas Tech fan for years! Been through some pretty rough times! But even with the whipping we took from OU this past weekend, I'm proud to be a Red Raider. Never in school history have we had so much success! GO OSU COWBOYS!!! We still have a shot at the Big XII Championship!!!

The Big 3 automakers bailout has me concerned. I wonder what it would do for the US economy if they just gave us back that cash! Plus all the money the government has given to the financial institutions! WOW!

This will be my first Thanksgiving without my girls. At least I will have them Christmas. That was tough last year. They will be with family. They will have fun.

Harvest is wrapping up. Some time soon, I am going to start another blog on farming. More specifically the advancement in agriculture during the past 40 or so years. I think about my great granddad often and if he was still alive today, the changes that has gone on. There are very few original homesteads left in this part of the world. It's hard for me to imagine there being a home on every quarter section around here. And all the cotton gins and country elevators there used to be. Times have changed for the better!

I hope everyone has an awesome Thanksgiving!!!

Thanksgiving

Well, Thanksgiving is quickly approaching! I was originally going to Frisco to be with my son and daughter-in-law this week. I am staying in Lockney to help my friend Kurt with his harvest. He is behind and needs the help.

Since my divorce, I have dated a couple of girls. I have found dating to be extremely frustrating! So many issues! So much drama! I had just about given up on the whole dating thing back in the summer. I don't know if I had given up or just really gotten good with just me. Anyway, Yes, I was a Match.com subscriber, that was more fun than a barrel of monkeys! Lots of people there with lots of issues and drama all claiming to be "looking for the one". I learned to laugh at most of them. At the end of my subscription, I had pretty much quit looking and ignoring the contact notifications when I got this last one, that just said "you seem like a normal guy". So I responded.

Amy and I tell everyone we met at a coffee shop in Lubbock. Which that is the truth, we did meet there the first time! We emailed each other for about 2 months before we decided to meet. We put a lot of effort into being "just friends". We met each other and had supper or coffee. I didn't even pick her up for the longest. And we didn't share cell phone info for the longest.

Dating at 44 (about to be 45) is tough. You have a lot more issues to get past than you did in college. Kids (and I wouldn't trade them for the world! They very happily come first), exes, their kids, you name it, lots of issues. It has become fun for me.

Amy was in the same position as I was. Just looking for someone to "hang with". We have had lots of fun so far. I really enjoy her company. She's lots of fun! We are going to the Tech game Saturday night. (SURELY WE CAN BEAT BAYLOR AT THE JONES!)

I am sharing all this with you to say that I am going to Friona, Thursday to spend the day with Amy and her family. Is this the next level of our relationship?

Be praying for me and Amy. Lots of questions still to be answered. Pray for my patience!

Thanks!

My Friend Kurt

Kurt is one of my best friends. We have several things in common. We both love farming. We both like to have coffee in the morning. We both procrastinate just a bit in areas of our lives. The most significant thing that we have in common is we're both divorcees. We both woke up one day thinking all was good or "OK" in that category of our lives to find out we were out. "OUCH!" That really stings the male ego. Especially when there are "extra males" involved.

Most of ya'll that have been reading this blog understands that it takes 2 to fail at marriage. I did my fair share to "run my ex off". Let me share a few, just so that you know I share the blame. (I don't know why that's so important to me to share this, maybe to help some of you "guys" stop some of the crap that your wife doesn't like you doing)

1. Worked most of the time
2. when wasn't at work, had fire, chamber, ag committee, EDC, or anything to keep from having to go home.
3. Took vacations alone. (fire school, car races, you name I did it)
4. Never ever made her #1

This is a short list. I could go on but these are the things that started out as little and got big. Take for instance, I'm a volunteer fireman, and we have meeting night 2 nights a month. As if that wasn't enough time to be away for this, my training turned into being gone an extra 6 to 8 nights a year to fire school in Lubbock and Canyon to going to College Station for a week every year and Wichita Falls 2 times a year for a long weekend. Going to the NASCAR races for a 4 day weekend to being gone 5 days twice a year. I could go on here too!

I'm not going to make a lot of excuses here for my actions back then, but most of my traveling was going on cause things weren't just rosy at home. I will never forget about 5 years ago, I told Lori that if we didn't get a handle on things in our marriage that we were headed for disaster. I will never forget her laughing at me.

Kurt still struggles with why his wife left him. Why she would choose another guy over him. She only had 3 extra marital affairs before she finally left for the last guy. (he's not missing much in case you can't read between the lies) There's never ever a time he and I get together that he doesn't bring her up. And if someone else walks up to us that we don't know and we begin to visit, it takes him about 2 sentences to let them know that we're marked men. I told him one time that he might as well go on down to the tattoo shop and get a great big D tattooed to his forehead so that he won't have to talk about it anymore.

Kurt is my friend. I would change the world for him if I could. He's a really good guy that can't seem to move on. I've been thinking now for almost 2 years that some day he will. He's been divorced for a year longer than me!

Keep him in your prayers! Keep us both in your prayers!!!

Thanks!

In Memory of Paul Lloyd

Today was a special day for me. I often wrestle with why I live in a small town. Today was that reminder. Just to catch you up to speed here, I spent the first 10 years of my life here in Lockney. My father was killed in a farming accident in October of 1971. I have pictures of that fall that I will have to dig out and scan them in so that I can share them. In one picture is several combines. Neighbors pulling out of their own crop to help my mom get what my dad left behind harvested. Another picture is of over 25 cotton strippers. All of them 2 row, mostly tractor mount. I feel the need to bring some of you who do not have an ag background up to speed. Back in those days, if a farmer had a self propelled cotton stripper, he was up in modern times. There were only one manufacturer that I can remember that made a self propelled cotton stripper, being Hesston. Every one else had what you call a tractor mounted stripper. You used the tractor you already had and added the stripper mechanism to it. All of them harvested 2 rows at a time.

Today, we have these monster rigs that harvest 8 rows at a time. Oh yeah! We have module builders too! That is what is used to make the huge blocks of cotton you see in the fields and around the cotton gins. Back in the 70's we had trailers that we dumped in and pulled to town with our pickup trucks.

My friend, Paul Lloyd, was killed in an automobile accident in October. He left behind his wife Lori and 2 children that are in college. Paul farmed around Floydada. Almost his entire crop was left in the field to be harvested. Today, several of Paul's neighbors pulled off of their own crops to harvest what he left behind. Paul was a good friend of mine. We first got to know each other several years ago at the NASCAR race in Ft. Worth. I met his wife Lori there too. Paul was an awesome farmer. One of those "above average" producers. Paul always had a smile on his face and was always glad to see a friend.

I had the opportunity to go over and cook lunch for the guys that helped get his crop out today. The last I counted there were around 25 strippers there today. I fed 50 folks. I really had not put a lot of thought into what I was about to do this morning as I left. What kind of memories would surface. My friend Jason Pyle spearheaded the effort. I called him as I left Lockney this morning to find out where I needed to be. When I pulled up, I cried. To see that many folks take time to come help a friend in need was overwhelming! I can vividly remember back to 1971 and seeing all those that did the same for my family. I am honored to have had the opportunity to help. I got to visit with Lori some and all the folks there.

Paul Lloyd, rest in peace buddy! You will be missed!

My girls!

I have to share these pictures of my girls!

My Mom!

Yesterday was my mom's birthday. I almost forgot! When I remembered, her phone had accidentally changed to silence. Those of you that know my mom knows that it is highly unusual for her not to answer her phone. I finally talked to her last night about 7:00. She had a lot on her plate yesterday. Some time yesterday morning early she and my step-dad ended up in the emergency room in Childress. He has gall stones. So they spent most of the day in the hospital yesterday. When I finally got to talk to her last night they had just been discharged.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM! I LOVE YOU!

This is going to look kinda funny after my last post.

http://www.christianchronicle.org/article2158590~No_football_feud:_Harre


I got this from a friend yesterday! I hope all of you understand! I love my church family here in Lockney! They are unlike any church family I have been a part of. They love folks! Everyone!

THANKS FOR STOPPING BY!!!! STAY TUNED FOR MY OFFICIAL TAKE ON THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY BAILOUT! I know the financial world is waiting on my thoughts on this!!! LOL!

Frustrated

Frustrated is probably not the right word for how I feel, but i get to feel this way from time to time with the Church. You got to remember, I have spent a lifetime in the Church of Christ. I have worshipped with them all, the one cuppers, non-class, class, many cups, no kitchen, kitchen, no pitch pipes, pitch pipes, etc. (isn't that a shame, so many different factions!). I was visiting with some folks the other day about Texas Tech football before the huge UT game. The person was going on and on about how Colt McCoy was a member of the Church! Ok, that's cool and I knew that. Then they went on to tell me that Mack Brown was a member of the Church. Ok, what difference does it make? Are we going to become UT fans just because they have a couple of three folks (don't forget the Shipley kid's a member of the Church too!) that are members of the church? I know that Colt has had an awesome impact on that team. His ethics have been impeccable! And there has been several of his team mates take note. That is awesome.

Then I had a friend to ask me if the girl I was seeing right now was "a member of the Church"! So what if she's not? Am I not allowed to do things with a person of the opposite sex if they are not members of the church?

I have two really close friends of mine that are not "members of the Church". They are probably 2 of the best friends I have ever had. We have all been through very painful divorces. We talk a lot about the struggles of moving on. Should I not hang out with them if they are not members of the Church?

What did Jesus do? Matt. 20:20-28 talks about a mother's request. She wants her two sons to sit at the right and left hands of Jesus "in His kingdom". The woman didn't understand what she was asking. Then Jesus asked "can you drink from the same cup that I drink?" The woman answered "we can!". And indeed they could. But to sit at the right or left hand of Jesus was not His decision. In Christ we are all the same! Jesus went on to say that he did not come to this earth to "be served, but to serve.".

Are you able to follow me here? I get really frustrated with most folks in the Church of Christ because of the feeling of superiority they sometimes reflect. It's like my granddad's church is sticking it's ugly head up again! "We're the only ones going to heaven!". You've heard it! It's the same legalism that had me condemned for many, many years of my life! And it still lives today! Are we here to serve each other in the Church? Are we true reformist? Are we followers of Jesus? Are we followers of Campbell? I wonder sometimes what our message is as a Church?

I know what our message should be! To love and to serve, just as Jesus did! And stop this crazy legalism crap that has so crippled the church! The fact Colt McCoy, Mack Brown, and co., belongs to the Church should not even be an issue. I have known scores of people that were members, or should I say attended services, at a Church of Christ that were not christian. I know that's a bold statement, but I was one of them! I was baptised as a child and thought that if I just made it to service, I was in! That's not at all true!

I am a Christian! I do not belong to a church! I belong to Christ! I have the most wonderful family here in Lockney! We all share one thing! The blood of Christ that continues to flow, YES, IT"S STILL FLOWING 2,000 YEARS LATER!!!!!, for me and you!!!!

Oh yeah! One more thing! That blood will never coagulate as our blood does! It cleanses me daily!

ARE YOU A PART OF JESUS' FAMILY OR A MEMBER OF THE CHURCH?


Thanks for stopping by today!!!

History

Just some thoughts as i sit and watch history unfold here tonight.

1. I'm not old enough to remember much about the 60's and the Equal Rights movement. But I do remember Jesse Jackson running for president back in the 70's and hearing the older folks around saying that there was no way an African-American could be elected president of the United States of America. Well, it has happened! Congratulations President-elect Obama.

2. Most of you know that I am a Republican. Even though my great-grandad kicks the dirt off his grave (and yes, I covered him back up Friday! LOL!) every time I enter the voting machine, I don't vote straight line Republican. Some of Democrats that I have voted for are Charlie Stenholm, Pete Laney and Joe Heflin just to mention a few. I have always tried to put country first. I'm not proud of where my party has taken the country. I guess you could describe me as a Reagan Republican. We have to keep one thing in mind! What would Jesus do? He would embrace and love Barack Obama. If you don't believe me open your Bible up. What did he come to earth to do? To serve, not to be served. So I challenge you, even though you don't agree with his views, to come together as a country and support our leaders. This is turbulent times we live in. We have to come together. If you don't do anything else just pray for them. We all know how powerful prayer is. And that God answers prayers!

3. John McCain, you ran an awesome campaign. I think you made an awesome choice in Sarah Palen as your running mate. And, I have to say, a tear came to my eye as you conceded. You are a class act. I would have loved to see what kind of President you would have been. You are my hero. Thank you for your service.

4. I get all of my news from Fox News. There are the most genuine folks on that cable news channel. As I watch tonight I continue to be impressed by their coverage of the happenings of the day. Sean, take a chill pill and and stop trying to point fingers at the media for supporting Obama. Oh yeah, I wouldn't be a man if I didn't make mention of the really pretty girls that Fox finds.

5. Todd and Sarah Palen, because of you, I have some new found faith in the political system. Your ability to balance family and career is an example for all of us to follow. You seem to have your priorities in the right places. I really like some of things Sarah has been able to accomplish in Alaska. Putting the state owned jet on ebay is priceless. At least you have walk the walk. You have stood up to the status quo in your state and I can't wait to watch your political career to grow. You have my support.

Whether you agree with President-elect Obama or not, you have to admire his victory. For me, it's kinda like a couple of weeks ago in Atlanta when Carl Edwards won the race only to find out Jimmy Johnson came in second, and only gained like 10 points on him. I am not a Jimmy Johnson fan, but I have to admire his desire and the talent he has. I know that's a poor analogy, but that's how my red-neck mind works.

Thanks for stopping by! I am gong to take more time to write! Just been really busy selling corn seed! LOL!

Lots of things on my mind today!!

Been a crazy last couple of weeks for me. This economic debacle has put a strangle hold on my sales! In case you haven't noticed, the commodity markets have taken a dive as well. I know it will all come out in the wash. I had felt for some time that the grains were in some kind of a false market. Which the corn market has been directly tied to oil due to the many ethanol plants that have gone up over the past couple of years. With oil below $90, we will continue to see the demand on corn soften. I think the cattle folks will be glad to see the drop in feed prices. My customers are singing the blues though.




It is fun to see my Red Raiders in the national spot light! The high powered Mike Leach office is finally getting the recognition it deserves. Oh yeah! Have you heard we have 2 Heisman candidates at Tech? The Michael Crabtree-Graham Harrell duo has proven to be deserving of the attention. They keep finding ways to win! This week will be the test! Tech at A&M. Even though A&M has had a less than banner year, lets not forget they are at Kyle Field. 4 Of the Big 12 south or in the top 10 in the poles. What fun is that!!!!

This past week was fire prevention week. One of the funnest things I get the opportunity to do with the fire department here is teach the kids at the Main Street Church of Christ preschool "Noah's Ark" about fire prevention. We always take the fire trucks down to the church and let all the kids go for a ride. Then we go back to the station and have the kindergarten kids there. We showed them the video "Dan Doofus on Fire Prevention". Not as cute as the "Sparky's ABC's Of Fire Safety", but sense it's on VHS and the DVD version is over $300, I won't be a "Doofus". LOL

Have a good week! Thanks for stopping by!

Floydada Nerd Day

The Lockney Jr. High is on there way over to the county rivals tonight. My daughter, Sarah is in Jr. High this year. Today was Floydada Nerd Day at LJH. What I find quite amusing is the fact that she has her aggie sweat bottoms on for the day. I have a very sweet picture of Sarah holding Lizzie the day we brought her home from the hospital. The same sweet smile!

I love you Sarah!!!

Black Monday

Well, Here we go ago. More of the democrats pointing fingers at the GOP for the failure of today's Bailout bill. They failed to mention that 40% of the dems voted against their own bill! They seem to be focused on the fact that this is Bush's fault and blaming the 60% of the republicans that voted against it. $700 Billion (yes, Billion with a B) to bailout the financial world! What is going to happen to the folks that got these companies that got us in this mess? Will they keep there 6 and 7 digit bonuses? That just crazy!

Now, the republicans are the villains for the crash of the markets today. Just think about this:

1. Why didn't the dems have a backup?

2. Why did Pelossi dog the Bush administration before the vote?

3. Why didn't the house leaders have their ducks in a row before the vote?

Well, it failed! We are in trouble because of the poor leadership in congress!

Goals

I'm not much of a goal setter. I have always been one of those guys that just "got it done". It's budget time for 2009 at UAP/CPS (I don't know exactly who I work for right now, the name change was suppose to take place September 1, but everyone is still answering their phones UAP.) and I have set some really good goals for myself this coming year. I have mentioned that I have really struggled this year in sales. I can't blame it all on the company, some of it has been my fault. I have battled depression over the past year and 1/2 and just now getting back to "me" again. I always find it a little tough setting goals or forecasting the next year when we still have a crop in the field and all the farmers are still uncertain about what they are going to grow next year. The cotton market remains some what flat, especially when you compare it to the grain markets. I have lots of folks talking about no cotton next year, primarily talking about wheat and sorghum/corn for next year. I love my job. I have the best job in the world. I get to help farmers maximize their yield potentials. My favorite time of the year is now. I get to go out with these guys and talk about successes and where we can improve for the next year.

I look forward to 2009!

Thanks for stopping by!

Wesley's Service

This is something new for me! This is for Wesley's cousin, Wade Miller, who is a teacher and missionary in Japan.

Hope this turns out Wade!

Wesley Hunter

Harvest time!

Well, this is my favorite time of the year with exception to my allergies! LOL! I will be out and about in the area visiting with farmers as they are harvesting this years crop. It is another good one. God has blessed us with several really good crops in a row now. This one has been an expensive one, but looks like yields are going to take care of us. Fuel, fertilizer and technology continue to rise in price, causing this a record year as far as input cost go. It doesn't look like next years crop will be any cheaper. The world demand on fertilizer continues to pressure fertilizer supply. Fuel cost also remain a huge factor as we gather this crop and get it processed.

The memorial service for Wesley Hunter will be this afternoon at 4:00, with burial to be Thursday at the National Cemetery in Denver. Keep the Hunter family in your prayers. Also, a love fund has been established at City Bank here in Lockney. I think it is the Wesley Hunter Love Fund. Call Sherri McDonald or Kelly Prayor at the bank 806-652-3355.

Thanks for stopping by today!

Emotional Sunday

Today has been a roller coaster of emotions for me. All of Wesley's family was at worship this morning. Lot's of tears shed! One of our AIM assistance gave the opening prayer. He couldn't have prayed a better prayer! "God, we are having a conflict of interest here today". I couldn't have said it any better! And that's the truth! We are wondering "why" today. I know the answer will come in the days and months to come.

I can relate way too well with his kids, having lost my daddy at an early age. I got to feed his daughter today at lunch. She will be 2 in November.

Wesley, you are my hero! Dad, take care of him!

The week in review

I usually don't do this till Friday, but I have lots on my mind, and feel the need to share it.

I have found this blogging thing to be very therapeutic for me. It gives me a chance to share some thoughts and things that are going on around me. This week has no exception.

Yesterday morning, here in Lockney, we had a young lady raped. A single mom, she has a beautiful baby boy that is just over a year old. No support form the guy that got her pregnant, minding her own business, and really, doing the best that she can, considering her circumstance. She is a sweet girl, always has a smile on her face. She wouldn't hurt a flea, unless that flea was on her boy. At 4:00 in the morning, this thug enters her home by breaking out a window on her back door and entered the home. I don't want to say anymore about the crime, but the thug is already back out on the streets.

Today, we lost a hero. A young man that wanted to do nothing more than serve his country. Went over to Iraq to defend our freedoms. Another thug, a gutless one I might add, plants a road side bomb, killing two and seriously injuring my friend. He never got over his injuries. Pain ruled his life.

Now for the positive.

I try really hard to find positive things to blog about. Me and my girls went to the Tech game on Saturday. We had a really good time. Spent some awesome quality time together. I love my babies, and can't wait to see them again.

Tuesday we had the Floyd County Ag Tour. I got to spend some time with some really good folks there. Also learned about wind energy. I also got to spend some time with a lady that I have grown quite fond of over the past couple of months.

Wednesday was spent getting ready for my grower meeting that was held today. I had 22 customers there. We looked at several different varieties of cotton. Had some really good country style ribs that I cooked.

I guess that I right this tonight because I need to reflect and see the positive things of the past week. I have to do this to keep my sanity. It is an awesome place to release some things.

Prayers request:
I want all of you to say a prayer for the Hunter family. They are hurting right now. Pray for something redemptive to come of their tragedy.

Also, be praying for the young lady that was raped. She needs prayers so bad.

Pray for me and my girls this weekend. I get them tomorrow and get to keep them till Monday. I get to take them to school on Monday morning. My request is that I be all that I can be in the daddy department.

I will be working the phones Friday night at the West Texas Friday Night Score Board Show. If you have your schools score, give us a call! 1-800-983-5704

Lockney has Homecoming this weekend. Kurt, Martha, Amy and I are going to tailgate at the game. If your anywhere near Lockney, stop by for a jalapeno and a sausage wrap. Might even have a glass of tea for you! Oh yeah! I got shrimp to stuff in the japs this week! They ought to be good.

Saturday, Sarah is cheering at the little league football game, then it's Old Fashion Saturday in Lockney! We have brand new sidewalks downtown and new street lights! I can't wait for darkness on Saturday night and the new lights come on! There will be lots of games and food there.

Sunday is Third Sunday Fellowship at church. We have the best cooks in the world right here. If you're in the country, stop by, we always have plenty of food.

Hope all is well with all of y'all!

Love ya!
Preston

Never Forget

My heart is saddened today at the loss of a soldier from Lockney. Staff Sargent Wesley Hunter passed away this afternoon. I didn't know Wes very well. He had just graduated from high school when I moved back. I know his older sister and his parents very well. They worship here in Lockney with me.

Wes was injured when his humvee struck a land mine outside of Baghdad February 26, 2006. He lost two of his team members in the incident. Wes was brought home with lots of shrapnel in his body. He has battled with pain ever since. He had just gotten to Lockney yesterday for a visit with his family and friends. He went in to take a nap this afternoon, not to wake up.

I missed the ambulance page cause I was in the clinic at the time getting an allergy shot. I heard the sirens as I walked out of the clinic, went to see what was happening as they pulled into the ER here in Lockney. When I figured out who it was, my heart sank. We have a really good hospital here, but when they get a "code", they can be short handed. We, the ambulance crew and I, stayed to help with compressions as the doctors and nurses were busy with other things. We worked on him for what seemed like and eternity, all the long I was praying a selfish prayer, "God, please don't let him die!". I have worked a few codes at the ER over the years. All of them has been on folks who were older, folks that in my mind has served their time. It just didn't seem right, 28 years old, a beautiful wife and 2 beautiful children. I guess you're never ready for a young person to die.

His mom came to me afterward and asked me to go get Mandy, her oldest child and Wesley's sister. I quickly went out the door, got in my pickup and started towards her house before I realized what I was about to do. As I drove over, I was praying the whole time, "God, give me the words and the strength to do this!". When I got there, I broke down. I couldn't say anything, only to hug her and nod my head when she asked me if he was gone. On the way to the hospital, Mandy told me that she had been praying that this visit be redemptive. She looked at me and asked me "has it been?". What do you say? "Yes, it will be, It has to be" was my reply. And I know in my heart that it will be. God wants 2 things from each of us: 1. For all men to be saved 2. and for all of us to be made in the likeness of Christ.

Here's to you, Wesley! I love you and thank you for your sevice. My freedom that I enjoy so much is because of men like you. Oh yeah, say hi to my dad!

Against the Wind 2

More pics from Tuesday's ag tour. The turbines just absolutely intrigued me. Their massive size! I love some of these picks.

That's me in the "shades". My friend, Martha Cross, in the red to my left. One of the fund raising folks from Martha's office, Mike Melcher, to her left. My friend, David Appling, is talking to Mike. Standing immediately to my left but out of the picture is Amy Read. The lady talking to me is Debbie Montandon.

My long time friends, Matt Williams and Darrell Rasco

Our county agent, JD Ragland in the hat, along with RES project manager Brett Marble in the blue shirt.

Thanks for stopping by today!

Against The Wind

We had our Floyd County Ag tour today. I got to spend time with some old friends, new friends, and even made a couple of new acquaintances. These are my favorite times of the year. A time to get together and reflect.

We toured the RES Whirlwind Energy wind farm today. I have never had the opportunity to get up close and personal to these monsters. The blades are about 130' long making the totally length over 260'. If the turbine is turning at 16 RPM, the end of the blades are traveling at over 170 mph.

We had a record crowd. Usually we have somewhere around 40 -50 folks at the tour. 3 years ago, we had almost 100 for a tour that featured Senator Robert Duncan. Today we fed somewhere around 140 folks! It was a huge success!

Preston

Ike

Is it just me? Is there anyone else having a hard time feeling sorry for those folks in the Houston-Galveston area that "rode out" the storm and now can't get enough food and water? They have only been warning them for a week now to "get out".

I have tried my dead level best to have some compassion for those folks. I have even prayed for them. But now they can't get enough food and water to survive and they want to blame the government? Come on folks! We can't depend on our government for every little crisis in our lives! That's not what this country was built around. You have to be responsible for your own actions. And the fact that they didn't heed the warnings is their own fault!

I was watching Fox News Friday afternoon and Geraldo was in a bar on Galveston Island, full of folks! They were just partying and had no intentions on leaving. Crazy! And even Geraldo was warning them about leaving! The weather service put out a statement on Friday morning that if you stayed out on Galveston Island that you were in "grave danger". "Most likely death will occur if you stay behind!". Oh well!

Have a good day!

Preston

Texas Tech beats SMU

We had a lot of fun last night in Lubbock. The girls and I left Lockney about 1:00 pm yesterday, stopped at the Broadway Brew in Plainview and had refreshments with Kurt and Martha. Lizzie played checkers with Kurt and whipped him! It was fun. We got to Lubbock about 3:00 and went to Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers for a late lunch. Stopped by Tech Outfitters and got the girls jerseys. We went over to the stadium and walked around in Raider Alley for a while. We went up into our seats about 5:00 and watched the warm-ups and all the pregame festivities. Found my friend, David Appling, and visited with him for a bit. Kurt and Martha showed up just in time for the Kick-off. My friend Amy came up with her friend Tonya and her little boy Hunter. They got there with about 5 minutes left in the first half. We had a good time with them. My cousin Kevin's daughter, Maddie, came over and visited with us too. We haven't got to see her in a while. She is a student at Tech. One of my best friends, Jay Foster from Childress, was at the game too, but we couldn't get over to see him and his boys.

I really enjoy the pageantry of college football. The traditions that continue. One of my favorite Tech traditions is the Masked Rider. They have really had to "squeeze" down the activities of the Masked Rider after some accidents of years past. The only time they really get to get the horse out onto the field and let him run is before the game starts. I miss the running after touchdowns. The taking of the reigns in the rider's mouth, letting the horse run along the sidelines, with the rider's "guns up". Another of my favorites were the third down clickers. I still have a couple of those around here somewhere! LOL!

One of the things I got a kick out of last night was the students, there was a group of students along the sidelines that were shirtless, with their upper bodies painted black and each one of them having a letter painted on their chest. "Dunk the Methodist". After the rain Thursday, and the fact that Jones AT&T stadium was dubbed Friday "Jones AT&T Aquatic Center" with over 8" of water on the field Friday morning, I thought it was rather fitting! LOL! I took a picture of it, but it didn't come out at all.

Not many times have tears come to my eyes at a Tech football game. As they played the Star Spangle Banner last night, Tears began to flow. Since the tragedy of 9-11, the song has a whole new meaning to me.

The Moon was absolutely spectacular last night, reminding me that there is a God, and He did create the universe. Giving us things that absolutely no one else could.

All in all, a perfect night for football. I got to spend some really awesome time with my girls, saw some good friends, and had fun!

Tech won the game 43-7

Thanks for reading!

The Week In Review

Another very busy but productive week!

FINALLY!!!! The Lockney Longhorns snapped a over 2 year, 23 game losing streak!! We beat Claude last night 32-0. I was really proud for the boys, really for the whole community. Going over 2 years not winning a single game really puts the whole town in a self-esteem problem. Things are much better now, lifting the monkey off the kid's backs.

The rain this week is the "big" news for the area. We received over 5" here in Lockney. Lubbock received around 9", setting a new record for a 24 hour period. Over around Crosbyton, they got 11". I understand the water is flowing in dry creek beds in Roaring Springs and east of Crosbyton. I am going to try and take my girls over to see that on our way to Lubbock today before the Tech game. I have an aunt that lives in the Houston area and she is "hunkered" down riding out Ike. Keep her and all the folks down there in your prayers.

I have been disappointed this week in FedEx-Kinkos this week. I am having a grower meeting next week and I went to Lubbock Thursday during the big rain to have my invitations professionally done. They told me that they could set up the postcards with a 24 hour turn-a-round. At 9:00 pm last night, I finally got my proofs e-mailed to me. The proofs they sent me basically had the 3 logos I wanted on 3 different postcards. No text, no nothing. I got up early this morning and went to Men's breakfast at church, talked to Todd Bissett and he set me up, I ran to the office and printed them and got them in the mailed this morning. I feel much better now that they are in the mail. That has been very frustrating for me.

Remembering 9-11 had been another thing on my mind this week. I need to remember that daily. To be thankful for the freedoms we enjoy. The price folks paid that day to remind us how vulnerable we are.

Last nights radio show was another success. We covered 180 games last night! It is a blast to talk to folks across the region that had been to their game. Some disappointed, most excited!

I am looking forward to spending some time with my girls this weekend. We are going to leave at 3:oo this afternoon for the Tech game. The Red Raiders are playing long time South West Conference foe SMU. That seems to have been so long ago. I was watching a documentary on FSN a couple of weeks ago that recapped all the SWC games, year by year. I have fond memories of those days. Let's hope the Raiders show up today and put a whipping on the Mustangs.

Things to pray for this week: Keep me and my kids in your prayers. Pray for me to do the things I need to do to be all that I can be in the Dad department. Pray for my church family. We made some really big financial commitments to kids from our congregation that are either in SIBI or AIM. Pray for everyone to seek God's will in all they do. That we all make our bodies living sacrifices to Him. That this is not a one time thing, that we all search and strive to grow in our relationship with God daily. I know that I need that prayer. Keep the folks affected by the weather this week in your prayers. And, pray for my grower meeting. I have struggled sales wise this year and need to really ramp things up in that part of my life.

Thanks for reading!

Preston

Friday Fun!

By now, most of you know that I am a huge Sarah Palin fan. I got these pictures in an e-mail today!

Enjoy!

Top 10 small towns In Texas

Well, I just had to write this real fast! I was on yahoo just a bit ago checking my e-mail when I saw this "Top 10 Towns in America". So, I am going to go through a few of my favorites in Texas.

1. Lockney, Texas
Where else do you think would be my #1? Here in Lockney, housing is very affordable, the best people in the whole world, the best church on the south plains, and a unique downtown. We just finished the new sidewalks on main, with the help of a state parks grant. On main street, we have 3 very unique stores: Heart's Desire, a store that has it all, women's clothing, gifts, signs, toys, dishes, everything a woman could ever want! Kaleidoscope, a monogram, screen print shop that you can get all of your Lockney Longhorn apparel. A candle, women's purse store called Heaven's Scent (I think that's the name of it. It just opened!). We still have a full service service station, a lumber yard/hardware store that is second to none, 3 cotton gins, a grain elevator, and me of course.

2. Claytonville, Texas
This town makes my #2 due to it's cafe. I really don't know the name of it but they have the best hamburger in the state! Hand patted meat on a homemade bun! And their fries are hand cut too! On Friday night they have an awesome seafood buffet for $12.00. Claytonville is about 7 or 8 miles east of Kress.

3. Fredricksburg, Texas
I know, it's a far jump from Lockney to Fredricksburg! But the shopping there is great! They have all kinds of stores there! Good restaurants!

4. Canadian, Texas
An awesome town! This little town is nestled up next to the Canadian River and surrounded by beautiful grasslands that gently roll. This town has it all, hotels, bed and breakfast, restaurants, even movie theater!

5. Albany, Texas
About 30 miles or so north of Abilene, Albany is another really cool town. A downtown area that is alive and thriving with many gift shops, and yes, they have really good restaurants there too! In the June, they have Fandangle, a play that the whole town turns out for and participates in. It's setting is at Fort Griffin state park and is a historical production of the area.

6. Buffalo Gap, Texas
The Perini Ranch Steakhouse! Enough said!

7. Lockhart, Texas
There is a little, hole in the wall, Bar-B-que joint there! I can't remember the name of it, but it takes up about 3 store fronts in downtown. They cook all the meat in a brick oven in the wall, and serve you on butcher paper with a chunk of cheese and bread!! Yummy! I haven't been there in over 15 years! Sounds like road trip time!

8. Robstown, Texas
In the coastal bend region of Texas, Robstown is a cotton town! And not just any cotton either! JOE COTTON'S! Many times, voted the best of Texas Bar-B-Que in Texas Monthly, Joe Cotton's is some of the best food in the state. Don't remember much more about the town! LOL!

9. Rockport, Texas
AHHH! Texas bay fishing at it's best! Also, The Boiling Pot is a restaurant that serves boiled shrimp, crawdads, corn on the cob and sausage. They bring it out to you in a pot and dump it out on the table! AWESOME!

10. Tulia, Texas
Ok, this is starting to sound more like a food tour than best towns! The El Camino serves up the best Chili Rellenos you have ever put in your mouth. People drive from miles around just for that!

In case you can't tell, I like good food! There are many other places I like to eat. Coyote Bluff in Amarillo is one of my favorites. The Rib-Eye there is to die for! Hand cut fries, grilled onions, mushrooms, and jalapenos!

Happy eating and feel free to add to my list!!

What a day!

I just got home from Lubbock. The rain continues to fall there. I had some printing stuff done at Kinkos at 82nd and Quaker. I left there at 4:30 and it took me till 5:30 to get to the north side of town. Many streets under water. Traffic was at a crawl! The north loop was backed up from the interstate to almost Indiana. The north and south traffic on the Interstate at the north loop was diverted onto the access road due to the road being under water. I bet it was at least 6' deep at the under pass of the north loop! The traffic on the Interstate was moving at about 50 mph all the way to New Deal. What usually takes me an hour to drive, took right at 2! And you can't believe the folks who were in big SUVs and pickups that were just chugging on! Made me nervous. I almost pulled into a hotel for the night. I thought at any minute, Noah was going to pull through Lubbock in his ark! LOL!

That reminds me of a story a guy used to tell me. He was raised out north of Levelland in the Pettit community. We were all sitting around the coffee table one morning at McDonald's in Levelland after a rain. We had almost 2" there in town. Out at Pettit it had rained less than a 1/2". He told me that back in the great flood, they only had .6" and that the dove Noah sent out found that Olive branch in Pettit. LOL! I love that story!

Metamorphis

At worship tonight, we studied the first two versus of Romans 12. Verse 1 "Therefore, I urge you, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship."Verse 2 "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will."

Paul wants us to understand one thing here. "this is your spiritual act of worship" Wow, what a mouth full. To offer our bodies as living sacrifices, I can't imagine, I can't even to begin to grasp the hem of the garment, my body being worth a living sacrifice. It is my hope that I am pleasing God, but I can't begin to understand that. I am a sinner, I struggle daily! The good thing about all of this, MERCY! God's mercy in awesome. That's another thing we can't understand, but will someday. When we get that awesome opportunity to see Him, we will then understand. To be transformed, this is not a "one time, on the spot" process. This should completely and totally discredit the once saved always saved theory. Your "transformation" is on going. Renewing your mind is a daily act. To continually change your life. You must pray and study daily to complete your journey here.

Just some thoughts I took form the study tonight. Hope this helps you a little bit!

Love you all!

Preston

09-11-01

Here on the eve of the 7th anniversary of the worst day in American history, I reflect on the memories of that day. It started like any other day in west Texas. It was a beautiful day. The sun was shining. A heavy dew on the ground. It had been a dry, hot summer and the cotton was very mature for the time of the year. Russ Perkins, who is the Tech Services rep for Bayer Crop Science and a fellow volunteer fireman/EMT from Idalou, and I was looking at a patch of cotton or two to do some defoliation plots on. We had pretty much decided that the cotton needed another week or two to be ready for that. On our way back to town, Mark Nutt called me and asked if I had heard yet about the jet that had crashed into the WTC. We had not heard so we stopped at the D&J Gin here in Lockney to see what it looks like on TV. Still not real sure about what all was going on, as we were watching the TV, the second jet flew into the other tower then the news of the Pentagon. We couldn't believe what we were seeing. The news folks started talking about the other jet that was till missing and that all air travel was suspended. Then we heard the news about United flight 93. It had crashed in rural Pennsylvania, killing everyone on board. Our thoughts immediately went to a friend of ours that was traveling. Jane Dever was a mutual friend to Russ and I. I had worked with Jane at the experiment station in Lubbock while I was at Tech, and Russ worked with her at Bayer. We started trying to call her, in about an hour we finally made contact with her. She was safe and sound in Houston, stranded there, but safe. She was living at the time in Memphis and her husband was on his way to Memphis via his car to get her. Then, I started wondering about my youngest step brother. John travelled with his job. I finally made contact with him. He was safe at home in Lewisville, having his flight cancelled from DFW before it was able to leave. For the next couple of days, we all watched in awe, not believing that someone would do this in the USA. Our hearts going out to the families affected by the tragedy.

We have grown as a nation since that awful day. We are much more prepared for events like this. I complain ever time I go through an airport these days, but after I'm safely on the plane and pulling away form the gate, I remember that day. The price all the people paid that day for stricter airport security. Then I pray, thanking God for my safety. Also thanking Him for allowing me to live in a country that allows me to worship Him without fear.

What have we learned from that day?

1. There is a God. He loves me, and wants me to serve him.
2. Not taking our freedoms for granted.
3. There are people out there that doesn't know God. They have been led down a very unGodly track, not believing He is alive.
4. We have to protect our freedoms. There has been a lot of talk about the Iraqi war, and the war in Afghanistan in the presidential campaigns. How we need diplomacy. I back our current administration in the fight for our freedom. The protection of our rights.
5. We need a strong, courageous, Godly man as president.

I could go on and on here. But I think you get the point.

Never forget how you felt that day. The day our freedoms were attacked.

Preston

The Weekend

Yes, I know! It's just Tuesday. But me and the girls are headed to Lubbock Saturday for the Texas Tech football game. Tech plays SMU this weekend. We didn't make a game last year. They are way excited about going to the game. I am too! We are going to eat at Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers, one of our favorite places to eat before any Tech game. We always eat there before the basketball games too. We try and make at least 2 women and 2 men's games a season. With their mom an aggie, they really like to go when Tech is playing the aggies.

My Dad

My dad's birthday was last week. On September 3 he would have been 63. I didn't forget about it, just didn't really know what to say. This morning I was looking through a drawer in my dresser looking for some stuff. I ran across this poem that was found on his grave, just a few days after we buried him in 1971. It was written by one of his best friends, Jr. Poole. He and Jr. were quite a pair. I can remember going up to his automotive shop here in Lockney as a child and working on cars till all hours of the night. I would go out and lay down in the seat of the pickup and sleep. That shop is still there. Jr. and his sons still operate it. Jr. had a malignant tumor removed from behind his right eye a couple of months of go.

One of the funniest memories I have of those two was in about 69 or 70. I don't remember exactly what year it was. One of those years, dad had backed over mom's car in a grain truck. Pretty much took the top right off the car. So he bought her a new car. A 1968 Pontiac GTO. What a car! It was maroon with a black vinyl top and red interior. One Saturday afternoon, dad and Jr. headed off to the drag races in Amarillo in that car. I can still hear my mom telling them "do not race my car!" as they were leaving. We got up Sunday morning for worship, headed out the door to get in the car, and there it was! Their times still shoe polished on the windshield, they had raced mom's car. Now, you have to understand one thing, my dad stood almost 6' 7", and weighed a very muscular 235. My mom is about 5' 8". She started in on him "I told ya'll not to race my car!". I can remember being scared to death of my mom when she lost her temper! LOL! We got in the car to and dad started it, it had a dead miss! LOL! It was only hitting on about 7 cylinders! Mom said "ya'll ruined my car! ya'll ruined my car!" all the way to church. Fun memories!

EPITAPH OF A DAY

JUST A YEAR AGO THIS LORDS DAY

WE TOOK TIME OFF TO GO AND PLAY

TO THE NORTH PLAINS WE DID GO,

HIS IN FRONT, MINE IN TOW. THE

DAY WAS SHOT BUT RON'S LUCK WAS NOT

I RUN SOME, HE RUN MANY, BY EVENING

LATE WE HAD RACED PLENTY.

IT WAS A DAY SPENT WITH A FRIEND, I

JUST WISH WE COULD DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN

WE TALKED A LOT IN TIMES GONE BY, ABOUT

THINGS MOST FOLKS WOULD WONDER WHY.

WELL WE DID LIKE LOTS OF THE SAME,

SOMETHING DIFFERENT, NOT TO TAME.

BUT NOW THOSE CHERISHED TIMES ARE OVER,

AND DAYS FOR ME ARE A LOT MORE SOBER.

D.B.P

In memory of Ronnie Belt

September 3, 1945

October 8, 1971

Happy birthday dad!

The Chase

The Playoffs! NASCAR style! I will have to say this is my favorite time of the year. I don't keep up with much in the sporting world except for the Cowboys of course and the Red Raiders. I actually like college sports much more than pro. It's kids like Danny Amendola, Wes Welker and, my all time favorite, Zach Thomas, that attract me to college sports. They are guys that weren't really sought after in the recruiting ranks. But with shear determination and the love of the game, these guys persevere. Each one of these guys have fond places in my heart. The Zach Thomas interception in the closing seconds of the aggie game in 1995, Wes Welker punt returns for touchdowns, and Danny Amendola out working larger opponents for Red Raider TD's. I guess the reason why I enjoy the Zach Thomas interception ssssooooo much, I was in the south end-zone at, then, Jones Stadium, waving him in to beat the aggies.

On to NASCAR. The thing that attracts me to NASCAR is horsepower and the way those guys squeeze it all out of those cars and make the rubber meet the asphalt. I was not a huge fan of NASCAR till the 2005 season. I made my first race at Texas Motor Speedway. When they got the command to fire the engines and moved onto the track, chill bumps ran up and down my spine. Then, when the pace car left the track and the boys took the green, MAN! I was hooked! I made the 2006 spring and fall race at TMS.

The chase, for those of you not in the "know" of NASCAR, is made up of the top 12 drivers in points through this past weekend. One of my drivers, Matt Kenseth, has made every "chase" since it was created 5 years ago. Actually, the first year the "chase" was created, all 5 of the Roush cars were in. No other owner has had all of his rides in the chase. That year, Kurt Busch was still in the roush stable, but did not race in the last 2 races of the year due to a DUI and a skirmish with the Maricopa County Sheriff's office. He was sponsored by Crown Royal, and his contract prohibited drinking and driving. PLUS he had already made an "in-season" deal with Penske to take over Rusty Wallace's seat in the blue deuce. He has not been a contender since the move.

Let's talk a little bit about this year's "chase" drivers. In the top spot, which he has owned nearly since Daytona, is Kyle Busch. He is the younger brother of Kurt, is from Las Vegas and is one of the "bad boys" of the sport. He's very arrogant and not one of my favorites. He drove the 5 kelloggs car, after the retirement of "Texas" Terry LaBonte, for Hendrick Motor Sports. He left that ride last year and has been driving for Joe Gibbs Racing this year in, all things, A Toyota. In the second spot is "Cousin" Carl Edwards. He drives the 99 Roush Fenway Racing Office Depot Ford Fusion. Carl is one of my favorites. He is a phenom of sorts, getting Jack Roush's attention by handing him a business card at a race that simply said "Carl Edwards, I need a ride". He started out in the Craftsman Truck Series and worked his way up through the ranks into his current Cup ride. His race winning gesture has captivated many fans. He stands on the window of his car and does a back flip out of the car. I still remember his first win in Atlanta when he patented his back flip. In the 3rd spot is Jimmy Johnson. I will have to say, I like nearly all of the drivers, I probably pull for certain one's not to win more than I pull for anyone in particular. Johnson would be one of those guy's I love to see hit the wall. Some what of a cry baby when he doesn't get his way, Jimmy is one of those guy's you love to hate. He is the reigning 2 time champ of the series. It is going to be really hard for me to see Mark Martin a team mate of his this next year. (it's hard enough for me to see Mark driving a chevy! LOL!) In the 4th spot is, every one's favorite. Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. made the move from his father's company, now owned and operated by his step-mom and his dad's widow Theresa Earnhardt, to Hendrick this year and took over the ride that Kyle Busch had last year. What used to be the #5 kelloggs car is now the #88 Amp Energy Drink chevy. After a somewhat successful first part of the season, Jr. has struggled a bit as of late, taking heat for both he and his Crew Chief, cousin Tony Eury Jr., by the Jr. Nation. Don't worry, He will do fine! In the #5 spot is Clint Bowyer. Clint is form Emporia, Kansas and the darling of the state. He was on the bubble much of the season, in and out of the top 12, but with his performance on Sunday, shot up from #12 to #5 in the standings. Clint drives the #07 Jack Daniels Chevy for Richard Childress Racing. I really like this kid. He is leading the old Busch, now the Nationwide, Series. He can drive a race car. #6 in the standings is Denny Hamlin. Denny is another one of those "phenom" type guys that took the sport by storm. Driving the #11 Joe Gibbs Racing, Fed Ex Toyota, you can't scratch him out. he is a very scrappy driver and a lot of fun to watch. 7th in the standings is Jeff Burton. Jeff is the driver of the Richard Childress Racing #31 AT&T chevy. A former Roush driver, Jeff won the inaugural race at Texas. And by the way, is the only driver to win 2 races there. Burton is another one of those Mark Martin style drivers, racing everyone very clean and expects to be treated the same. In the 8th spot is Tony Stewart. Tony is finishing up his career with JGR this year and will be moving over to Stewart Haas racing next year. Yes, the Stewart 1/2 of the name is his. Haas lured him away from JGR with 1/2 ownership in the company and Chevy paid out his existing contract at JGR to get him back in a Chevy. Tony will be a contender! 9th is Greg Biffle. Another Roush Fenway driver, Greg is known for his driving technique. He can drive the loosest race car better than anyone I know. And #10, poor old Jeff Gordon. He's another one of those you love to hate. Anytime he's in the wall, I laugh! #11 is Kevin Harvick. Harvick is the guy thrust into the limelight in 2001 after the untimely death of Dale Earnhardt. He's one of those "bad boys" that you either like or hate. I like him. He's very competitive, He's fun to watch. And last but not least, Matt Kenseth. Matt is out of the Roush stable. He is a past 2 time champ of the series, and the 3rd of the Roush cars in the chase. Matt was pretty much written off earlier in the year, but has rallied as of late to make his 5th consecutive chase.

Disappointments: I was really pulling for young David Ragan to make the chase. Watch out for this guy in the years to come, he's for real.

Predictions: Carl Edwards all the way! You gotta love this guy!

Have fun today! And yes, I'm bored, the rain has made my day somewhat uneventful!

Preston