Butterflies used to be Caterpillars

Texas Mile Rant

2009-10-14T05:05:00.003-05:00

It's that time again ~ time for another Texas Mile! This weekend will be our 9th...10th? Texas Mile in Goliad, Texas. We are expecting beautiful weather for this event.

Roger plans to ride the old turbo Busa and Jen will be riding yet another 'different' bike - a ZX14 Kawasaki (turbo) named Ranger - fastest Kawasaki on earth...literally. That said, we are anxious and hoping for some great results.

This raises a question - why, with all the great motorcycles that we have in our possession, have we not named any of them? Or have they (Jen and/or her dad) named them and just failed to share that information with me? (This happens on occasion, but when I find out they get the 20 question interrogation method of torture.)

I remember 'The Green Monster' - a green Kawasaki that Jen rode in a few AMA races a couple of years back. But that is not a name, just a label (that bike truly was a monster in the worst way).

And speaking of naming things...Will, have you named your kayaks? (That one you let Jen paddle seems to offer quite a wild ride on occasion...) What about that little white truck of yours? Or the Neon for crying out loud - that car HAS to have a name! I haven't named my little silver Mazda either... I am so disappointed in myself - how does someone have anything that long and not have a name for it? Names people! names! I need names!

Ranger IS a name. (Stephanie Plum fans take note - we will see if this Kawasaki named Ranger lives up to the Ranger in that series of books...I have serious doubts about that!) To be continued...

Greg Williams riding Ranger: Fastest Turbo ZX-14 in the WORLD!! 232 MPH

Missing That Silly Cat

2009-10-09T04:52:00.003-05:00

I still find myself looking for Adagio when I walk through the door, half expecting him to whisk past my feet and out the front door. There are no longer chunks of Adagio fur on the floor, no pieces of cat food scattered around his bowl…no cat bowl. No litter box. No insistent meowing and no fur ball of a cat rubbing his face in mine while I am trying to read or work on the computer...

How on Earth can I miss something so totally annoying?

**sigh**

Sizzle….sizzle

2008-11-01T06:02:00.011-05:00

Sizzle….sizzle. Stick a fork in it – it is done.

As I fearfully waited at the Mann-Berkeley Eye Center to get my eyes lasered, all kinds of thoughts went through my head. Why would anyone with two perfectly good (nearly blind, but still good) eyes want to voluntarily get burning lasers beamed directly into their eyes? And I was that someone?! The lady asked, “Are you allergic to Valium?” I looked up at her with my still unburned, but nearly blind, eyes and after the question processed in my sluggish brain, said “I have no idea.” At this point I was willing to take the Valium – a small dose she said…and in a few minutes the headache I’d acquired due to the lack of my morning cup of hot tea was reduced.

Soon I was called into the laser room. I can honestly say I was only a little nervous…by this time the Valium was doing its job, so no one was just freaking out. I was responsive enough to follow directions and prepare for the excruciating pain that lay ahead. Every one at Mann-Berkeley was more than nice, extremely gentle, and spoke with sweet voices. Dr. Caplin explained the procedure to me again, asked if I had further questions (the Valium answered most of my questions), and then began the procedure. One of the ladies commented on my beautiful green eyes. I remember when Roger had his eyes fixed several years ago; I was astounded at the beautiful blue color of them on the monitor as I watched from another room. I wondered if mine would be similar…in a greenish kind of way! The nurse assured me that they were :0) I’d watched several procedures earlier in the day, all in shades of brown eyes.

Oh yes, back to the torture session…step 1 was to make the flap with a laser. A contraption was placed on my eye like a suction cup. The flap was made on each eye. The only slightly uncomfortable suction was removed, and after a few minutes for bubbles under the flap to disappear, I was placed under the laser. Now this is the scary part. “Look into the red blinking light” was my instruction – focus went in and out, and the light around the red blink was very bright; sometimes things went completely black. After about 19 seconds of lasering, it was time for the left eye. For some reason this one was more uncomfortable, but was only for about 16 or 17 seconds…I did however think I smelled flesh burning which was freaking me out just a tad – in spite of the Valium – even though I lay perfectly still, plastered to the work table.

It was over. It was explained to me what I should be seeing, and it was so. Everything was fuzzy and cloudy…I wondered if the procedure was successful. My Halloween mask was attached and I was told to leave it in place until the next morning – except to place drops in my eyes. I was taken home and put to bed to give my eyes a chance to heal. At about 5 p.m. I could rest no more – I was starving! I wanted a Whataburger, Jr. Things were still blurry and made even worse by the eye protectors still taped in place.

Later, Jen and I sat out on the front porch to hand out candy treats while I terrorized the little masked goblins. I was glad Jen had come down for the weekend.

So this morning I woke before 5 a.m., ripped of the eye masks and began the testing. I can see the computer; that is good. I could see the clock, the grandpup…yep, all seems to be progressing well. It is off to Mann-Berkeley for a 9:15 follow-up appointment (one of many). So for now, all is well…I am sleepy again though – think I’ll go put those plastic shields back on and catch a few more ZZZZZ’s!

Finally! Our Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy Texas Mile Story

2008-10-29T19:43:00.019-05:00

October 25 - 26, 2008 ~ Texas Mile in Review

We could not have ask for more perfect weather, light winds, cooler temps (high 80's), clear skies...well an 18 mph tail wind might have been helpful!

What a lonely spot it is on the Mile when you are the next rider up...time to think, to reflect...time to wonder what ever possessed you to do such a crazy thing!

Marie, Jen, and Brianne

Each year it seems we meet more and more people on the mile. It has grown so much over the past few years. There were three other female racers there this year, making this one even more exciting than ever.

This is Ralph and Deni's second Texas Mile with us - we love having them join in our excitement...and Ralph fixed us up some wonderful treats :0)

Chance thinks he is just another Grandpup to Ralph and Deni - all grandchildren/pups need extra sets of grandparents around occasionally!

Roger waits with our daughter - this is the point right before heading out to the runway.

A short burnout before the launch - then 222.555 mph from a standing start, on a 2005 stage one turbo Hayabusa...shut down area 1/2 mile.

How'd this picture get in here? Hey, it's our Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy tuner - Johnny Cheese's boots! Johnny did a fantabulous job tuning the turbo, offering advice and agonizing with us along the way :)

Aha! A more familiar version of Johnny Cheese. Jen happily presents the Cheese Man with a certificate of speed.

"Tuned by Johnny Cheese"

Jen is all business while preparing for a 222 mph run down the Mile

What a crew! Nate, Roger, Johnny Cheese, and Mike - all familiar faces on the Mile.

Jen pushed that little stage one turbo busa as far as it would go, pulling out the desired 222.555 mph run she has been looking for, for the past year. She had lots of help from her dad, her tuner - Johnny Cheese, Michael, Chance, friends...and of course me, her mom :0)

Well, here it is - after a struggle with my video camera, the program, problems uploading, along with other issues - it may be crude, but it tells the story!

Texas Mile! October 2008

2008-10-26T21:44:00.000-05:00

Coming Soon Texas Mile details, pics, opinions.

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Main detail: Jen's top speed for the weekend 222.555 MPH!

Pics - more to come, but here's one

Opinions: I have lots of them! and will soon post them all along with more pictures from the October 2008 Texas Mile.

Center Point Pirate Football!

2008-10-18T18:24:00.003-05:00

Grandboy Caden is a proud Center Point Flag Football Player

Caden, left front row

Grandboy Caden is having a great time playing flag football as a Center Point Pirate. Even though I’ve only been able to attend 2 of his games, I can tell he is 100 percent serious about being a good team player. I understand that his team beat the Cowboys today 21 – 0 and that Caden pulled off 3 flags (made 3 virtual tackles). Calling this ‘flag football’ is a bit inaccurate, since the two games I have seen included plenty of real tackles!

Norwalk, OH ~ AMA Drag Racing

2008-10-18T18:00:00.000-05:00

Rumor has it that Jen and Michael have arrived in Norwalk, OH and that Cousin Wayne may have fixed some chicken wings! Test and tune is tonight and we are anxious to hear how it goes.

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I hear they had a great time, Jen achieved some new personal goals...and that we may hijack a picture or two to post soon. (That's what happens when the mom can't go...no details...no pictures! So, hopefully another update (at least a photo from Ohio) soon.

Texas Mile - NEXT WEEKEND!!!!!!!!!!!

8 Second Jen has Arrived!

2008-10-06T07:31:00.012-05:00

Roger has been working on the Turbo Busa now for several weeks - installing stainless steel bearings, new rear and front tires, new chain, and a ba-gillion (we all know what a ba-gillion is - it apparantly is the direction our national debt is headed) other little details that matter when you plan to take a motorcycle down a one mile track to set a new personal record.

Did you get that? A new 'personal' record - yes, that is what I said. The former female speed record of 222 on a motorcycle was shattered a couple of weeks ago. It now stands at 239! It is highly unlikely that our tiny stage one turbo can achieve this mph on the one mile track in Goliad. I suppose, if we have a 20 mph tail wind and no wheel slippage it is possible. (Don't ask me what all that means because I am clueless...I just hear them talk.)

Regardless, we will take the baby turbo to Goliad and try to have some fun, possibly setting another new personal record for 8SecondJen.

Speaking of new personal records! It is official...8 Second Jen has arrived! We decided last Friday was a perfect time to take the turbo busa to San Antonio Raceway Park as a pre-test for the upcoming mile. Never mind that the stretched busa is not exactly set up for 1/4 mile drag racing. It is designed to go fast...very fast...with optimum speed coming near the end of a one mile track, not a drag race in only 1/4 mile.

Jen and her Dad go over a few things before her 8.9 second, 169 mph run down the quarter mile. We predict low to mid 8's out of this bike very soon, as we anticipate retiring it from landspeed racing after the upcoming Mile.

Ready for an easy pass down the 1/4 mile track at San Antonio Raceway.

So, how did she do on her AMA Dragracing GSXR 1000 in San Antonio on Friday night???

She did okay - just show her the money!!

Jen finished 1st in Street ET, 2nd on her turbo busa in Shootout, and 3rd in Pro ET...not bad (next time she's going for 3 first place finishes!)

Having fun after the races

Hey...someone has to take care of the trophies!

Coming soon...Norwalk, Ohio AMA Dragbike racing.

The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

2008-08-28T20:58:00.020-05:00

I do not classify myself as a book fiend or anything like that, however as I look over at the dresser next to my bedside, I do see several books stacked one on top of the other...some waiting to be read...some freshly read, but still demanding my attention for one reason or another...some mine, some Jen's, some Kathy's. There are books about vampires, books about aliens, a couple of journals....

Recently, a friend at work handed me a book about racing in the rain. "Read this," Deni said "I think you will like it." What is this? A book about racing?! Seems I can't even get away from it at the office, and why is there a picture of a dog on the front anyway?

I took The Art of Racing in the Rain home at lunch and sat down on the sofa to read a few pages. Thirty minutes later I had to rush out the door to make it back to the office on time. I couldn't wait to get home that afternoon to read more about Enzo's theories on life, relationships, love, old age, ailments, and yes even racing cars in the rain.

Reasons I loved this book:

Enzo's racecar driver/owner Denny, secured him in the front seat of his car with a bed sheet, then took him on a wild ride on a road course. I felt Enzo's joy as he lived every lap of his very fast ride. I learned that two barks means, "Faster, faster!" (I will use the knowledge I gained by reading this book in my own relationship with grandpup Chance.)

There was the time Enzo accidentally got left at home for 3 days without food or water (except for toilet bowl water). Enzo began hallucinating (or not) as a stuffed toy zebra came to life, began dancing around and misbehaving with the other toys in the room. Enzo became quite irritated with the misbehaving zebra. Before it was over, that zebra had destroyed every stuffed animal in the room! Naughty, naughty zebra!

Enzo watched a lot of television - he KNEW that when his dog life ended, his soul would go on to live as a man. This he had learned by watching a documentary on TV. When he wasn't watching documentaries, he liked to watch videos of racing, or movies about racing. He used the knowledge he gained by watching television to ensure that he would be ready for his new life as a man when this one ended. With that in mind he lived his dog life fully and he embraced it.

This is great story about a dog's life from beginning to end, as told from the dog's point of view...and if I EVER get another dog, I think I will name him Enzo.

UPDATED: More from Indy AMA Dragbike Racing

2008-08-06T09:50:00.015-05:00

Jen with her Great Aunt Sunday ~ I absolutely love this picture; Jen with her toe socks and my wonderful aunt with her lovely pink hat. It is these things that help make special people magnificently unique :0)

Me, Jen and Roger waiting in line for a qualifying pass ~ note the wonderful Indiana corn growing in the background

Baby brother John, Me, Big brother Joe and Dad at O'Reilly Raceway Park

Cousin Wayne and Roger work on Busa clutch

Jen's new signature helmet

Jen's very handsome Uncle John shows some attitude - 2 days later on August 5th he became a Grandpa to baby Isacc

Me, Roger and Jen trying to relax before a test run

Just gotta' love the flowers growing up out of the top of my hat

Jen and her Uncle Joe discuss racing strategies

A little shade up in the stands never hurts. I try my best to protect Dad (Grandpa) from the hot Indy sun

Jen catches some extra rest before Saturday's time trials begin(wearing my favorite of her toe socks)

Cousin Wayne! Those are some great legs! Are you in competition with Jen and her toe socks?

Indy - O'Reilly Raceway Park

2008-08-01T21:09:00.016-05:00

a.k.a. Indianapolis Raceway Park

Indianapolis, Indiana

AMA Dragbike

August 1 - 3, 2008

She's in line there somewhere!

Wow, have I ever been a slacker. We made it to Indy and completed an entire day of 'test and tune' when Jen's new custom signature helmet arrived via American Airlines (& Michael) - it is gorgeous! And it has now been thoroughly tested :)

Jen's Grandpa pictured on left on the turbo Hayabusa, Jen on the right at O'Reilly Raceway Park, flowers compliments of Aunt Sunday (homegrown) and new helmet designed mostly by Jen compliments of sponsor Akuma Helmets.

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We had a wonderful week and weekend with family and friends. Since we were so busy, you will mercifully get the shortened version.

Most importanty, Jen set a new personal record on her GSXR 1000 of 9.21 seconds in the 1/4 mile. She ran the wheels off that bike while entertaining amazed family members all the while.

~ Jen prepares to line up against this beautiful bike in Pro ET ~

One of the motorcycles she ran against in the first round of Pro ET was this beautifully painted wheelie bar bike. The detailing on this bike was fantastic, the bike incredibly fast, and its pilot a gentleman...even after she beat him!

During a rare break in the competition on Sunday, family members gathered under the shade of the awnings to chat, eat homemade rhubarb/strawberry pie, cookies, apples (all provided by our Aunt Sunday - pink hat, far end of the picture!) and drink gallons of refreshing water.

Hey ~ it wouldn't be an AMA Dragbike race without a picture of Jen's 'toe-socks!'

Jen and Michael prepare to leave pits to line up for a race

Sadly, all good things must come to an end as Jen says goodbye to her grandpa as Uncle Joe looks on.

I have a few more pics to share which I will post soon, so until then!

Oreo Cows!

2008-07-25T20:23:00.007-05:00

Oh my goodness! I cannot believe what I saw! We are making our trek to Indy for Jen's race and there they were, standing in a field not too far from Tyler, Texas. An entire field of Oreo cows - it is the greatest thing I have ever seen...well, possibly not the greatest, but certainly right up there near the top of a very long list of great things to see!

Could these beauties possibly be a kin to the Belted Galloway cattle I found on the internet? Jen had actually told me about such things - it seems there are some more of these adorable cattles (is that a word...cattles?) somewhere near Kerrville, Texas. If that is so, I am afraid I will not be satisfied with this photo I found when googling Oreo cows - and yes, that's just what I googled. I must find them and get an actual picture :0)

Talk about having your milk and cookies!!!

Indy or Bust!

2008-07-19T20:09:00.007-05:00

Hotel reservations have been made, entry fees paid, and days off work scheduled. Only thing left to do is get there...and pay for gas! This will be Jen's first AMA Dragbike race in Indianapolis and what a treat that will be. Indy is the racing capital of the world, making racing at Indy just plain special :o) It all begins on August 1st - watch for updates.

In the mean time, here are a couple of pictures from the Bristol Race last month (thanks to Yvonne for being there to take them!)

Rule #1 - Drink lots of water

Always remember, and never forget - there is a lot of waiting in line at these races!

July 4 Motorcycle Shootout - Bang!

2008-07-06T04:52:00.017-05:00

Friday evening Jen competed in a 4th of July Motorcycle Shootout at San Antonio Raceway where she proceeded to show those boys who was boss of the dragway. Jen pulled her best time down the San Antonio quarter mile at 9.23 seconds, 155 mph on her GSXR 1000.

At that point she had to make the decision as to what her ET (estimated time) would be for competition (can’t go too fast, and can’t go too slow), so she set it at 9.3 seconds - a new San Antonio track record for females. She purred (or should I say roared?) through the first few rounds of competition in the Street ET and the Pro ET classes when, during a break in the race competition, a cager (motorcycle racer's definition of a race car driver) went down the track dumping his whole load of synthetic oil along the entire ¼ mile!

Track officials worked until after 11:30 p.m. before announcing it a lost cause for the night. What a disappointment. She had those two races in the bag! So, although disappointed she didn’t get an opportunity to finish those boys off, it was still great to see them all shaking in their boots!

We are looking forward to Indy on August 2 & 3.

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Disclaimer: all posts on 'Butterflies' are the biased opinion of the Mom/Grammy/Daughter/Sister.

Old Tunnel ~ Fredericksburg, TX

2008-07-06T04:15:00.007-05:00

Bat Crossing

Old Tunnel ~ Fredericksburg, Texas

Roger and I spent part of the July 4th holiday week in Fredericksburg, TX (home of the Enchanted Rock, only one of a multitude of great adventures to be found in this area). While there we experienced a ‘bat emergence’ (that is correct, I said BAT Emergence) at 'Old Tunnel' - a train tunnel through one of Fredericksburg’s very large 'hills' - the tunnel was built in 1913 and operated for less than 30 years.

Anyway, not to shorten the history lesson, but there are some 3 Million bats that fly out of that tunnel nightly for several months out of the year. Sadly, the mother bats recently left to have their babies in a nearby cave with a warmer temperature (baby bats like it at about 100 degrees!) and there were ONLY several hundred thousand bats that flew out during our visit. The mother bats will bring the babies back in August. We plan to visit again at that time.

The 'bat emergence' was an enlightening experience and we came away from it with far less fear of the tiny, cute? mammals!

Bristol ~ Eliminations

2008-06-22T10:38:00.010-05:00

Try as she may she could not get that newly supersported GSXR 1000 to qualify any faster than a 9.3 in the quarter mile.

Out of frustration one of her Brock Performance teammates took her bike down the quarter mile to see if he could give her some pointers. His runs were in the 9.4 second range which is exactly what Jen had managed to do on it while practicing.

Still frustrated, yet at the same time relieved to know that it was not her, she will do the best she can in Bristol and take it to JOHNNY CHEESE for tuning before going to Indy.

So, live-timing still not working, we are relying on the old fashion telephone for updates. So far:

Street Fighter - lost in the first round by .0026 second!
Street ET - winner! Sorry don't have any details.
Pro ET - winner! Again no details.
Super Sport - no info yet.

Final results...

She was not so lucky in the rest of the weekend’s racing. Her newly super-sported GSXR continued to be ‘cantankerous’ and the Busa was just as cranky! She was able to make it only to the 2nd round in all four of her races – a big disappointment. After Johnny Cheese adds his magic touch to it, Jen will practice in San Antonio as much as possible until Indy. Looking back won't change anything - fix it, test it, race it!

bRiStOl ~ AMA Dragbike Races ~ Day 2, cont'd.

2008-06-21T19:19:00.005-05:00

What a frustrating day - we have been unable to get race updates online due to what I suppose is technical difficulty. I guess we will just have to go to all the rest of the races if we want to know what's happening!

Anyway, Jen finally called - totally unaware that we did not have a clue how she was doing. She was a bit frustrated with her times, but we did our job of offering encouragement and suggestions. (It is nice to feel needed :-)) So, bottom line is, I am not sure where she actually qualified in any of the 4 classes she is running in. I know she has her work cut out for her tomorrow during eliminations.

In the mean time, Cousin Wayne is making sure she and her entire crew are well fed. Let's see, I believe they had wonderful hamburgers Thursday evening, delicous chicken wings and hot dogs on Friday evening and tonight it is spaghetti (a personal favorite). THANK YOU Cousin Wayne :)

The Interceptor!

2008-06-21T19:00:00.000-05:00

If we push the riding mover forward about three feet, a small space becomes available in the shop. A space just about the right size to be INTERCEPTED by ANOTHER MOTORCYCLE! Not just any bike, but a special anniversary edition - a 2007 Honda VFR 800.

It is a very special bike. The previous owner, a man in his 60's with a long white beard, had put only 225 miles on it. His family said every mile had made him happy. (He died peacefully in his sleep soon after purchasing it.) We have a big responsibility now, making certain this bike has a good home.

Our salesman was insistant that we carry this gardian angel bell on the bike. He said it would protect the bike and rider from evil spirts and keep them safe! That said, and considering the bikes history, we thought it could not hurt to follow through. So before the bike even left the shop in El Campo, TX the little bell was securely attached to the bike. Believe in evil spirits or not, the little bell did its job warding off trouble - the bike was run off the road by an evil little white car on the way home. Fortunately there was a good shoulder on that road, and as I watched helplessly from my little Mazda, I could clearly see that the guardian bell was doing its job.

Following behind in the Mazda as Roger piloted the bike toward Corpus Christi, I could see streaks of lightening in the sky - sometimes 4 at once, the bright flashes lit up the sky over Victoria. We pulled into a Texas Department of Transportation parking lot to sit it out. (Protected once again.) Soon we were back on our way. We pulled into the driveway at around 5:30 p.m., road grime covered the new red, white and blue bike and the odometer now read well over 300 miles.

Now all shinny and clean, this special bike has found a new home - a small space in the shop where I am quite certain its guardian bell will keep it safe.

bRiStOl ~ AMA Dragbike Races ~ Day 2

2008-06-21T09:46:00.003-05:00

June 21, 2008

Still waiting for information...no live timing...no phone calls. Maybe it is raining....and they shut the place down...and the phones aren't working...MAYBE the entire place decided to sleep in late...z-z-z-z-z-z.

Maybe they are taking advantage of the rain (if it is raining) and are getting the bikes re-tuned...

Sheesh! This is waiting stuff is just plain tough.

UPDATED ~ Bristol AMA Dragracing!

2008-06-20T08:39:00.005-05:00

Today's events include eliminations from the rained out portion of the Atlanta race back in April - since Jen is still alive in one of the classes, she will be competing this afternoon. She is fighting to adjust to her newly supersported GSXR 1000, so we will see what she can do this weekend!

UPDATE - this just in from Bristol, TN...She made it to the quarter finals in the Pro ET class. This is fabulous - that little GSXR up against those big wheelie bar bikes. What a sight that must have been! You can see the beautiful mountains in the background at this track as Jen prepares to compete (I have no clue who the fellow in the blue & white shirt is).

More updates coming soon.

All Alone and Left Behind...

2008-06-19T06:58:00.008-05:00

Well, they're off to Bristol. Jen, Michael, and their friends Byrd and Sarah. Roger and I have been 'left behind.' The old mom and dad...sitting at home...waiting for news from the Texas Woman Drag Racer and her pit crew. **Sigh**

We were going to Bristol - we really were. Already had hotel reservations and everything. Then reality got in the way - work and the cost of fuel - and we reconsidered, thinking it would be best to save all that for the Indy race in August.

Not only were we left behind by our daughter and her crew, but we have also been left behind by her older brother, his wife and family. They have gone to the Hills of Texas for a couple of days.

Alone...all alone...totally and completely alone.... Oh, except for Chance! We do have grandpup Chance :)

Jelly Belly Collection and other Stuff

2008-06-13T13:02:00.015-05:00

Aha! Look what Roger found!

A Jelly Belly Collection! He thinks it is all his, but he is mistaken because I have laid claim to the Fiery Cinnamon flavor and various other flavors that he doesn't know about...at least not until he reads this...

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We have this tree that I just love - you must understand that trees and I have an unusual connection. I know that they can feel, and think, and are considerably more intelligent than any human. On one of our trips to Hawaii :) Roger found an ugly stick looking thing sealed up in a package. It was no bigger than the palm of my hand and was supposed to be some sort of flowering plant called a Plumeria. We brought it home and promptly forgot about it. Then one day he decided to stick it in some dirt. We watched as it seemed to grow by the minute! Next thing we know it looks like this ~

And has beautiful, fragrant flowers blooming everywhere...

Oh, and there are these little digging lizards that appeared one day when the grandboys came to visit...it may have been on my birthday. These guys help keep the tree happy and entertained!

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We are fighting some very dry weather right now. The cracks in the yard are so big that I am afraid to let the cat out for fear he may fall into one of the deep crevices. We water a few times a week, not to save the grass - that is a lost cause, but to protect the house's foundation!

World's Fastest?

2008-06-12T06:14:00.006-05:00

At last March's Texas Mile Jen did an interview with StreetFire.net while making her attempt at the world record for fastest female on two wheels. Although she didn't quite make the world record then, she will try again in October. We are hopeful and know she can do it. Click here (or on fastest female above) to see the interview. In the mean time she will be competing this month at Bristol, TN in the AMA Dragbike competition - report to follow.

It is always nice to know that your daughter is tough and can take care of herself! But it is also nice to know that she has a softer side.

Jalapeno Jelly Bellies!

2008-05-17T12:56:00.015-05:00

On Saturday morning it is not ususual for us to jump into the car and travel the 1/4 mile down the road to the local Mexican Restaurant - Fermin's - for a taco.

My normal breakfast taco is bean, diced potato and freshly chopped jalapeno peppers - yum ;o) Add a glass of freshly brewed ice tea to the order and you have breakfast combo ala Cathy!

This particular morning Roger was complaining about his dry eyes and how he couldn't wait to get his breakfast so he could cover it with the all-natural dry eye & congestion cure of Fermin's pico de gallo and salsa.

This brought him to remember another great discovery - jalapeno Jelly Bellies. While on my mother's day adventures in the hill country last weekend, I stopped in at Camp Verde and filled a bag will all different varieties of Jelly Belly jelly beans. That's when I spied them - the jalapeno Jelly Bellies...I carefully added a small scoop of them to the bag of mixed flavors - peanut butter, cinnamon, fiery cinnamon, coconut, buttered popcorn, various fruit flavors...all mixed together with jalapeno! Then I promptly forgot about it.

Roger took his prize bag of Jelly Bellies to the office where he could share and munch on them at his leisure (and to ensure that I did not eat them all myself). Eventually he took one of the green beans and popped it into his mouth. What he expected was a sweet tart 'green' flavor of some sort. What he got was entirely something else! At first, not knowing what flavor this bean was, he found it simply chewy and un-sweet. A very short time later he discovered its true value. Another all-natural cure for dry eyes and congestion!

So, I did some Jelly Belly research and made a great discovery - "Caliente! That’s Spanish for HOT. This is one flavor not for the faint of heart. If you like your salsa hot enough to make you break out in a sweat, you’ll love this bean. [They] use real jalapeno pepper, no kidding." So, next time I go to Camp Verde I am getting an entire bag of jalapeno flavored Jelly Bellies...to keep around for medicinal purposes!

Motorcycle Drag Racing in Memphis

2008-05-14T20:36:00.002-05:00

Wow! What else can I say? We had a great time (aside from the all night drive there and the all night drive back - sheesh!)

Where to begin...guess I'll start at the beginning.

Friday - We arrived in Mempis mid-morning hoping to get some practice in on the two bikes. "Rain, rain go away, come again some other day." Yep, rain AGAIN = no practice. We NEEDED practice! Rain = more time to sleep. We NEEDED the sleep, so guess it worked out.

Saturday - Time trials. No rain - finally! I wish I could tell you she earned another top qualifier, but not this time. However I can clearly see another one coming very soon. That said, she did very well...I think we will just start calling her the 'Texas Lady Intimidator' - she isn't intentionally intimidating. Line her up against a guy on a sports or wheelie bar bike and it just happens! Can't wait to see how intimidating she is when we get her GSXR 1000 back from Ohio after the engine gets 'super-sported' (then it will be a real race bike :0)) he...he...he!

Sunday - Eliminations (oh that sounds so final). It was a beautiful day with ample sunshine. In spite of that we kept our long sleeve shirts available for awhile. I don't want to bore you with details, but ultimately she went out in the first round in Super Sport and in Street Fighter :0( but put up a real good fight! And she competed through 3rd round in the Street ET and Pro ET classes losing by only 4/1000 of a second in Pro ET. We were very proud :0)

You meet the most interesting people at these events. There are the 'normal' types of people you expect to see -like Spiderman Larry McBride, Tom Perry, and Ricky Gadson. And then there is Wayne, from Wayne's World (aka Cousin Wayne). His last name is Robertson so we are practically related - but believe me when I tell you that is highly unlikely!

Wayne's World is where Roger goes for his morning coffee, where we go for lunch and dinner while at the track, where Jen goes for chocolate milk and cookies, and where we all gather to be entertained. We have found it convenient to park our little hauler and truck next to his motorhome while attending these events (easier to get to the food and entertainment faster). Wayne and his racing buddy, James, are from Virginia. They travel around to races all over the country to do what they love (race, of course). I am sure you will hear more about them throughout our racing adventures.

On the left - Roger stands just outside the door at Wayne's World with one of Wayne's coffee mugs. At right - Wayne cooks for any and all and does a great job (you have to understand - he does this in addition to racing his 2008 Hayabusa!)

Metals for boots - how many races does she have on those boots anyway? Luckily we were able to get some new metals for her boots from the Bates Leather lady at the Memphis track. Carefully, she and Michael removed the worn metals from the boots and installed the new ones. This reminds me of an oil change - okay, not a good analogy, but that is what it reminds me of - you know...after you get the oil changed in your car how much 'better' the car feels (well, mine does!). ANYWAY, those boots were feeling good after the new metals were installed, I am quite certain of it!

And, you can always use a good pair of toe socks to wear under those race boots! Toe socks also work well with slippers on a cool race morning. It must also be noted that all racers are jealous of Jen's unusual varity of toe socks!

Tires sometimes need replaced. Not only did we get two of the bike tires replaced while at the track, we'd also just re-shoed the hauler with new tires before leaving on this trip. It was feeling good too :0)

Flowers grow at the races too

And there was even time to label the pit bike! Glad we did too because there was one just like it at the track :0)

I am not planning to go to Bristol, TN for the June race even though I really would like to go. Off course Jen will be there with her newly super-sported GSXR to give those boys another run for their money. And of course I will let you know how she does, but it is the Indy race August 2-3 that I now look forward to attending. Hope to see you there!

An Enchanted Mother's Day ~ 2008

2008-05-12T21:14:00.000-05:00

I saw beautiful cactus blooms on the Enchanted Rock for Mother’s Day...

... had a wonderful pre-Mother’s Day lunch with all my kids at the Burger Barn in Center Point, TX

I watched as youngest Grandboy Caden swung from a camel’s tail at Camp Verde, TX

…and ate dessert with AJ at Camp Verde

I watched as the boys pretended to be best friends…

…for about 15 seconds!!!

I took pictures of Grandboy AJ hiding behind an Enchanted Rock…

…and of Grandboy Caden

I got to spend time on the Enchanted Rock with ALL my kids on Mother’s Day

I watched as Will, Caden and Jen came out of the cave on top of Enchanted Rock

And took pictures of them all – Will, AJ, Caden, Kathy & Jen – on a very high place

And approved as AJ proclaimed himself King of the Enchanted Rock! AJ and Caden 'drove' the Fintstone car on the way to the top of the Rock.

We played in the Guadalupe River near Jen’s house (Jen made faces as I took pictures!)

And listened as AJ played a song on Aunt Jen’s French Horn

I’d say it was a great Mother’s Day weekend – infact,

I’d say it was the best Mother’s Day EVER!

2008-05-04T20:28:00.005-05:00

Coming Soon !!

AMA Dragbike Race results/pics/prejudiced review of Memphis race...

Preview of events...boot repair!

At Memphis Motorsports Park for a qualifying run

Memphis - Day 1

2008-05-02T17:47:00.002-05:00

Can you believe it!? Rain! Thunderstorms, lightening, tornadoes!! Whew...we lucked out of most of it, but it did rain us out of practice today.

Tomorrow and Sunday look good and we are looking forward to two great days of racing and a good night's sleep tonight :o) But food - first we need food!

We found a totally non-smoking LaQuinta! and are quite excited about that. However, when we stepped in to our non-smoking room in the totally non-smoking LaQuinta, guess what? Oh yes...it had been smoked in and there was no doubt about it. Fortunately we were able to get another room that actually smells smoke-free (lucky for us and for LaQuinta :~]

Coming soon - pics from Memphis

Memphis, here we come!

2008-05-01T19:34:00.004-05:00

We are on the way to Memphis and the AMA Dragbike races! And isn't this just so neat...I am able to blog while in the truck because of our new mobile broadband! Technology - WOW - this is just so neat (oh...I already said that).

We've been on the road for quite some time now (enough to stop for gas already). Oh! But I forgot - I have mobile broadband! I can look at the map and track our little truck and hauler. Hold on just a minute and I will tell you where we are...

We are just leaving Waco - oh this is just too neat!

Well, I must go check my email, or maybe I will go shopping on Amazon.com before taking a nap :o)

Reading Dangerously Update

2008-04-30T06:38:00.009-05:00

April's Reading Dangerously Challenge was "Transformations" by Anne Sexton.

Frankly I don't know what to think about this one. General comments - it can be read in one sitting...I love fairy tales, just not these. That said, I found some of them quite interesting, some distasteful, and some just plain weird. After reading her bio, I can almost see where she came up with this stuff. And that's all I have to say about this book.

Next up is Other Voices, Other Rooms, by Truman Capote. I have already begun this one and it is much more interesting. However, it has ended up at Jen's house (3 hours away) where she has been reading it! That's alright though, I'll get it back in plenty of time to finish for May's reading challenge questions, and will be able to get her input before making my final evaluation of this book.

In between stuff: I have preordered a couple of books (well, one is a CD to listen to while in the car...driving the 1/2 mile to work and home each day really leaves me a lot of time to listen to books!)

First is The Host by Stephanie Meyer which will be released on May 6th. She writes vampire books for teens, but this one is about aliens...right up my alley since I feel alien most of the time!

I also preordered the CD Fearless Fourteen, by Janet Evanovich. It will be released on June 17th. I don't normally order CD books, but thought this might be a fun one to listen to instead of read. May even force it on Roger during one of our very long drives to Jen's house some time. However, with the price of fuel, I may just listen to it while working on the laptop!

Oh! I almost forgot - I won March's Reading Dangerously Challenge with Cat's Eye, by Margarat Atwood! The prizes were fantastic and really want to thank Heather and Andi for sponsoing this.

It was Just a Dream...I Knew That!

2008-04-28T06:26:00.002-05:00

I knew it was going to happen - don't really know how I knew...I just did. Mother Earth was coming to a screeching halt, abruptly discontinuing her rotation, at which time life as we know it would hastily end.

Standing out in the street, I felt disconnected. No one looked familiar. Police officers, military...strange people were everywhere, but in spite of that, things were a quiet kind of orderly chaos. Did they know too?

A man put a FedEx envelope into a small blue and white box along with a check to pay for the delivery. He could not believe they would allow him to pay with a check...no delivery would actually be made, and of course the check would never hit the bank. The stranger seemed pleased with himself.

The weather was pleasant, a bit warm but tolerable - a gentle breeze kissed my face causing me to turn slightly. From my left, behind an unusual bank of clouds, an intense light appeared high in the sky.

***************
The clock reads 4:30 a.m. I am all comfy in my early morning bed. I do not want to move - as my age increases the comfort of lying easily in one spot is rare. Something is always hurting! I lay silently just enjoying the quiet, painless, peacefulness of the morning. Am I still dreaming?

5:00 a.m. - the whirl of the grinder in the automatic coffee maker announces that another morning has begun...and assures me that the Earth is still on her axis...rotating away!

Don't let go!!!

2008-04-25T20:04:00.007-05:00

Ferocious, persistent barking (no, it was yapping, definitely yapping) erupted from just a few feet away. I turned to see a small, yet adorable dog hanging out the window of the vehicle stopped next to me...luckily his owner was holding firmly to his little tail!

~ He looked something like this ~

The tiny guy perched his front paws upon the driver’s side mirror. One rear paw rested on the rolled down window sill, while the other hung free outside the vehicle. His little mouth was happily yapping away at the surrounding vehicles.

Oh how I wish I’d had a camera…oh wait, I did have a camera – but it was a camera phone and would not have had time to dig it out of my purse and snap a picture before the light turned green.

Then I pictured Grandpup Chance doing the same thing…of course this is never going to happen. First off, Chance weighed 150.2 pounds at last weigh-in at the Freeman-Fritts Veterinary Clinic & Shelter. Even if it were an 18-wheeler instead of my little Mazda 3 that Chance were hanging out of, I’d never be able to hold him up by his tail!

The light turned green and I made a left turn toward the office. The joyful little dog continued his persistent yap all the way through the intersection before entering into the safety of the vehicle.

I smiled broadly and laughed out loud all the way to the office, all the while trying to put out of my mind what could have happened if he'd lost his footing. Here's hoping the little guy has a firmly attached tail!

Coming Soon ~ AMA Dragbike Spring Nationals

2008-04-21T21:02:00.002-05:00

Coming Soon ~ AMA Dragbike Spring Nationals in Memphis, TN, May 3 - 4, 2008

Nine Second Jen made it out of the cave at the top of the Enchanted Rock and will be competing at the AMA Dragbike Spring Nationals in Memphis.

Watch for updates right here!

Enchanted Rock?

2008-04-21T19:12:00.020-05:00

What is an enchanted rock anyway? When I think of a rock, I think of a small grayish chunk of stone. Declaring the stone enchanted brings about a different vision. The first time I saw the Enchanted Rock I thought it was just a large...no, a humongous smooth rock that demanded my attention and begged to be climbed. What was so great about it anyway? What on earth could be up there that would make me want to do that? Well, I just dare you to climb to the top of it and ask that question!

From the top of the Enchanted Rock looking down

Resting place on the way to the top of the rock

Flowers grow on rock? These certainly did!

Bugs, bees and nature on the rock

Cave on the Rock

Hmmm...the arrow points down. Jen, you aren't really going down there are you?

Wait! Don't do it! How will you get back up?

Oh my...what now?

Here, let me throw the camera down...maybe you can figure a way out of there if you take some pictures!

****************************************

I want to climb it again next weekend, and the week after that, and next month, then next year...just to see if I missed anything. Somehow I feel it will be different each time I climb it; it has a personality that is ever changing (ha! we have that in common!!)

#1 Youngest Grandboy turns 8!

2008-04-20T21:20:00.010-05:00

Caden Avery! Where have the last 8 years gone?! Seems like just yesterday it was April 21, 2000. Your papa and I were out in the boat fishing away; it was Good Friday (a very special day)...next thing I know, you had arrived!

On Saturday we celebrated your special day with birthday cake (chocolate, of course), icecream, gifts, a pinata, friends, and as a special treat your big brother AJ played Happy Birthday on his recorder! It was a lot of fun :o)

Your mother let you style your own hair! You looked so handsome - I just loved it!!

A football AND a basketball - what more could an 8 year old want.

...possibly some hugs from his Grammy!

* UPDATED INFO! * Elmer Trent Nationals - Atlanta, April 4 - 6

2008-04-04T15:46:00.036-05:00

April 4, 2008
Eyes burning from NO sleep, exhausted from driving the very long distance (2,300 miles round trip) from Corpus Christi to Commerce, Georgia, we arrived at the Atlanta Dragway at around noon today. There is a storm on it's way causing this afternoon's activities to be delayed until tomorrow. **Disappointed...however, we make the best of every situation!

Being the wonderfully fantastic, energetic persons that we are, we locked things up at the track, headed for the hotel, found a bite to eat at Cracker Barrel, a warm bath here at the HOJO along with some very comfy beds, and are crashed out in the hotel room!

More soon!
**************************
Okay - here's the MORE!
April 5, 2008...it rained all day again so no racing got done until April 6th, however here is what there is to do when race day is a rain out!

We try on beautiful fancy slippers with our 'toe-socks'! These were my favorite :o)

We read books on the cot in the hauler...with a blanket and gloves (it was cold!) - sometimes I get the cot and she has to sit in a chair.

April 6, 2008
The rainy days finally ended and Sunday became race day! Fog and dampness kept us from getting an early start; track conditions were not ideal and the decision was made by track officials to run only 1/8th mile passes - normally it is a quarter mile run...1/8th mile runs are not something she has had much experience with. Oh well! As usual, she makes the best of it.

She ran in 4 classes - 2 on the GSXR 1000 (Pro ET and Super Sport) and 2 on the Busa (Street ET and Street Fighter). When all was said and done, Jen ended up as the top qualifier in the Street Fighter Series! This is a huge accomplishment - Congratulations Jen! But wait! All is not said and done. We raced late into the night on Sunday until weather conditions once again caused the track to became unsafe - finals will continue in Bristol, TN in June! So, I suppose this is still to be continued....

But before that can happen there is an AMA Dragbike competition in Memphis, TN for the Spring Nationals, May 3 -4. I'd love to go but don't know if that is going to happen...so, if you are in Memphis for the Spring Nationals look her up, say hello and cheer her on!

Video: Top Street Fighter Qualifier makes a run on the 1/8th mile course (turn up the sound) - way to go Jen!

A few more pics from Atlanta ~

Jen at the line as Crew Chief/Dad watches

Jen (on the Busa) prepares to line up against Jeremy Teasley

Time to pick a running partner for the GSXR

Michael waits with Jen before heading under the tower

More waiting!

...and more waiting
Jen plans her strategy

I can tell she has this one figured out!

All in all, a great rain shortened weekend!

Where Else but the Texas Mile!

2008-03-31T19:58:00.025-05:00

March 29, 2007...Day Two - Final day on the Mile

Well, I won't keep you in suspense - top speed for the weekend was a disappointing 215.3 mph. But we had a great time!

AJ on the Turbo busa

Caden's turn to test the busa!

And this is how it's really done...Jen tests the Turbo Busa!!

Kathy, Jen, AJ and Caden chat before one of Jen's 200 + mph runs down the Mile

Caden, Kathy, AJ and Grammy

AJ and Caden find a nifty car on the Mile

Chance and Jen rest on their cots at the Mile

Now, let me ask you...just how fast is fast enough anyway? 300 mph? Would that be fast enough to travel on a one mile stretch of pavement? A humongous burst of hot red flame and a gigantic POOF of billowing gray smoke filled the air as an engine wined and screamed; It sounded as if a military jet was just feet away from me...hey wait, a jet engine WAS just feet away! With a flick and a flash the flaming bright red car encasing the super fast jet engine screamed loudly down the track...and was gone. The Texas Mile has a new top speed - 324 mph!!! and I witnessed it! All I can say is WOW, what was that?!

Where Else but the Texas Mile!

What next? Atlanta...April 4-6 - See ya' there!

Day One of the March 2008 Texas Mile

2008-03-29T21:51:00.002-05:00

Tired...wow! We are so tired. It was a very long day with only 3 one mile runs completed and a disappointed top speed of only 207 mph! Her first run was 201 and when she came across the line to pick up her time slip the lady who hands out the slips was all excited about the over 200 mph run. Jen's disappointed face certainly told the story...that those were not the speeds she was looking for.

Well, tomorrow is another day; some adjustments have been made to the bike, the maps change, a gear changed. And the winds should be down a little with only a 10 percent chance of rain. We are looking forward to a very good day :)

More soon with pictures.

Thursday afternoon - Texas Mile less than 2 days away

2008-03-27T18:03:00.005-05:00

Sprawled out on the living room floor chewing on a rawhide, Chance appears totally relaxed and completely unconcerned about the upcoming events of this weekend. He has had his dinner and his bath...and I am quite certain he is secretly planning a way to escape through the back door and roll in the grass and dust. Can't smell like a freshly shampooed dog for long if he can help it!

Roger has been working on the turbo busa, loading the hauler, generally preparing to head out to Goliad tomorrow around noon so he can get a good spot on the Mile. I am sure he is beyond excited and terribly anxious, as always before a big event.

Chance and I will be heading out after I get off work tomorrow - I am sure he is ready to see his mommy and will be happy to get back into his own yard and house next week...and I will be glad to shampoo the carpet after he has gone home!

Things left to do this evening include washing the hauler and the truck...we will have to record 'Lost' to be watched at a later date.

I am remarkably calm considering the weekend that is about to happen. Hope I can keep this demeanour throughout (not going to happen though!)

Upcoming April events:

Atlanta - AMA Dragbike competition April 4 - 6
Pediatric Brain Tumor Fund Raiser and bike show at Irv Thomas Honda - April 12 (of course we will have Jen's bikes and paraphernalia displayed in royal manor).

Four Days and Counting

2008-03-25T12:41:00.003-05:00

Wow, what a week at work - and it's only Tuesday! After a week off for Spring Break, it was pure torture to get the brain functioning again yesterday. As hard as I tried - and I really did try...even stayed late at the office yesterday to prove it to myself - but, as hard as I tried it just wasn't happening. Finally I just gave up :-( and went home :-)

Even though I was fearful that this morning would bring the same brain affliction, I was able to overcome it and move forward. Now that the office is under control, it leaves more room to worry about the upcoming Texas Mile which is only 4 days away. FOUR DAYS! Roger is out in the shop - a bootload of motorcycle 'stuff' arrived on the doorstep today...and I thought he was done!

Six days and Counting

2008-03-23T19:38:00.004-05:00

Less than one week - The March 2008 Texas Mile!

As you might imagine things around here are a bit stressed. Things will continue to be stressed on March 29 - 30, as we compete at the Texas Mile ~ and as usual I will report it all right here...the good, the bad and the ugly. We are hoping for fair skies, decent temperatures and calm winds.

Causes of the March 2008 Texas Mile stress ~ to be determined...

Easter Sunday

2008-03-23T19:24:00.013-05:00

Some people spend Easter with their Grandchildren by hunting for colored eggs. AJ and Caden have found it more fun to run over the colored eggs – 2 points per egg; 3 points for the ones really close to the house or fence! (Just kidding, of course :o) Sounds like a plan for next Easter though!

Caden gets ready to ride Aunt Jen’s Honda 50 as his Dad gets it started before giving instructions on how to ride.

His Mommy frets as Caden takes his very first laps around the back yard – fretting takes the form of covering eyes (well almost) and holding breath. I’ve given her instruction on how to properly do this so that when the rider goes down, the fall will not be as severe. (And yes, the rider did go down!)

Caden takes a few laps around the yard before learning where the brakes are…he is quite an aggressive rider.

Afterward, Chance gives Caden congratulatory kisses – but his mommy says that Chance is just trying to lick all the Easter candy off Caden’s face!

AJ shows off his Honda 50 riding skills by performing bike tricks.

The Power of Pink

2008-03-17T13:52:00.008-05:00

I love pink. I do not 'say' it is my favorite color when asked, but it is a color that lures me. I am currently reading a book by Margaret Atwood called "The Cat's Eye" and in it she describes the power of the color pink. She says that "pink is supposed to weaken your enemies, make them go soft on you..." Hummm - never thought of pink as being a powerful color. She goes on to say that must be why it is used for baby girls. It must melt those daddy hearts...those same daddy's who brag about baby boys.

I remember when my drag racing girl was just a tiny baby. She had as many cutesy pink outfits as I could gather. Pink bows and ribbons in her hair, pink jammies and gowns, pink flowers scattered throughout. She certainly managed to wrap her daddy around her tiny pink little finger!

Maybe it is a good thing that Jen's race bikes are black with pink detailing. Intimidate those boys from the start! From frilly pink dresses, ribbons and bows to black leather with hot pink - how much more intimidating can that get?!

2-Wheel Tuner Magazine - April 2008 Issue

2008-03-15T12:57:00.006-05:00

Check it out! My baby girl is in a motorcycle magazine!!

Funny thing happened when I went to Wal-Mart looking for extra copies of the magazine this morning. The young lady checking me out eyed me suspiciously as she scanned the 3 copies of April's issue of '2-Wheel Tuner.' She quickly thumbed through one of them as if she could determine why I needed 3 copies of the same magazine.

She took the 3 magazines and placed them in a seperate bag along with some chocolate-covered marshmallow bunnies (I just love the Easter season!) and held them until all other bags were placed into the cart. I asked for them (afraid that she would just toss them into the cart and possibly mangle the pages...after all, Wal-Mart is the same store that puts my bananas in the same bag as a gallon of milk). I told her they were special and wanted to take extra care with them. Questioning me further, I told her that my daughter was in the magazine. Of course she wanted to see and asked, "Oh! Is she a model?"

Okay, we all know what kind of models those motorcycle magazines have in them! "No," I said as I flipped to page 97 to show her the picture, "she is a drag racer!"

~ PROUD DRAG RACER MOM ~

My 'K' Key

2008-03-13T18:41:00.003-05:00

I was laptopping away earlier this week when my letter 'K' got stuck. I tapped on it - no response. I assessed the situation and gave it a little 'nudge.' Off it popped! What an annoyance!

I worked and worked with it. Put on the cheater glasses - no luck. Took off my contacts so I could see up close...no luck. Found a pair of tweezers and carefully positioned the tiny key components into position. Pop! Off it came again. After some Google searches on how to replace laptop keys and several more failed attempts...I am sad to say that I gave up.

Determined not to go on and on about my missing 'K' key, I put my laptop away. Several times I considered opening it back up but didn't want to even look at the mangled keyboard.

Later that night Roger was laptopping away on his trusty Dell. The dear husband had ordered me a replacement keyboard...and I didn't even have to nag!

Our Aging Grandpup, Chance

2008-03-07T19:16:00.005-05:00

To watch Chance sleep, play the video...okay, okay, how much more boring can this get!?

Anyone who know us, knows about Grandpup Chance. Chance has a bark that will knock you over...not to mention a tail that will do the same! (Same goes for his farts :o)) He is 150 pounds of bouncing black dog...or 150 pounds of sleeping hound.

He has become quite old in Great Dane years and has problems with his hips - getting up and down. However, there are times you would never know it...when he roars through the house at neck-break speed knocking down everything in his path!

In an attempt to make him more comfortable when he comes for Grammy and Papa visits we found him a cot to sleep on - it is called a Coolaroo (the large size, of course). Found it at Amazon.com - I like Amazon.com better than E-Bay. And, I think he likes it! What do you think?

February's Challenge Book - The Bluest Eye

2008-03-05T21:44:00.011-05:00

February's challenge book was The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison, book two in the Reading Dangerously Challenge. I desperately struggled with this book even though I went into it hopeful.

I love scary books, but make believe scary-type things that I think cannot really happen. Being raised in a very protected childhood environment, I found the things going on in the Bluest Eye families unbelievable, unacceptable and do not believe this to have been a common occurrence. If anyone begs to differ, please keep it to yourself!

Next up in the Reading Dangerously Challenge is Cat's Eye by Margaret Atwood, "a breathtaking novel of a woman grappling with the tangled knot of her life." I will give it a fair chance and if I don't like it any better than the other two books in the 'Challenge' will look for a GOOD book - a book with make believe scary stuff - when does that next Stephanie Meyer vampire book come out? Are we absolutely certain there are no more Harry Potter books yet to be written? And what about another Stephanie Plum bounty hunter book?

Valdosta - Day 3...final day

2008-03-02T07:30:00.007-05:00

COMING HOME! 4:30 p.m. - it is over. They are finished and coming home! Jen's final run was in Street ET on the Busa and she lost by going TOO FAST. That's right, 9.5 was her estimated time, but she ran a 9.3...that's the scenario I described earlier when the rider is first to the finish line, then loses by going faster than she said she would. All in all it was a great racing weekend in Valdosta and all are looking forward to her next great racing adventure, "The Texas Mile" in Goliad, Texas on March 29 - 30, 2008, for some fantabulous landspeed racing! (Pictures will be posted later.)

Thanks to Jen's sponsors:
Akuma Helmets
Brock's Performance
Hindle
Suzuki
Dynojet
Tiger Racing
Mom & Dad (aha!)
and of course Michael

*********************************

3:30 p.m....I've had two phone calls from Roger, just have not been home to update (AJ has a science fair project due and was helping with that - it's a Grammy thing :o))

So this is what's happening - After the second round of eliminations, she is still in the Street ET on the Busa, but was eliminated from both the 9.5 index on the Busa and the Street ET on the GSXR. Roger said they were both respectable runs, the run on the GSXR was very close, and that she did an outstanding job.

One of Jen's high school classmates who now lives in Florida made it out to yesterday's competition - thanks for the support Jessica! Hope to see you next time we are in Georgia. And Michael's sister, niece and brother-in-law are there today. Is this the makings of a fan club?! If so, I am her #1 fan!

More later...it can't be too much longer!
*************************************

10:00 a.m...Okay, first report is in. She has run one round each in the Street ET and the 9.5 index on the Busa - and won both rounds! She is not scheduled to run the GSXR until after lunch. I'll post again after the next phone update.

********************

SUNDAY Gates Open 7:30am

No Bikes Started Before 9:00am
Chapel Service 8:00am
Pro ET must be in the lanes for pairing 8:45am
1st Rd Pro ET Eliminations (Race 2) 9:00am
1st Rd Street ET Eliminations 9:30am
1st Rd Sportsman Eliminations 10:00pm
Opening Ceremony 10:45am
1st Rd Pro Eliminations 11:00am
1st Rd Semi-Pro Sportsman Eliminations Noon

Already received my morning phone call from the Crew Chief at 6:00 a.m. Spirits are high and looking forward to a good day.

...to be continued

Valdosta - Day 2 cont'd/CC Speedway

2008-03-01T23:46:00.011-05:00

One very tired Crew Chief telephoned (right before Kathy, Grandboy Caden and I were leaving to watch Will race) to let us know the final qualifying results.

In a nutshell:

On the Busa - 9.5 index - the 9.52 second quarter mile time will hold - this is good.

Also on the Busa - E.T. - 9.57 (I will correct this later if I am wrong :0)) - this is okay.

On the GSXR - sorry I don't remember what that class is actually called, but am certain someone will correct me soon - she qualified with a 9.5 second run. After the good practice sessions she had on Friday, she was hoping for a 9.2 or 9.3 - however, we will take it.

Tomorrow elimination runs begin; we will hope for the best, take what we can get, learn from it and move forward. All-in-all, the last two days have been good. More tomorrow!
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Corpus Christi Speedway (a.k.a. The Bull Ring)

Tonight was opening night at the Bull Ring. Although car count was low (tough year last year - it will improve), fans poured in and the entertainment began. New management for this 1/4 mile raceway has proven - in my humble well-qualified race fan experience - to be a definite positive!

To begin with, a live band greeted us at the entrance gate. They were singing 'old timey' songs and it was great. Then go-cart racers were right next to the band - kids were allowed to sit in the cars and later we watched as they raced around the speedway during the intermission...this too, was quite good. Then, an excellent female singer sang the National Anthem - sorry I cannot remember her name, but she was outstanding. And finally the races began. The commentators were excellent, really kept the events moving along and the crowd involved. Oh, also they were giving helicopter rides for $5 apiece! (No, I did not ride.)

Race results - well, the only race results I cared about were the Texas Thunder class. Will raced the little Thundering Neon 14 racer in one heat race and in one 30 lap feature race. He began near the back of the pack of 7 cars during the short heat race, but still managed to finish 3rd.

Well, that 3rd place finish paid off because for the feature race they inverted the first 3 finishers putting Will in the coveted pole position. Thirty laps and a couple of cautions later, Will climbed out of the little Thundering Neon 14, accepted his trophy and gave an enlightening speech thanking the new management, his wife, children and of course his mother :0) The track officials had us stand and take a bow after he thanked us! We allowed the crowd to admire what a handsome family he has as we cheered for our driver. He had lapped the entire field of cars. Way to go Will!!!!!

Valdosta - Day 2 - March 1, 2008

2008-03-01T12:25:00.004-05:00

Qualifications began today - I tried to be very patient...waiting for a phone call, cleaning the inside of the Mazda, waiting...getting the car inspected, waiting...going to the grocery store (cell phone close at hand)...mowing the yard...waiting, doing laundry...waiting, changing sheets, dusting, vacuuming, waiting.... Finally, at about 11:15 a.m. the phone rang and it was my crew chief husband.

Jen had competed two qualifying runs on the Hayabusa. Both great runs.

ET class - qualifying time was 9.57 (I think...can't remember exactly) This one you have to estimate how fast you will run the 1/4 mile, place the number on a plaque on the side of the bike, then try to beat your competition to the end of the track without going faster than you said you could go...otherwise, even if you do win by getting there first, you still lose. Qualifying runs allow her to get a feel of the bike on this particular track (as all tracks are not the same), therefore more accurately estimate the time number for the plaque.
9.5 index - qualifying time was 9.52 (perfect would be a 9.50) so this one should put her in a good position for the actual competition

There is another round of qualifying for these two classes, and two rounds of qualifying yet to do on the GSXR 1000. I'll update later...

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Oh, I almost forgot; when I was getting the car inspected this lady - I mean woman - reamed me. I had been standing in line with my proof of insurance waiting patiently for the inspector person and chatting with the person in front of me - who just happened to be our family doctor - when a woman and her two com padres walked right past us and into the inspection booth. I said, "Excuse me - there is a line." The woman turned around and practically bit my head off, told me I was rude and didn't know what I was talking about. Granted, I admit I didn't know what I was talking about, however did know that there was a line and I was in it. I profusely apologized and said I was sorry for being so rude, and she told me I should be sorry. She then went on to sit inside the service station and drink coffee.

Soon the inspector man comes to me - because after all I was standing in line - and ask me which car was mine. I told him I apparently was not next after all, that the woman sitting inside drinking coffee was next because she'd told me so in no uncertain terms :0) Then I took him to the window and pointed my finger at her through the window. He went in, got her keys and inspected her car. When he came out from getting her keys he said, "She said thanks." Sheesh!

Oh, and then there was this neat little bouncy woman driving a giant truck. She had bleach blonde hair, was very tiny, little jeans tucked into her cute little boots, and a gold front tooth with a star design in it! Very chatty - she made me forget all about that wicked woman drinking coffee behind the window!

What a morning!

Valdosta Update 2-29-08

2008-02-29T21:07:00.005-05:00

They arrived in Valdosta, GA this morning all refreshed...after an entire night of driving! Well, maybe not refreshed, but totally excited and ready for a day of test and tune on the GSXR along with fresh new experiences. I hope they send some pictures soon!

I must have talked to Roger 10 times today, and if I wasn't calling him, he was calling me because he knew if he didn't, I would not leave him alone...nagging him via cell phone! (Bet he wished he hadn't figured out a way to charge his cell phone without his charger!!)

They didn't get many runs in - there were people and bikes EVERYWHERE (sheesh, wish I were there) - but she did manage to squeak out one 9.25 second run and several 9.3's. This is good, but tomorrow will tell the real tale. She will get two qualifying runs on the GSXR and a total of 4 runs on the Hayabusa (this is because she is running the busa in two different competitions - and it is for that reason that she did not test the busa today...that and the extra $75 test and tune fee!)

Practice ended at around 5:00 p.m. (EST) which allowed them to check into the hotel, get something to eat and get to bed early. I will be waiting ever so (im)patiently to hear how things go tomorrow, and of course will submit an update.

Crew Chief/Husband/Roger/Dad - He's so Smart :o)

2008-02-28T05:43:00.000-05:00

Well, they are off ~ the trek to Valdosta, Georgia is in progress. Chance and I are relaxing in our comfy home, he taking every advantage of Grammy's spoilings and has claimed the comforts of his mommy's old room as his very own.

It seems that each time we go on a trip there is an important item left behind. It also seems that we are cell phone dependent - that being said, I am quite certain you can determine what was left behind. No, not the cell phone...the cell phone charger. You must understand that the charger discussion was made while he was packing and it was determined, and I agreed, that the electric charger should be left behind since the vehicle charger was in the truck - but was it? Of course not!

With all of the vehicle swapping lately, the charger had been removed from the truck and placed in the car (I clearly remember doing this). Of course it was not long before the JRacing crew chief realized the error. Not long after the discovery, the phone rang and Crew Chief Husband/Roger/Dad's picture displayed itself on my phone. What!? Had something happened? Why was he wasting his precious phone battery charge on me? Expecting Roger's voice on the other end, I was slightly surprised to hear Jen's voice instead. She immediately began to brag on the 'smartness' of her Crew Chief/Dad.

Using an adapter for his laptop that enables him to plug it into the truck for power, he plugged a wire in here...an adapter in there - Wa-la! His cell phone was charging!

March '08 Texas Mile Preparation

2008-02-25T22:00:00.009-05:00

Michael looks on as Johnny tunes the Turbo Busa (for a bone-rattling experience, play the video)

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Johnny Cheese is his name and Turbo tuning is his game - well, not really...he dynos all kinds of motorcycles, not just turbos. But, there is a reason we trust one and only one man with the Turbo Busa when it comes to fine-tuning, a reason we drive all the way to Round Rock, Texas dragging a motorcycle hauler full of motorcycles, a reason we spend an entire day watching as Johnny does his thing. That's because he is GOOD!

Johnny fine-tuned the Turbo Busa last fall before the Mile, enabling both Jen and her Dad to capture the title of 'First Father/Daughter Team' to go over 200 mph, and making Jen the Fastest Female ever at a Texas Mile Land Speed competition. Roger took one and only one run at 211.3 mph and Jen ended her day with a whopping 216.5! (2nd fastest female on two wheels on the entire planet!) <--just putting it into words causes this mom to feel the stress.

So, are we ready for the next Texas Mile on March 29 - 30? Can Jen take that bike to a new world record? Well, I just don't know for certain; but, what I do know is that Johnny Cheese tuned the bike...and Jen's riding the bike - 'nuff said.

To be continued...

Getting Old ~ Optimistically

2008-02-19T07:49:00.014-05:00

When I get old, (ha! I have two grandboys who likely think I am ancient) I hope that I can have a good attitude about it. Of course I don't want to be a burden to my children - who does?

But, by a good attitude I mean:

be happy about how I have lived my life
have no regrets about major life choices
be willing to leave this life gracefully
be at peace with myself

All of this soul-searching comes about due to recent visits with my mother, and with my mother-in-law, both of whom currently reside in nursing homes...and therein lies the crux. Somewhere inside of myself I need to find the ability to forgive myself for allowing this to happen, and the strength to allow it to happen to me if/when I am lucky enough to live that long!

When I was a little child, I remember my father saying to me, "Catherine, you have got to work on that attitude!" He was quite serious, said it often, and meant it. Although he has not said it recently, I am forever grateful for his persistence.

Somewhere along the line it must have sunk in because I have been told by daughter Jen that I am eternally optimistic; my glass of water is always half full (at the minimum), and I will regularly look for the positive in a situation without realizing that I am doing so. (Husband may argue that statement!) :o)

It has not always been that way - it took years and well into my adult life (wait, am I really an adult?) to attain this attitude; it is something that I hope to pass along to my grandchildren (currently two boys, but someday am hoping for a grandgirl!) I credit this not only to Dad’s perseverance, but to husband Roger and both children Will & Jen...along with great co-workers, a fantastic working environment, a roof over my head, enough food to eat, money to pay my bills, a decent car to drive (wait a minute - that currently is a problem).

And oh yes, can’t leave out the constant uproar in my life!

www.jenniferrobertsonracing.com

2008-02-17T18:03:00.006-05:00

Wow, someone has been working on the motorcycle haulers. Gotta' love that pig tail and the pink ribbon :o)

Does this look like 9secondjen? Hmmm...pretty much!

www.jenniferrobertsonracing.com

What Does a Grammy Do?

2008-02-17T17:39:00.011-05:00

Check it out! What does a Grammy and her youngest Grandboy do on a Sunday afternoon? Why, what else...they spread chewing gum over their front teeth and take pictures!

Oh, don't even think you are going to see a picture of this Grammy with gum spread across her front teeth, I just said that it is one of the things that we might do!

AND oldest Grandboy, AJ, is trying to learn to play the flute. AJ loves music, loves to dance, loves to act, loves to build, loves...well, AJ just about loves everything. (Well, maybe not getting a haircut, but then who does love that?!) So far he is learning just a few basic notes and still has the problem of becoming dizzy while trying to play. I promised him this would pass, that it was all about control (yeah right, try telling a 10 year old about control!)

Well, this is what we ended up with after about a half hour of persistance - his, not mine!

Home!

2008-02-16T08:37:00.005-05:00

Oh my - it is soooo good to be back home in South Texas. I was beginning to believe that no plane was ever going to leave the Evansville Airport to head south. In fact, I'd actually considered renting a car to drive home! AND Dad and I actually commented that maybe we could drive his van to South Texas together.

Even though it was midnight on Thursday before my head finally hit the pillow in my very own bed, I was up and going at 5:30 a.m. (I slept in an extra 30 minutes since I got to bed so late!)... then out the door and in my office before 8:00 a.m. Of course work was piled high, but I do work with the greatest people on the planet so it was a breeze getting things semi-organized.

I did pick up a new nickname since my return from the cold country. It is not uncommon for the boss to call me Cat which is fine since often we shorten his name from Erich to 'EMo' or even just plain 'E' - I suppose you could call this a form of 'shorthand-talk.' Anyway, since my icy encounter in southern Indiana I have a couple of new names - 'Ice Cat' and 'Frozen Cat.'

I don't think that I resemble a Cat at all, but do find the names an accurate description of me at anywhere between 12 - 32 degrees with ice and snow. I suppose the real reason Roger and I ended up in South Texas is because of our preference to 'not be frozen.' I also realize that it is not normally that cold in February in Indiana...it just so happens that it was that cold this time.

Brrrr.

I finished it!

2008-02-15T17:48:00.010-05:00

I finally finished it - my January challenge book, Great Expectations, by Charles Dickens! It took longer than a month, but in my defense I did not begin reading until the 2nd week of January. And I am one of those readers that reads EVERY SINGLE WORD...otherwise, I am a SLOW reader. I get personally involved in my books.

Now what did I think of it? I didn't like it at all until around chapter 32. I read all the blog posts on http://www.dangerouslychallenge.blogspot.com/ thinking it would help me understand what my problem was with this book.

Wish I'd just stuck it out and finished the book developing my own opinion first. And yes, I did end up liking the book very much :) And, I even liked Pip before the book ended; not so sure about Estella.

So, my next read - February's challenge book - is The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison. And, I am reading it first...before reading what the others in the Reading Dangerously Challenge think!

Snow Plane...NO Plane!

2008-02-11T20:50:00.000-05:00

I should be sitting in the Dallas airport waiting for my plane to take me to my warm South Texas home. But, NOOOOOOO!! Instead I am sitting in Dad's living room - at least it is warm and toasty in here.

It is February, right? Mid February? Oh, that's right - it's leap year so February has an extra day - apparently this gives winter an opportunity rear it's ugly head.

You do realize that the reason I waited until February to visit Indiana was to avoid ice and snow...HA! It is NOT cold outside...no, not cold at all - IT IS CRUEL!!!!

At least this gives me the opportunity to visit a couple of extra days with my family...and the snow is beautiful...and I REALLY WANT TO GO HOME!!

I got a new Great niece while here - she came early just to meet her Great Aunt Cathy :0

Brother Joe, Brother John, ME, Dad and Mom at Nephew Jonathan's 19th birthday celebration

Had a few White Castle Hamburgers while here - Yummm!

And, a Snow Plane...going to Chicago, not Texas. This was the last flight out today.

Off to O'Ville...

2008-02-06T20:09:00.001-05:00

I am off to O'Ville this morning....that noise you hear is my teeth chattering after looking at the forecast. My bag has been packed and repacked - sweaters, jackets, warm socks, tennis shoes, Sunday shoes, boots and warm black fuzzy crocs (practically need an entire suitcase for the footwear). I am hopeful that the American Airlines '3-seater' airplane I am riding in has blankets and pillows because I just don't have room to pack that into a carry-on.

Owensville forecast:
TodaySlight ChcRain/SnowHi 40°F
TonightSlight ChcRain/SnowLo 31°F
FridaySlight ChcRainHi 50°F (Woo-hoo! 50 degrees - maybe I should pack a bathing suit...)
FridayNightSlight ChcRain/SnowLo 33°F
SaturdayBreezyHi 48°F
SaturdayNightBlusteryLo 18°F
SundaySunnyHi 29°F
SundayNightPartlyCloudyLo 17°F
MondayPartlySunnyHi 37°F

And this is what I am leaving behind:
TodaySunnyHi 71°F
TonightMostlyClearLo 46°F
FridaySunnyHi 77°F
FridayNightMostlyClearLo 53°F
SaturdayMostlySunnyHi 76°F
SaturdayNightPartlyCloudyLo 59°F
SundayMostlySunnyHi 72°F
SundayNightMostlyCloudyLo 61°F
MondayMostlyCloudyHi 72°F

Things I've Done!

2008-02-04T19:02:00.000-05:00

The Short List...

Went to Hawaii - Oahu
Learned to ride a motorcycle
Crashed a motorcycle
Drove a green car in a powder puff race at Corpus Christi Motor Speedway - finished 4th - never want to do this again
Hiked to the South Rim at Big Bend National Park (twice) - a far, far distance when you are traveling only on your two feet
Rode a horse to the 'Window' at Big Bend National Park
Rode a horse in the Rocky Mountains for a very long time...ouchy!
Went to Hawaii, then flew over to Kaui where Roger, Jen and I --->
zip lined between mountain tops on Kaui - loved this and if I were younger could see myself as a zip-line instructor :)
Snorkeled in Sharks Cove...this was not fun, but glad I did it
Went white water rafting in Colorado
Ran in two Beach to Bay Marathon Relay races
Worked for 21 1/2 years at the same job - yikes! - where I made wonderful friends (Gayle, Jess, Kristi) :)
Took a glider ride...where else - Hawaii!
Quite my job after 21 1/2 years! Double-yikes!!
Stayed in a resort hotel in Phoenix, Arizona (very nice...) The hotel had to be nice because it was 114 degrees outside!
Hiked in a rain forest in Washington State
Hiked in a rain forest on Oahu
Toured and spent the night on the Queen Mary
Toured the Spruce Goose in California - this was really great :)
Went to Oahu...again (Hawaii is probably my favorite place to visit)
Caught a great big fish in the Laguna Madre...and let him go!
Rode on the back of a motorcycle to Big Bend National Park (a far distance)
Worked in a plastics factory making catheters
Laughed as Roger locked the keys in a rental car while in the deserted Sierra Madre mountains in California
Went on a cruise from Galveston, Texas to Carmen del Playa - only got sea sick once!
Toured the Myan Ruins in Mexico - this was great...giant iguanas were everywhere :)
Went to Hawaii again - 5 times...so far :) That's right, I plan to go again...and again...and again
Attended a lot of Indianapolis 500 Races, and a few Brickyard 400's, a few Pocono 500's, seen races in California, Texas (0f course), Talladega, Michigan and Charlotte
Saw a whale while visiting Jen in Oahu (#1 best thing I've done and want to do again);

I've never been to New York, Las Vegas, or the Grand Canyon. I love trees. I think green and purple look good together. Daisies are my favorite flower.

Time for Testing

2008-02-03T20:48:00.000-05:00

Progress report:

There are many things to be done in the next 4 weeks before that first race in Valdosta, GA, but the number one thing to do is practice, practice, practice. And there is no one who can do that but the girl herself - a.k.a. ninesecondjen.
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So, Friday night we - like the good parents that we are - hauled ourselves up to San Antonio with that shiny black and pink glittery GSXR 1000 so the girl could try to get down that 1/4 mile track consistantly in 9.3 seconds. Next week we want 9.2's, then 9.1's , etc. I know a tenth of a second does not sound like much...but IT IS!

First run down the track brought her a 9.4 second quarter mile and we were feeling pretty good about that. Just a couple more and she'd made it to the 9.3's; we were estatic! Then it happened - the front tire hovered off the ground for what seemed like the entire 1/4 mile, but she did it...she pulled off a 9.2 run...it was beautiful! She is so close to where she needs to be.

Not all runs are pretty and she has had her share of those too! But in spite of it, she beat that brand new 2008 Hayabusa to the end of the track :)

And then there are the burnouts...I just love those!

Like I said before, there is a lot to do before the first race in March!

JR Racing

2008-01-30T18:36:00.001-05:00

Yesterday I dropped past the R&R Sports store to see if our race team shirts were finished, and this is what I found...

<------

I just love having our guys wear the black shirts embroidered with pink and silver on the back! Not to mention that their names are embroidered in pink on the front :) Hey, when they pilot the bikes down to the end of the 1/4 track they can have whatever colors they want.

Hence, my motto - only real men can wear pink!

Ever Laptop on the Sofa?

2008-01-30T08:25:00.001-05:00

So, an interesting debate has arisen. An upcoming trip to Indiana brings me to a computer dilemma - do I take the laptop with me or leave it at home?

Sometimes I feel that this thing is attached to my ankle like a ball and chain. I wake up in the morning and check the computer for overnight emails. I come home for lunch and check the email. I come home from work in the evening and turn on the computer, peruse Cousin Jonna's 'The Full Life' and daughter Jen's and daughter-in-law Kathy's My Space pages, pay bills, check out all kinds of things I'd like to buy, research things of interest (ever tried watching "Are you Smarter than a 5th Grader' while googling for the correct answers??)... and of course check for emails. I might check my email 5 - 10 times throughout the day (not that anyone really emails, but I must clear out all that junk email!)

All this (except for the part about checking out friends and family blogsites) makes me think I would love not being attached to my computer. Maybe I will just take a book with me instead.

As evening progresses, after dinner dishes are done, Roger and I sit here and 'lap-top' together on the sofa . Wait...if I go on my Indiana trip with my computer I can laptop in the evenings with Roger from 1200 miles away! - how romantic :) That does it - I will take the book...AND the computer!

My Recycled Christmas

2007-12-20T19:12:00.000-05:00

With all the hype about recycling and seeing some of the really neat things made from recycled products, I was pleased to see Calallen High School's Earth Club come up with these two Christmas recycling projects.

Now, I do realize that these projects do not stand up to recycling disposable diapers to be used as roofing material (I am totally impressed with whoever thought that one up), but they really are crafty ideas!

Sometimes my aluminum cans get recycled, but unfortunately most of the time they end up mixed in with the other trash. Once, years and years ago, I crocheted cut-up Mountain Dew and Dr. Pepper cans into hats which we wore to the Indianapolis 500 race...that was fun :) Even my mother-in-law wore one!

I Give Up!

2007-12-18T07:55:00.000-05:00

See that black bike on Jen's right side? The one she is resting her arm against? Well, just a week ago it was YELLOW. I don't know how things like that change so quickly...obviously while I have my back turned, or am blinking my eyes.

The other bike, on her left is the one that carried Jen and then her dad to over 200 mph at the Texas Mile just over 2 months ago (seems like yesterday, not over 2 months ago!)

I don't know how I am going to handle this when the grandboys get older and begin to do some of the things their dad, papa and Aunt Jen do. Surely they won't want to do those things...?

There must be some reprieve in there for Grammy's...right?

Should I just give up now? I've got it! I will just give up blinking - nothing can happen between blinks.

Last look at bright yellow GSXR-1000 before it became the black racing bike with pink decals.

"No, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night"

2007-12-12T08:03:00.000-05:00

4:00 a.m.

What is that noise? I awoke wondering if I'd slept through my normal 5 a.m. alarm. Nope - it was 4 in the morning. I could hear trucks...big trucks...cement trucks... Ah come on! It's 4 a.m.!

6:00 a.m.

Since I had been rousted from my sleep so early I decided to go to the grocery store (WalMart) across the road. On the way I found the noisy trucks 1/2 block away at the new yet-to-be-opened Holiday Inn Express. They are putting in the parking lot... Isn't that nice a Holiday Inn Express 1/2 block from my house...right next to the sign that says they are putting a strip mall in on what is left of Brookhaven Drive. Sheesh!

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This is Texas for crying out loud - a State where the cattle outnumber the people...just not on Brookhaven Drive.

Funny Faces

2007-12-03T13:01:00.000-05:00

Sometimes when we have pictures taken we want to hide them from the world. Recently I had my school ID photo made and YIKES! Fortunately the photo is quite small and I certainly don't have to look at it anyway. My friend/co-worker didn't particularly care for her picture either (they really weren't that bad!) so she immediately put her extra picture copies through the office shredder! Mine are not shredded, but I am not sharing them either!

I have a favorite 'face' picture of Grandboy AJ that was taken at summer camp this year...

Then there is the picture of this Grammy'face' that would scare any Grandboy thinking about causing trouble for his Grammy...

Of course this 'face' picture of Grandboy Caden is so adorable that no Grammy can resist :)

Oh, and then there is this great 'face' picture of husband Roger taken just a few days ago that I just adore :)

It is the Season!

2007-11-28T18:20:00.000-05:00

No Black Friday for me - Christmas Shopping - Gifts to buy for Grandboys…Done! Jen and I went to the toy store - Toys R Us - the day before Thanksgiving and found great things for the grandboys! I am so happy to have that task behind me.

Now, for the Christmas tree - yikes! Ever since I can remember it has been my duty to decorate the Christmas tree in our home. Where did I go wrong? How is it that I hear these wonderful stories from friends and family about the decorating of the tree. And honestly, I do remember decking out the tree many years at Grandma Farnsley’s house. We traipsed out into the snow, cut down a ‘real’ Christmas tree made decorations from construction paper - beautiful paper chains, lovely ornaments, all from cheerfully colored paper held together with glue. What fun! (Note: yes, it is true...nearly every one of the gifts you see under that tree are for those two grandboys - but don't blame me for all of them...several are from their Aunt Jen!)

Christmas is a bit different with the air conditioner running - we did have snow on Christmas Eve 2004. It was beautiful! - a gift none of us will ever forget. Hmmm...Some gifts are worth repeating!

Random Stuff...

2007-11-27T20:47:00.000-05:00

Oh, but it was so hard to go back to work after the Thanksgiving break. This is when I am quite certain that I will be ready for retirement before too much longer! I have no problem keeping busy outside of the office at all.
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It was great having the kiddos here for Thanksgiving...makes me look forward to future Thanksgivings :)
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Jen picked up a new sponsor this past weekend - Akuma Helmets. They have called her in to help them design a special helmet just for her. I am sure it will have butterflies on it. Wow...that's exciting! a signature helmet? We'll see - pictures coming soon, I hope!
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It has been cold here! COLD - I don't mind the cold so much as long as the sun shines. When it rains and is cold...Brrrrr! I'm a wimp...but, that's okay :)

NO DOGS ALLOWED!

2007-11-27T19:36:00.000-05:00

NO MORE DOGS! NO MORE ANIMALS ALLOWED IN THIS HOUSE!!

Oh, but look at her - she is so cute :) When the boss got married he needed someone to watch his little lab mix named KT while he and his bride went on their honeymoon. KT was adorable, very friendly. She won me over the instant I went to pick her up. Erich opened the gate and out popped KT (bounce, bounce, bounce!) She bounced right past me and into the back seat, though the open car door.

"Let's Go!" she seemed to say.

Roger got home from work and after a few timid moments from KT, she was his best buddy. She soon learned that he was the bearer of treats and stuck close by his heals. I suppose the biggest disappointment for him was her slobbering - or lack of it! Grandpup Chance is a Champion Slobberer and blows wonderful drippy bubbles while waiting for his treats!

KT made herself completely at home on Roger's recliner!

In Celebration of Turkeys

2007-11-22T22:17:00.000-05:00

Roger is always the designated turkey, stuffing and pie maker on Thanksgiving. This year I was mostly thankful that he did not have to leave the next day for a scheduled trip to California for work...Houston stepped up to save the day and the parts went there instead.

For the past couple of years at Thanksgiving, the Great Dane Grandpup Chance has assisted. He kept a watchful eye on his Papa during the turkey preparation. In our tiny little kitchen Chance and Roger are about all that will fit on any given day.

It never fails, no matter what the weather on Turkey Day, afterward we wander out into the front yard (why not the back yard? I don't know) and watch as the Grandboys pitch around some type of football, tackling each other furiously. They laugh, they cry, they compete - the competition if always fierce!

Although AJ is the big brother he is not always the winner...but usually! Later in the day AJ and Caden made movies with the video camera...oh my - what have I created???

~ Fall ~

2007-11-06T20:32:00.000-05:00

I thought I saw it right after the power outage a couple of weeks ago; but it slipped away. I heard it was coming today...but it failed to arrive. Sure, it has been cooler. I don't believe it has been up to 90 degrees in awhile - hmmm...no, it was 93 the other day. It is November 6th and the furnace has not turned on yet. The air conditioner? You bet, every day and night.

What to do? How do we encourage the arrival of fall in South Texas?

Well, I suppose we will just continue to mow that yard! Grandboy Caden mows away with an 'old-timey' mower that his dad found at the hardware store.

Don't be fooled though...his big brother is using the self-propelled mower!

If I can just get those two grandboys to mow on a regular basis, I'll be pretty happy...even if fall never arrives :)

Ramdom Thoughts about Missing the Power

2007-10-23T06:58:00.000-05:00

It was around 10:30 last night when I’d just finished reading my vampire book by a handcrank flashlight when I heard excited voices and other noises out in the back yard.

Then the lights flashed and I heard cheering outside. Our power had been off ALL day. The northern blew in at around 9 a.m. yesterday taking out a lot of power lines causing havoc in the schools and at homes all over Corpus Christi. At first it was kind of exciting – pulling out the candles before dark, making sure the flashlights were all loaded with fresh batteries, taking a bath by candlelight! (thanks to our gas water heater) But as time went on and I had to go to bed with wet hair which promised me an exciting hairdo this morning (and yes, it is as bad as I’d anticipated!) I no longer wanted to pretend to be camping!

It is only 46 degrees here this morning! The furnace is not on and do not expect it to come on. In fact the air conditioner will certainly be on later today. Perhaps I should try to do something with this hair before going to the office?

"Willie Nelson, Ladies and Gentlemen!"

2007-10-21T07:36:00.000-05:00

I’d nearly forgotten that we had tickets to a Willie Nelson concert last night. Actually I did not forget, but had been dreading it for quite some time – not the listening to Willie, although at times it is nearly more than I can handle. It was the actual GOING to the concert, dealing with the crowd, and not knowing exactly where it was or what to expect when we arrived.

We survived the concert, but more importantly we survived 'Concrete Street', the outdoor venue where the concert was held. We didn’t get towed away, only had to walk a mile (on Roger’s bad knee, that was fun…both knees were hurting by the time we arrived at Concrete Street), and we only nearly got pitched in jail once…no, make that twice.

We had to stand in line to get frisked at the gate, stand in line to get a $3 bottle of water (they would not let me keep the bottle cap – I suppose it could be used as a weapon of sorts), stand in line to get to our seats only to be turned away because we’d not stood in line to get a wristband for our reserved seats (jail threat #1), stand in line to actually get our wristbands, stand in line again to get our seats, listen to 3 hours of very loud country rock and two other bands, sit behind a row of boisterous females, (the one in front of me with a large cowboy hat - thank goodness that group left after the first hour of Willie). Then on the way out they tried to take away what was left of our $3 bottle of water and Roger threw a fit (I thought we were going to the brink for certain when he grabbed the bottle back from the woman and said it was his, he’d paid for it and he was taking it with him!)

We made it the additional mile back to the car and found it still parked there – amazing since the tow trucks were cruising the area looking for suckers. Anyway, that is the last time we have to go to Concrete Street. There cannot be anything there again that will be important enough for us to see. It was like a big smelly, smoke-filled, drunken bar.

When Willie Nelson finally did arrive, the music calmed down to Willie style and my ears eventually stopped pulsating, however they are still ringing. The last hour of Willie was very good since many people had left and we could see well…not actually well, but nearly unobstructed. He closed out the show about 4 times before finally leaving, so Roger had a great time from 11:00 p.m. till midnight when the show finally really did end. I only slept through about an hour of the tortuous portions.

Willie Nelson…been there done that. Next time we will just buy the CD.

~ Glad That's Over ~

2007-10-10T04:38:00.000-05:00

Hooray! Glad that's over!

Last weekend netted us some really great numbers at the Texas Mile in Goliad, Texas...we walked away from the mile intact (and believe me walking away is much better than riding out in an ambulance)...no broken bones ...motorcycle in one piece still covered in pink, white and silver flower decals, and turbo Hayabusa still running!

Remembering last March's Texas Mile event, a nervous Jen hopped onto the bike early Saturday morning. Conditions were ideal. An early run with low winds, warm temperatures (okay, it was hot, but it is South Texas, what do you expect?) gave us hopes for a good shakedown run on the turbo busa. The weekend's ultimate goal? To run over 200 mph!

I can't begin to tell you how nervous I was and all the preparation in the world would not change that. Jen got in line for her first run down the Mile. She was given the go ahead and off she went! I tried to video tape it - but honestly if her hands were shaking as much as mine, the bike would never have stayed on track. When she returned to our pit area we checked the bike over; the GPS said she had run 201 mph! but her time slip said she'd crossed the 1-mile marker traveling at a slow 118. She had let off at the 3/4 marker because she just did not feel 'comfortable.' Hey - if she is not comfortable, I'm not comfortable...my question - how do you feel 'comfortable' at 201 mph?

After a thorough going over of the bike - and of the rider - Jen once again headed for a very long line at the start of the Mile. Before we knew it she was off and down the Mile where about 30 seconds later she passed the 1-mile marker with a MPH of 203! We were estatic! Our original goal was met. An additional pass that day brought her to a whopping 211.6 MPH run :) And there was always tomorrow!

It was decided that Roger would try his hand at this 200 MPH stuff on Sunday. He made one run down the Mile - 211.3 mph! One run! He got off the bike and said, "she's all yours." He was finished and we were all quite pleased. Now - the question..."she's all yours???" No, he was not talking to me - there is NO way I am getting on that bike even to take it down the street - that bike is a MONSTER!

Jen took the Stage 1 Turbo Busa down the track 3 more times that day, beginning with 213 MPH and ending with a whopping 216.506 MPH run which gave her the offical Texas Mile record of 'Fastest Female Ever on the Texas Mile!' It also makes her the 2nd fastest female on two wheels in the nation...

You do realize what this means, don't you? It means we need to find just another few MPH in that bike to make her the nations fastest female on 2-wheels - so, I suppose this is..."to be continued..."

It's Official - she's the fastest female ever on the Texas Mile! To see the beginning of the 216.506 mph run on the Mile, watch the video!

Fall...Where are you?

2007-09-29T04:45:00.000-05:00

It is September. Fact is, September will be only a fleeting memory on Monday morning. Where is our autumn? Does autumn ever make it this far south?

In October of 1981, we two adults (well, that was debatable) and two little children, packed ourselves into a rented U-Haul and drove the 1,126 miles from our Indiana home to this Sparkling City by the Sea. A brave move for any family. It took 3 days to make the trip and when we arrived it was warm outside - I thought that was great. The first thing I wanted to do was dig through our belongs and find bathing suits for myself and my toddler daughter (a.k.a. 9secondjen) and head for the beach!

Soon, I heard rumors of a possible 'Blue Northern.' What is a Blue Northern? What were they talking about? People were so excited - cold weather was on its way! I waited and waited - and waited. Then one day the sky turned ominous shades of 'blue.' Dark bluish-gray clouds hung low over the horizon. The air changed and within 10 minutes the temperature outside had changed from a steamy 85 degrees to the coldest 60 degrees I'd ever felt in my life! My very first Blue Northern had arrived! Brrrr! Wimp? you say...yep, pretty much!

Fall would have to be the season I miss most from my old Indiana home. I miss the contrast of the beautiful, brightly colored leaves against the green rolling hills of the Indiana landscape, and the cool crisp feel of the air when you step outside. There have been many Corpus Christi fall seasons without even one Blue Northern...no autumn - how sad is that? However...there was the one (one and only one) Christmas Eve when it snowed on Corpus Christi - a Christmas gift from above that we will never forget! - the one gift bestowed upon Corpus that made all the missing fall seasons forgivable.

You know the old saying, "you can never go back home?" It is so true. Now, home is right here with our Texas-Branded children and our Texas-Born grandchildren...and our Texas Friends...and it is good.

In Preparation...

2007-09-16T17:46:00.000-05:00

I am having a difficult time wrapping myself around the reality that another Texas Mile is upon us. The last one, although we had high hopes of 200 mph runs down the track, did not turn out so well. There are two of them a year and March's Mile was a bit more than I could handle ( Turbo Busa Tumble - April 07). I will add October's upcoming Mile to the list of things currently keeping me awake at night!

This time 'we've' done things a bit different. I say 'we' like I actually have anything to do with it...I have NOTHING to do with it. I do nothing except fret!

We took the turbo Hayabusa to Johnny Cheese in Round Rock, Texas - yes, that really is his name - who worked for quite some time to tune the bike, producing a Texas Mile 'map' that he says will get us the mph we need for the Mile. Okay, I really don't know exactly what all this means, after all who needs a map to get down a straight one mile track anyway! I mean, there is already a GPS on that thing...we need a map too?! I can tell you one thing - turbo tuning is VERY loud.

Johnny Cheese tunes the Turbo Busa

We took the grandpup, Chance, along with us to Mr. Cheese's shop (he was a big hit, as always), and he knew exactly what to do - he put on ear protection!

Chance attends most all of our racing events - he is quite the traveler - and I often wonder what he thinks about his life. He makes friends wherever he goes and usually he just lays there and enjoys the attention.

Chance and his Papa take a nap at the track.

Chance cools off with some damp cloths at a hot race in Houston.

Jen and Chance inspect the damage on 'Rustman's' crashed bike at a Texas Mile. This bike went through the speed trap at 209 mph before taking it's tumble.

Grandboy AJ gets a seat in one of the 'fast' Texas Mile cars! I know it won't be long before AJ gets his turn at the mile - but I am pretty certain he will be on 4 wheels :)

Another landspeed racer ready for a run on the Texas Mile.

One of my very favorite pictures taken on the Mile. Jenn in the background and a man on his 'barstool' pit-cruiser.

Oh, I suppose I will survive once again - and when it is over, I am just certain I will have amazing pictures and wonderful memories as with all of our great adventures!

Happy Birthday Grandpup Chance!

2007-09-13T19:58:00.000-05:00

September 14, 2007

Happy Birthday Chance! If you were a human instead of a dog, you would be 6 years old!

I remember a time when your mommy was still in high school and a friend needed a temporary care-giver for a baby Great Dane. Jen took that baby Dane, and for several weeks she mixed his formula, fed him with a little bottle...she bathed him, cuddled him and fell in love with that little pup. When the time came to give him back to his owner she simply did not want to do it. But a GREAT DANE...Danes are big, in fact they are huge! And we lived in a tiny house.

She vowed then and there that someday she would be a Great Dane owner. That time came late in 2001. Around the time you were born your mommy moved to the great State of Hawaii. She wasted no time in searching for you - you were adopted before you were even old enough to leave your ma and pa. Ever since then she has loved you completely in all your barking, your drooling and yes, even your farting!

Then when it came time for her to leave Hawaii, she just couldn't leave you behind. You got on a plane and flew the 3,600 miles from Honolulu, Hawaii to Houston, Texas! Your Papa greeted you at the airport in Houston. You were so happy to see him, and from then on you and your Papa became fast buddies. You were so ticked off at your mommy for putting you on that plane in a big box...all alone...you would not even look at her for days! Of course your Papa loved it and immediately began to spoil you. He tempted you with wonderful treats of Texas tacos, McDonald's cheeseburgers...if we ate steak, you ate steak. Oh my - what a spoiled Grandpup you had become.

We listened to the animal whisperer on television, trying to understand that you are a dog and we should not treat you like a human. We tried Chance...we tried and we failed; you have too many human qualities buddy roe!

Now you have moved away to take care of your mommy in her new city. When you last came for a visit, although you were happy to see your Grammy and Papa, you were thrilled to get in that car with your mommy and head back to the hills of Texas. And when we come to your house for a visit, we can see that you love your new home and your wonderful back yard...and the fact that it is never quite as hot in those Texas hills as it is in our City by the Sea!

So, your Grammy and Papa wish you the very happiest 6th birthday because to us, Chance, you are not just an animal...no matter what that 'animal whisperer' says!

~ The Secret ~

2007-09-09T16:55:00.000-05:00

August 30, 2007 - I was on my way back to work from a meeting downtown. My cell phone rang (this is uncommon during the regular work day). I answered and someone told me a secret that I could not share with anyone but Roger.

I pressed the speed dial for Roger’s cell to tell him ‘the Secret’. I talked very fast, trying to get the details of ‘the Secret’ to him via cell phone…silence. Complete silence. I felt I was in one of those commercials - you know, the one where the wife calls the husband to share some very exciting baby news…then the phone goes dead and she thinks he is unhappy about the baby.

I said, “Hello? Are you still there? Are you speechless?” NOTHING.

I feared he had fainted, passed out in his office chair, fallen to the floor, broken his arm and wounded his head possibly needing 20 stitches on his brow. Quickly I redialed his number and found that my trusty Verizon “Can you hear me now?” phone had indeed disconnected mid-call.

September 1, 2007 - this is day 3. We are going to visit Jenn today and I must be very careful not to slip up and mention the Secret. I am not good at keeping secrets from my own daughter. She would be the first person I would share a secret with…however, this particular secret must remain just that – a secret – for awhile longer.

I must forget about the ‘Secret.’

September 6, 2007 – Wow, I am surprised at how easily it was to forget about the secret. Oh yes, it pops into my mind here and there…along with the agony that goes along with secret management and simply knowing how this particular secret is bound to change some lives. Two more days and ‘the Secret’ will be revealed.

Later…today I saw a picture of ‘the secret.’ It is quite large, bright yellow and black. NO – it’s not a big bumble bee!

September 8, 2007 – Soon, I will not have to keep this secret any longer!

Yesterday evening was racing in San Antonio. While there, Jenn gazed longingly at a bright yellow GSXR 1000 – it wasn’t a new bike, but it didn’t matter. She used to race one and loved it. She said, “I really liked that bike. I miss it.” Roger and I just looked at each other – we shared a secret. And we could not say a word.

Jenn views sunset at San Antonio Raceway Park while preparing for race

Jenn and her Dad prepare the Turbo Busa for the Dyno tuning

I don’t want to keep this secret any longer!

10:39 p.m. – The phone rang. I picked it up and Jenn declared, “You lied to me!”

“I know,” I said, and I laughed with her.

I could hear lots of ‘noise’ in the background, laughing, talking, eating, smiling (yes, sometimes smiles are noisy!)

So, here it is - the brand new, bright yellow ‘secret’ – a 2007 GSXR 1000, ready to set up for racing. Suzuki has generously donated this bike to Jenn. It is hers to - what else – RACE!

Newsflash! #1 Grandboy Turns 10!

2007-08-07T06:37:00.000-05:00

10 years old - he is TEN YEARS OLD! When did this happen?!

What is a Grammy to do when her oldest Grandboy turns ten? I remember my own Grandmother Farnsley who I loved dearly. (She would have been 100 years old on AJ's 10th birthday!) She had a 'bazillion' grandchildren and even though I was only one of them, she always made me feel like I was the only one. I loved to watch her iron and cook; she whistled while she worked ~ this was great! She hung the wash out on the line and everything smelled so wonderful :) She played the old pump organ and sang; she worked in the garden, canned everything, skimmed the cream off the fresh cow's milk, used beautiful white lard and lots of fluffy white flour when she cooked. She made homemade kraut that was unbeatable straight from the jar...and she made the best mashed potatoes! But, the number one thing I remember about my Grandmother is her hair. She had beautiful long white hair...and I loved it :) So, what is this Grammy going to do now that her #1 Grandboy has turned 10? I have decided to stop coloring my hair.

So, even though I'll never cook like my Grandmother, or make homemade kraut, I can have gray hair...and well earned gray hair at that!

A Great Dane Sized Hole!

2007-08-05T17:03:00.000-05:00

After living with his Grammy and Papa for more than a year and a half, Chance has officially 'left the building' ~ he has moved to Center Point to live with his mommy, Jenn.

I loaded up the little Mazda 3 with the final load of Jenn's 'stuff'...including her Dane, our Grandpup Chance. All morning he'd known something was up, and was excited and anxious. He'd seen the loads of familiar items go out the door for 2 weekends in a row. But this time was different and he knew it.

Papa had gone to Fermin's for tacos that morning and, as usual, returned with an extra for Chance. Chance knew the routine and obediently sat at his Papa's feet. Before we could locate his 'slobber rag,' drool began to stream from his huge jowls and land in noisy pools on the dining room floor. Papa looked at him sincerely, held the taco at the very tip of Chance's nose and explained how his life was about to change, and how this was probably his last breakfast taco for a very long time. In a swoop and a gulp the taco was gone - Chance looked around hungrily for more, but it was gone.

Several hours later we all arrived at Chance's new home. After a thorough inspection, a tour of each and every room in the house and of the backyard, Chance seemed to understand what had happened. Then we took a short ride to the river park where Chance made some new friends and played in the water. "Hey, this is great," he seemed to say.

We spent one night with Chance in his new home and left early this morning; he wined and cried a bit and wanted to go with us. His mommy had to hold him back at the gate. But as we drove away I could clearly see that he'd already found other things to occupy himself as he galloped down the long fence line in the opposite direction, barking at nothing in particular.

Several hours later we arrived back at our very quiet Corpus Christi house, unlocked the door and, even though we knew he was gone, half way expected the large Dane to greet us at the door.

Chance, you really know how to rip a 'Great Dane sized hole' in your Grammy's heart!

Deathly Hallows!

2007-07-28T06:11:00.000-05:00

The big release day ~ Deathly Hallows had finally arrived! How on earth do two adults - and older adults at that - get so excited about the release of a 'children's' book?

Roger and I went to Wal-Mart first thing and picked up a copy (normally we purchase 2 copies so we don't 'argue' over who gets to read it first!) But this time we purchased only one because I had 'pre-ordered' special edition copies from Amazon.com to be delivered at my doorstep on July 21st! But would UPS really deliver my special copies on a Saturday?

It was really big of me to allow Roger to begin reading the 'Wal-Mart' copy of the book before I even had mine...in fact it was agonizing. I was trying to be adult about the entire situation as I quietly allowed him to sit in the den, alone, reading 'his' book.

Jenn arrived at out doorstep a short time later; if we didn't quickly get out of the house Roger's copy of the book was going to mysteriously disappear if he EVER took a reading break.

Upon our return from running errands, there they were perched upon the kitchen table...3 copies of the special edition of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows! - already opened, of course - he had to check them out. (Hummm...I suppose my faith in the UPS man has been restored, but that is still under debate.)

The outside of the box declared, "Muggles, do not deliver or open before July 21st." I had my book! I must say, it is a good thing all three copies arrived, because Jenn and Kathy swooped up their copies of the books without delay!

Now I could begin reading - I made it through a page and a half when the phone rang; another half page and someone at the door...8 hours later I was ready to settle down and begin reading again. All the while Roger had not budged from his comfy recliner, book in hand, eyes locked in place. Had he really not moved? Or was this my imagination? I could clearly see that he was at least half way through the book and I'd barely just begun. Could I catch up!? Not a chance and I knew it.

Being the gentleman that he is, Roger finished his book Sunday evening and did not breathe a word of any of it...this would have been grounds for divorce! Kathy soon finished hers - but she also maintained her silence. Jenn didn't get to start on her copy until Tuesday, so at least I was ahead of someone! Finally, three days later I came to the end of my book. It was over...I'd finished...and it was good :)

101 Days of Rain and counting??

2007-07-20T20:49:00.000-05:00

Oh my...oh my goodness...oh my goodness gracious...oh my goodness gracious mercy sakes alive! That's how it goes nearly every day at work. Usually the boss starts it by exclaiming, "Oh my..." Then someone else in the office says, "Oh my goodness." Then, "Oh my goodness gracious..." Well, you get the point. We have a great time while we work :)

Oh yeah, back to the reason for the original "Oh my..." Yes, it rained again today. One hundred and one days out of 201. We are officially saturated. In spite of it, I heard lawn mowers choking on the grass late this afternoon, struggling to get through the tall, thick, wet, mosquito-filled masses of grasses.

Seems that about a year ago you may have heard me tell about how hot and dry it was (oh, don't get me wrong - it is still hot). I feared for the life of my cat, Adagio - no, not because it was hot and dry, but because of the huge cracks in the dry powdery earth. I was afraid he would fall into one of those cracks never to be seen again.

<--No, he's not dead; he is just asleep (upside down and twisted around) on the washer.

Adagio is pretty much famous for his laid back personality. He can rest, or sleep, just about anywhere!

~ Those Grandboys are Growing Up! ~

2007-07-20T08:47:00.000-05:00

I realized my little grandboys were growing up, but that really hit home when they were old enough to go to camp.

AJ, Caden and their mother, Kathy, at camp ->

The oldest grandboy, AJ, will be 10 in just a few short days! They are calling him the "double-digit midget." He is not very big, but is growing like a weed during the rainy season! All their pants are high-waters, and there is no point in purchasing new ones before school begins next month because they would be too small before school even begins!

<-- AJ smiles for the camera and says he is now big enough to mow my front yard!

They are using big words that I don't understand. I can see their little brains working non-stop and the hard drive in those brains is about 80 million GB vs. mine, which is a 1 MB and has to frequently be reformatted!

Caden watches intently and learns as a camp counselor demonstrates the art of baiting a hook --> Looks to me as if he is pondering a better way to handle the worm/hook situation!

What is a Grammy to do? How do I manage to keep them 'little' boys? I suppose there are consolations to the boys growing so quickly; maybe I won't have to mow the yard as much...

100 Days of Rain (or It's a Jungle Out There!)

2007-07-19T21:03:00.000-05:00

Today, July 19th, is the 200th day of the year. Officially we have had 100 days of rain so far! Hummm…I suppose that means we’ve had 100 days without rain. And I think I’ve had the mower out 100 times this year!

The Grass is Always Greener...

2007-07-15T12:43:00.001-05:00

Oh my...we have grass - it is mid-July.... It is hot. It is steamy. And our South Texas grass continues to grow...and grow and grow. Normally during the months of July and August we mow the yard once every 2 or 3 weeks, and that is if we water the grass.

But this year we have had so much rain - Lake Mathis is overflowing, the Nueces River is overflowing , Labonte Park has become Labonte Park Lake, and houses near the river are flooded; people are out of their homes and in shelters. Thankfully we are on 'high' ground and our house is safe.

It seems that since the new year, rarely has a week passed that we don't spend two evenings a week (between rains) mowing the grass! And now that summer is here it is 98 degrees, 98 percent humidity and 98 mosquitoes per square inch of human being - mosquitoes the size of small birds!

You'd think that with an over abundance of mosquitoes, they would be smaller (the law of supply and demand - more mosquitoes, less food supply). Well apparently that does not apply to these particular mosquitoes; these creatures are huge...very plump...and quite juicy! Wonder if there is some type of delicacy that can be made from plump, juicy mosquitoes? (That's quite alright, I really don't want to know!)

Bottom line...I am feeling overwhelmed with the tall green stuff. Help! I need some lawn-mowing help!! Tell me again how old those Grandboys need to be to handle a lawn mower!?

Go figure. It is raining again.

Is the Maytag Repair Man trying to round up business?

2007-07-13T06:37:00.000-05:00

First the television, and now the dishwasher! Ach!

I get a lot of junk mail and much of it gets thrown into the trash. Yesterday there was one from Maytag/Jenn-Air; the outside of the envelope said "IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE." Since I have a Maytag dishwasher I decided it might be prudent to just have a look inside this particular one.

As instructed in the letter I called the 800 # and after a considerable amount of time, one hang-up and a lot of talking to a computer, I was able to find that my Maytag model could catch fire and has done so in 135 reported cases. I was to unplug the thing and cease using it immediately!

My dishwasher is defective! I am devastated. Like the dilapidated X-television set, the dishwasher is quite old. It doesn't do as good a job as it used to do (better than I would do on my own however) and is beginning to look a bit worn...it may be 10 years old but I am not certain.

There are two things I do not like to do around the house...#1 is dust and #2 is wash dishes!

The offer: I was to choose between 2 options. I could either have a Maytag Repair Man come to my house and repair the defective unit, or I could get a $75 credit toward another Maytag/Jenn-Air dishwasher. Those are not very good choices! My dishwasher is OLD - it is on it's very last leg - and even though I know the Maytag Repair Man is desperately looking for work (I even saw him on a TV commercial repairing a copier), I hate having repair men come into my house.

And, I have used that dishwasher for years without burning the house down, so does it really need repaired? On the other hand, I don't want to spend $469 on a new one (even with the $75 credit they are offering, that is a LOT of money!) Wonder if I could handle not having a dishwasher?

There was a time when the kiddos were little that the dishwasher crashed - 'crash' is a word used a lot in our racing family; a simple fact of life, not pleasant, but still a fact. At the time Roger was racing and we had a separate 'racing account' at the bank. I replaced that dishwasher with racing funds! Back then not having a dishwasher was not on my list of options.

But, that was then...and this is now - the kids are gone, we occasionally use paper products, I rarely put any pots or pans in the dishwasher anyway. Do I really need that dishwasher? I suppose I will continue to use my old, dilapidated dishwasher until my Cascade runs out and then see how long it takes me to get tired of washing dishes by hand. Can I make it 2 weeks? 6 months...how about a year? Anyone care to place bets?

Afterthought: How many paper plates can I buy for $400 anyway?

Sheesh! What have I done?

2007-06-29T06:06:00.000-05:00

Part 1: It was a Thursday afternoon. Our district accountant (Ramona) had been in the Director's (Erich's) office with the door closed. With the DOOR closed! This is an extremely rare event. Erich is an 'open door' man. He's a big guy; young, easy going, sings in his office with his feet on the desk, his gigantic cowboy boots taking up an entire corner of the already oversized desk.... (When Erich first arrived at the school, he had to put blocks of wood under the legs of his desk to raise it enough so his knees would go underneath...you get the picture!)

I could clearly see through the large glass window (he never closes the blinds) that his feet were not on the desk now, but I was so busy with year-end items - special programs, summer school issues, purchase orders, invoices - just normal stuff, and after the flitting thought of 'the door is closed, how weird is that' I blew it off.

The day went on, people came and went, issues were resolved.... Late in the afternoon Erich called a meeting. Erich doesn't call meetings...we do! What is going on? We all sat around the big table in the center of our office. Erich, slouched in his chair and with a strain in his very large but gentle voice, softly announced that our beloved accountant, Ramona, had resigned. She'd accepted a position with the City of Corpus Christi. I could see the fear in his face! Ramona was our backbone. Ramona knew everything. We all depended on her for our daily needs! Ask Ramona, she will know what to do!...and she always did.

A week has passed and we are all adjusting. The nausea caused by the reality of this untimely event has lessened. We will miss our Ramona terribly.

Part 2: Yikes! What have I done? How has this happened?! It wasn't long after Ramona announced her resignation that words began to drift in my direction. Would I be interested in Ramona's position? I have never been one to glide gently into anything...you know, slide easily feet first into a pool of soft blue water; rather, I tend to just jump into the frying pan head first!

I was planning an early retirement in a year and a half. Well, plans change and life goes on - thank goodness for the small things! I suppose I could work another 3 to 5 years with the proper incentive...good, cold hard cash goes a long way!

The nausea is back, my brain is nearly fried from overload, my replacement has been hired, and I am the new accountant. Sheesh...what have I done!

An Old TV

2007-06-07T20:56:00.001-05:00

The problem:
When is the right time to replace an old television? Should I wait until it goes completely out? Or do I keep trying to watch it even though the picture scrunches all up and becomes blurry; sometimes it even snaps instantly to a very loud picture of snow. (Loud snow? Now that's a contradiction!)

This has been going on for several years now, and recently I noticed a variation in the sound quality. At first I thought it was just the commercial that was playing at the time; then I heard the sound waver again...the commercial was long gone.

How old is this television anyway? Where did we find it? I do remember it died once - it was nearly out from under a 5-year extended warranty. An EXTENDED WARRANTY!! We never purchase those things! Why did we even have an extended warranty anyway? Regardless, we had one. The repairman came to the house and fixed the 32" GE television - I think that was in 1990.

Solution!
When this one dies, we simply won't replace it! Just think of the money we will save!? We can cancel the Time Warner Cable subscription. I could do housework instead of watching episodes of 'Deal or No Deal' or reruns of 'Lost.' Hmmm...maybe not.

The Reality:
We are TV addicts - when we are not watching television the thing is on - so if it is a new television we need, it is a new television we will get. So off to the store we went; we looked at Target, Circuit City, several on-line stores and finally found just what we were looking for at Wal-Mart. It looks real nice sitting in the corner of our living room - all shining and sparkly with its slim clean lines and wide screen. Time Warner Cable offers us at least nine hundred and ninety nine channels to choose from...and not a decent thing to watch!

Think I'll just turn the thing off and read my book.

Grand Papa Goes Home

2007-05-09T07:21:00.000-05:00

May 8, 2007 -

The alarm was set to wake us at 4 a.m. but we woke before that and began getting ready for our short journey to the airport – as difficult as it was, the time had come for Dad to go "Back Home Again in Indiana."

The Corpus Christi International Airport must have been quite a let down over the airport in Louisville. No alarms went off as he passed through security, so they did not have to pull him aside and use the magic wand on him as they did in Louisville! He breezed through with no problem and was wheeled to the waiting area where I watched through the glass partition as he immediately found friendly faces and conversation.

Later that morning: Chance lay at my feet with a rawhide on the floor next to him. Normally he would devour the rawhide immediately, but not today. It will probably take most of the week to get him back to normal, as he will likely spend his time pouting and sleeping! And awaiting the return of his Grand Papa!

I left his staff (the one we use when we go to Big Bend for mountain hikes) standing in the corner by the living room door and told Dad it would be there when he returns. However, I’d like to get him a nice one to keep here, somewhat like the one he has at home, and will immediately begin looking for one in anticipation of his next visit.

Turbo Busa Tumble!

2007-04-09T16:38:00.000-05:00

Take a good look at Jenn on the turbo busa at the Texas Mile. This is the only picture of the busa in action before it crashed! Looks good, huh?!

We were excited and anxious - Roger had worked on that turbo busa for months - night after night out there in that shop, week after week. Well, sometimes things just don't quite go as planned.

We arrived at the Texas Mile in Goliad on a Friday afternoon. The place was packed with exotic cars, speed racers, motorcycles, landspeed bikes, Vettes, Mustangs...you name it, it was on the Texas Mile that day. Jenn and Roger were able to get the bike through tech and loaded back into the hauler. After a restless night at the hotel, we woke early and headed back to the Mile.

Finally, after what seemed like hours, Jenn was sitting in line to make her first pass on the Mile. Roger was at her side and I was at the 1/2 mile marker across from the truck and hauler. Grandpup Chance sat anxiously at the hauler on his tether. How is it that animals always feel our anxiety?

Waiting to run : I watched through the binoculars as they made their way through the line. Finally the time had arrived and she was at the starting line.

Watching the run: There is just no good way for a mom to watch her daughter on a turbo charged Suzuki Hayabusa 1300 trying to make the thing go down the 1 mile track at over 200 mph. But watch I did...breathe - nope, that was not going to happen. I listened to the sound of the engine and strained to see the tiny speck flying down the track. It looked good; it sounded good. I heard her shift into 6th gear and thought I heard a pop. But on she went.

Sky full of dust: I'll just tell you right now that a sky full of dust on the Texas Mile is not a good thing. It began as a touch of dust a little more than a mile away from where I stood. I did not move. The dust cloud thickened and grew monstrously ominous.

Waiting: Waiting on anything is difficult, and seconds can seem like minutes or even hours. I saw the emergency crew heading toward the end of the Mile and in my mind was wondering why. Jenn had finished with her run and even though I could not see her yet, she would be riding up that return road any second. But she didn't. This is where my mind did not accept what my heart already knew. The ambulance lights flashed. Had I breathed yet?

Soon - not soon enough - I heard someone say, "She's O.K." She is alright...what does that mean?! Is she talking? Is she moving? How many bones are broken? Eventually Roger and I were told to bring the truck and hauler to the end of the Mile to pick up the bike. The bike? What about the girl?!

The ambulance approached our Ford pickup and turned in front of us before coming to a stop. We were blocked. The back doors opened and an EMT hopped out, Jenn close behind. She was holding an icepack on her left arm. After looking her over from top to bottom (and getting a look at the tumbled motorcycle) I decided that we were extremely lucky...and grateful. A broken arm - what a huge blessing!

Jenn watches as her dad once again works on the busa...night after night...but not for months this time! We are so fortunate that the damage is fixable - broken arms heal! Bent busa's can be unbent! Broken parts replaced.

The next Texas Mile - October 2007 - she will be back!

Next drag race - San Antonio, Texas, May 2007 - coming soon to a drag strip near you, watch for her to be transformed from 9SecondJen into the new improved 8SecondJen. To be continued...

Now, just one more thing - just when is it that the mom gets to breathe again?

Sir Barky-Butt Chance

2007-04-08T22:01:00.000-05:00

Hmmm...this is probably not a good thing as far as Sir Barky-Butt Chance is concerned.

Rumor has it that he had one of these famous collars while he lived in Hawaii. Do you think he knows what is about to happen? And do you think it will help? Oh my, this is difficult - I've had the blasted collar for over two weeks but have not had the courage to put it on him.

But, after a very barky Easter morning, and knowing the house would soon be full of activity, I broke out the collar, installed the battery and tested it...Yikes! - it worked. No barks escaped from Sir Barky-Butt until the two grandboys came bouncing through the door. Then, "BARK!! BArk! ba-rk.... That was it. Although very active for the remainder of the day, there were no more barks while those grandboys were here.

Soon, Chance settled down with his football and stuffed squirrel and waited for his dinner. Down but not out...no sooner had I removed the bark control collar than he was out the back door to terrorize the backyard neighbors hounds - large or small, he has no mercy - Sir Barky-Butt Chance is his name and barking is his game!

Noodles for Papa and Chance

2007-04-06T20:59:00.000-05:00

You know those 'noodles' they use at the beach and in swimming pools? They work great! They are useful for other things also - you can cut a slit all the way down one of them and place a brightly colored 'noodle' on a hauler cable to keep innocent race fans from accidentally running into a cable. We purchased two of them to use on our motorcycle hauler - bright green (I wanted pink, but considering that Jenn and I have already inundated Roger with pink everywhere, thought I'd give him a break and get bright green.

Chance always greets us at the front door when we get home from anywhere and today was no different. Roger carried the two green 'noodles' through the front door and instead of just putting them away, he began to entice Chance, who immediately took the bait. Then instead of the normal command, "Chance, DROP!" Roger fell to the floor and began to wrestle the monster Dane! Before I knew it the two of them had that big green 'noodle' in shreds all over the living room floor! What a waste of a green 'noodle!'

On the other hand, I suppose it was worth the $1.50 just to watch a 56 year old grandpa roll around on the floor with his humongous shinning black Grandpup.

The Very Long Grass

2007-04-03T22:10:00.000-05:00

It has rained and rained...and rained. Seems that it likes to do this around Easter time. So, Roger and I spent what seemed like hours yesterday afternoon trying to mow down the very long grass that had managed to take over the yard. It had to be done - but why? Because it is supposed to rain some more, of course. Then as I turned from my mowing chore and glanced toward the front of the house, there they were - my beautiful bright orange Tiger Lilies. Rain really is a good thing after all.

Friends? at last!

2007-04-01T21:29:00.000-05:00

Grandpup 'Chance' the Regal Dane has lived with us for just over a year, while long time cat and family member 'Adagio' has been around for 12 years or so.

Adagio basically owned the place. He walked around the house anywhere he pleased - the refrigerator, washer, dryer, top of the sofa, between the legs... Then one day literally out of the blue (on an airplane from the Hawaiian island of Oahu) Grandpup Chance arrived. Yikes! What a 150 pound shock to our 9 pound fuzzball, Adagio!

Their first encounter sounded something like the attack of the Venetian wildcats on the massive Martian horse-dogs; and the result was a trip to the minor medical clinic for me! Adagio had lost his freedom. He could not accept this huge noisy, shinning, black monster who had moved into his territory.

Then, one year and 2 months later, as Jenn and I sat at the dining room table and Chance sat on the kitchen floor drooling over our eats, Adagio nonchalantly walked up to Chance and gave him a kiss on the face. As Chance drool swiped across Adagio's face, Adagio continued to be overly affectionate toward Chance. Can this be? Has Adagio forgiven Chance for moving into his home?

Only time will tell...

Butterflies used to be Caterpillars

Texas Mile Rant

Missing That Silly Cat

Sizzle….sizzle

Finally! Our Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy Texas Mile Story

Texas Mile! October 2008

Center Point Pirate Football!

Norwalk, OH ~ AMA Drag Racing

8 Second Jen has Arrived!

The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

UPDATED: More from Indy AMA Dragbike Racing

Indy - O'Reilly Raceway Park

Oreo Cows!

Indy or Bust!

July 4 Motorcycle Shootout - Bang!

Old Tunnel ~ Fredericksburg, TX

Bristol ~ Eliminations

bRiStOl ~ AMA Dragbike Races ~ Day 2, cont'd.

The Interceptor!

bRiStOl ~ AMA Dragbike Races ~ Day 2

UPDATED ~ Bristol AMA Dragracing!

All Alone and Left Behind...

Jelly Belly Collection and other Stuff

World's Fastest?

Jalapeno Jelly Bellies!

Motorcycle Drag Racing in Memphis

An Enchanted Mother's Day ~ 2008

Memphis - Day 1

Memphis, here we come!

Reading Dangerously Update

It was Just a Dream...I Knew That!

Don't let go!!!

Coming Soon ~ AMA Dragbike Spring Nationals

Enchanted Rock?

#1 Youngest Grandboy turns 8!

*** UPDATED INFO! *** Elmer Trent Nationals - Atlanta, April 4 - 6

Where Else but the Texas Mile!

Day One of the March 2008 Texas Mile

Thursday afternoon - Texas Mile less than 2 days away

Four Days and Counting

Six days and Counting

Easter Sunday

The Power of Pink

2-Wheel Tuner Magazine - April 2008 Issue

My 'K' Key

Our Aging Grandpup, Chance

February's Challenge Book - The Bluest Eye

Valdosta - Day 3...final day

Valdosta - Day 2 cont'd/CC Speedway

Valdosta - Day 2 - March 1, 2008

Valdosta Update 2-29-08

Crew Chief/Husband/Roger/Dad - He's so Smart :o)

March '08 Texas Mile Preparation

Getting Old ~ Optimistically

www.jenniferrobertsonracing.com

What Does a Grammy Do?

Home!

I finished it!

Snow Plane...NO Plane!

Off to O'Ville...

Things I've Done!

Time for Testing

JR Racing

Ever Laptop on the Sofa?

My Recycled Christmas

I Give Up!

"No, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night"

Funny Faces

It is the Season!

Random Stuff...

NO DOGS ALLOWED!

In Celebration of Turkeys

~ Fall ~

Ramdom Thoughts about Missing the Power

"Willie Nelson, Ladies and Gentlemen!"

~ Glad That's Over ~

Fall...Where are you?

In Preparation...

Happy Birthday Grandpup Chance!

~ The Secret ~

* UPDATED INFO! * Elmer Trent Nationals - Atlanta, April 4 - 6