A SURPRISE VISIT

Well, not exactly a surprise. Our buddies, Bob & Shirl Kase called a couple of days ago from Austin, Texas, as they were making their way across the country. They had just finished working the 2nd National Hod Rod Ass'n (NHRA) drag race in Gainesville, FL, and were headed for the 3rd race in Las Vegas. Since they were coming through our area, they wanted to stop and say hi. When they arrived yesterday morning, we met them at the old WalMart, and I convinced Bob to bring their rig up to the house, where they would have a full hookup for a couple of days.

It's not the easiest of things, when you try and back up a motor home and trailer into our yard, particularly when the combined total length of the 2 vehicles is about 75 feet. With my help, Bob expertly backed along side the house on the first try, and they will be here until tomorrow, when they have to make the drive to Vegas.

I didn't get a picture, but Bob & Shirl have a new dog, that has made it a little easier, after losing their beloved Beagle last summer. We visited with them last year at the Seattle racetrack, right after they had to put Hunter down. It was a tough time, and we're glad to see a new dog in their life, helping ease the pain a bit.

We spent most of the afternoon catching up with everything that has happened with our "race family", and later, BBQ'd some burgers for dinner. Since we left the drag race circuit in 2003, a lot has happened, and our so called race family has dwindled to not very many people. Bob & Shirl made the transition from the company we used to contract with - MainGate, to the Lucas Oil empire a few years ago, and we all agree that it was one of the best things that could have happened. Bob & Shirl are hard workers, do a great job, and are thankful to be working for Forest and Charlotte Lucas. Their son, Morgan Lucas drives a top fuel dragster, sponsored by Geico, and along with team mate top fueler, Shawn Langdon, the Lucas team is off to a great start for the 2011 season. Morgan won the first race in Pomona, and Shawn finished second!

We have the entire day to spend with Bob & Shirl, and now that my back pain has subsided a bit, we plan on taking them out in our boat, and showing them a little bit of Lake Havasu.