Spring, Where Are You?

Well, here it is. April 30th.
And I had to scrape the freakin' windsheild of the car this morning.
The rain we had last night froze. I barely got in to the car 'cause the doors were frozen.
It's April. Almost May. Come on spring! Where are you?

Another tick on the "pro" side of moving "saouth"...

Happy Birthday, Elliott!!

I hope you have a grand day! Why not get yourself something fun for your birthday? No, not that ya Doofus!! Or THAT! Sheesh! I was thinking more along the lines of guitar lessons! LOL You never know, they might EVENTUALLY come in handy! Hee hee!!

Now didja wait till today to crack that bottle of Canadian Ice Wine? Or was that "special waw-duh" at TMS really sweet?? LOL 'Cause actually that little bottle in the bag wasn't for Race Day! Ok drinkin' 'n' drivin' not good... Moving on then!!

We wanted to get you a waffle maker but decided to go with something more fun. Not that waffles can’t be fun. LOL THAT has been proven to be true!! (I know this guy named Phil, and he tried to talk this Fort Worth Sherriff into... uhhh... nevermind.) Weather they are Texas Waffles (tortillas), or even hybrids like wafftillas or tortaffles (tor-tiffle, tor-taffle, toe-may-toe, toe-mot-oh), whatever ya call 'em, we'll be there for ya with 'em!

Need a caution? Toss a waffle!

From the Canadian portion of your friendly neighborhood
Doofus Skwad!

"All I know is it's hard to wrap a piece of sausage in a waffle!" ~ Susan

Grill-meyster!

Yes we have grillage!!! lol Thanks to my wonderful family, my decade old dream of owning a barbque has finally come true! Why did it take so long? Well, I lived in that crazy apartment over 6 years with no patio or balcony. Before that I was the Gypsy Queen of Western Canada working in radio and moving every four months or so. A barbeque would have just been a boat anchor to this ever-moving ship!

So anyway, thanks to everyone who pitched in on this GREAT birthday gift! And HUGE thanks to my Uncle for putting it together for me!!

Now I that I have a BBQ, I can have a BBQ!!
(American translation: "I have a grill, so now I can grill out!!")

Hank Hill, gimme some PRO-pane!

Yes, it's chained down.

What are those things leaning up against the wall in the back? They would be bed rails (the frame) from my old bed. Why are they there? If you don't know what could be done with some good angle iron, you just wouldn't get it. Know anybody who might like some good angle iron? I got just what they need!
Miss you, Grandpa!

The Most Important Meal Of The Day

Mornings at Tim Horton's just got even better. That's because in addition to hot, fresh coffee, donuts, muffins, and bagels, Tim Horton's now has a hot breakfast sandwich. So if you're looking for another delicious way to start your day, try our hot breakfast sandwich, with a cup of our great tasting coffee. It'll make your morning.

From: www.timhortons.com

The CANADIAN version of Tim's Bacon, Egg & Cheese breakfast sandwich is 400 calories, sporting 24 total grams of fat, 17 g saturated and 0.5 g trans fat. Additionally, Cholesterol 165 mg, Sodium 740 mg, Carbs 31 g, Dietary Fibre 1 g, Sugar 3 g, Protein 16 g.

The AMERICAN version of the same Tim's Breakfast Sandwich has 410 calories, 220 which are from fat (I can hear Richard Simmons having a coronary - yes over 50% of the calories in this tasty treat are from fat!) for a score of 25 g of total fat (Saturated 17 g, and Trans fat 0). Additionally, Cholesterol 185 mg, Sodium 760 mg, Carbs 31 g, Dietary Fibre 1 g, Sugar 3 g, Protein 16 g.

NOTE: Nutritional values found at www.timhortons.com

So what happened to this sandwich when it went south and crossed the boarder?? It got 10 more calories and an additional gram of fat - yet it lost half a gram of trans fat! Plus, its cholesterol went up 20 mg, and sodium up 20 mg. I mean, are the eggs, biscuits, bacon and cheese in Ontario that much different than the ones across the line in New York state? I doubt it, eh Robin?! (Oh, by the way if ya want one of these things between 11am and noon on a weekend, you're gonna hafta go international!) LOL Probably something to do with the differences in the "official" diet (I.E. Canada's Food Guide) and food labelling regulations in each country. Other than that, I dare not try to explain it.

Don't get me wrong. I LOVE this sandwich!! And like a lot of things I love to eat, I knew it wasn't the best food choice I could make. And like most of that food, until I looked up the nutritional information, I didn't know how bad it actually was. So will I stop eating them? Probably not. Maybe just not nearly as often as I want to! Like him or not, I'll hear Richard's crazy little voice in my head saying dramatically, “HALF THE CALORIES ARE FROM FAT!”

Texas - Day 2 - Friday, April 13

Yes Friday the 13th. I don't believe in all that superstition crap however I do sometimes find it amusing to watch those who do. One that is not so amusing though is I have a co-worker who is afraid to go out of her house on Friday the 13th. Seriously afraid. I feel bad for her - I can't imagine living in that kind of fear. I pray you can overcome that fear L, and it will no longer have such a hold on you.

Anyway, back to

Friday morning we were off to the track around 8am or so. Of course, there was the need for breakfast… And where else would a team of Waffle Hunters eat but at… that’s right!
And how much mayhem can 6 people wreak on one Waffle House? I guarantee you there are race fans who will remember that Friday morning breakfast well, especially the waitresses!

We proceeded to the track and picked up our tickets and passes. Then we made our way down to the garage area. It is always neat coming to a track you've never been to before and coming up to the infield out of the tunnel. The dryers were on the track as Nascar was fighting the weather to get some practice in.

Down in the garage area, we saw a few racing personalities. I spied Dr. Dick Berggren and got my picture with him. It was a pretty cool moment for me since I’ve been a fan of Dr. Dick since I began watching racing in the early '90's.

We hung out by the Nascar Hauler. The boss, Ray Evernham, was there chatting with the whomsoevers, and Susan called him over. He obliged, taking pictures and signing autographs before heading back to work. Susan mentioned something about a faster goat but I didn't catch it all...

Susan and Merri got their pictures with Robert Yates (how about them hugs, ladies)!

Mel & Speed's John Roberts

Later I got my picture with Speed’s John Roberts and Bob Dillner (Baaaawb!) That’s one I wanted for a long time – don’t ask – but I can tell you Suzi he’s much taller than I thought! My eyes don’t even come up to the Speed logo on his shirt, and he’s leaning over! LOL

We checked out the stacks of Goodyear tires, and found those waiting for the 19 team. Thanks to Wayne (they call me Junior) the Tire Guy, we were able to hold the appropriate Tire Prayer Ceremonies and take photos. LOL

The weather was windy and rainy all day. Before qualifying, we decided to head to the RV Campground. Eventually, we found our destination - the RV & campsite of Mr. & Mrs. Phil Oakla21fan & their entourage. We were greeted like old friends, and treated with wonderful hospitality. And Mr. Kitty & Boomber & Sooner were inside the RV too! We visited and watched as the Three Wide folks sorted out a couple of their differences.

We had planned to meet other SFC’ers at Trackside, but it soon became apparent both Cup Qualifying and Trackside would be scrapped due to weather. The decision to head back to the hotel was made just before the tornado sirens started wailing. Robin and I hung out inside the RV with the cats and the knitting while everyone else stood outside under the RV awning and watched the tv for weather warnings. Phil tried his best to re-assure everyone everything was going to be ok. I wondered just who he was trying to reassure the most. LOL I wasn't even a little scared, I knew the storm would go around us!! We only experienced about 5 minutes of fairly heavy rain and some gusting winds. The storm hit hardest in Haltom City and Bedford, about 10 or so miles from the racetrack killing one man in a lumber yard. The winds and baseball sized hail damaged trees, homes, businesses, and knocked out power to thousands of electrical customers.
Though we have had some quite damaging tornadoes here in Alberta, I have never been where there are tornado sirens. Even the huge TMS Sign warned "Severe Weather Imminent" and to "Take Shelter Immediately". And we just thought all the crazy weather was due to the Doofus Skwad getting together again & Three Wide members finally meeting!! It was an interesting experience to be sure.

Once it was clear the storm had gone around us, we got a ride back to the Belt Sander and headed back to town. Thanks Jenell for the ride, it was greatly appreciated!! As we arrived at the Cantina again for dinner, we were treated to a huge double rainbow, a reminder of God's promises. We went in to chow down on more great food. Wow those burritos were good eh, Robin?! I'd go back to Texas just for the TexMex! After dinner it was back to the hotel to crash as Saturday was Busch Series race day - and more fun to come!!

"Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the
everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth."
~Genesis 9:16 NIV~

Happy Birthday Hermie!!

Texas - Day 1 - Thursday, April 12th

Wednesday night, April 11th, the adventure began. I have to say it began Wednesday night because all of a sudden it was Thursday and time to go to the airport. I spent all night packing and doing, getting excited and IM-ing with Robin to stay awake! There was the occasional "Are you packed yet?!" from Merri, who did her momly best to make sure I got some sleep. Sorry Merri. It just didn't happen!!

It was 03:30 MTN Daylight time, and after wrestling the luggage into the car (and I do mean wrestling), I was off. Of course I had to forget the camera-to-computer cord, so went back to get that… Then I was truly off. Parked the car at the Park 'n' Fly. Took the little bus over to the airport. I got there at 04:15 to a line up that was out the door for check-in for the flight to Denver. They finally started putting passengers through at 04:30. It took almost 40 minutes for me to get through. Thankfully my luggage was not over the limit (like someone else who had to pay $50 to get 10 pounds of sponge candy on the plane)!

US Customs. They were really straightforward this time, no threats of not letting me in if I was a Jeff Gordon fan. LOL Sorry Mary-Lynn, you better be careful when crossing the boarder for Dover!

Security went ok. The guy looked through my backpack because of the package of new camera batteries, car keys, and my wallet with Canadian change. He took away my half-empty water bottle, making the point he had to take it away even though I could buy exactly the same thing just around the corner from where we stood. He was really nice about it though, very friendly, and we talked about racing. I still hate that I had to take off my shoes. I barely had time to get into the secured area, get myself organized and put my shoes back on and they made the boarding call for my flight. I was off to Denver.

I have never been to Denver before. It was pretty cool to see the Rockies on landing. I have only one complaint about the Airport though. No luggage carts in the terminal! I understand once you are in the secured area you should only have your carry-on stuff with you, which by definition, you should be able to carry. However, if you are like me and insist on packing lead weights in there, it gets heavy after a while and it would be nice to put it all on wheels. *Note to self: Take small roller board suitcase as carry-on next time, instead of Coca-Cola Racing Nascar duffle with no wheels. Again, just enough time to get off one plane, pee, and find the next gate for boarding to DFW. By the way, I love moving sidewalks. Eddie Gossage should really look into those.

I slept most of the second flight but I did meet Juanita on the plane. She didn’t talk much until we actually landed in Dallas and were on that “forever taxi” to the terminal (I still think it’s cool the way the runway goes over the freeway). That’s when I found out Juanita was traveling with two other gals (relatives), headed to Louisiana for her grandmother’s 90th birthday party. A big celebration, literally a family reunion, was planned. They were going to see relatives and family friends they hadn’t seen in years. The girls were driving from Dallas to down to where “Granma Wheezy” lived in LA, which was approximately an 8-hour car ride they were NOT looking forward to.

Juanita was amazed I was coming all the way from Canada to go to Nascar races. Even more amazed I would attempt such an adventure by myself. We eventually got to talking church and she said their church was “non-denominational”. I said, “Well really all you need is Jesus and a Bible, and you’re set!” She agreed. By that time we had finally come to a stop at our gate, and the pilot turned off the “fasten seatbelts” sign. I wished them a good trip, and Juanita did the same to me. Oh, did I mention Juanita and the girls had absolutely fantastic nails and great weaves?

I found a luggage cart. At DFW you have to pay $3 for them, but worth every penny. Of course I had to collect my checked bags, so the cart was necessary. All the while I looked and looked for Robin, Susan & Dave. For anyone I knew. No one. Ok, they’re running late. No problem, I’ll just give them a call. Mel’s old cheap pay-as-you-go cell does not work below the 49th Parallel. So, payphone it is. Charge to Visa. Do you know how hard it is to use a payphone these days? I must be getting old. After a few attempts with the Visa I dug out some good old-fashioned quarters (remember you have to bring the American ones with you – all coin-operated machines in the US are prejudiced and do not accept Canadian coins). I got Susan’s voice mail. I started wondering if I had been abandoned in Texas before I even got out of the airport. I’ve heard stories you know… LOL

I found some more quarters and called Dave’s cell. “That must have been you that just called Susan!” he laughed. They would fetch me in 30 minutes. Perfect. Just enough time to pee and maybe find something to munch on. Oh look, a hot dog stand. Yup and not a bad dog either. I can’t count how many soldiers walked by me while I set there and ate the dog, so I don’t know how many soldiers got prayed for, but it was fun! I was coming out of the ladies’ room (gotta love how you can take the luggage cart right in with ya!) and saw Susan walking by. “Susan!” I had not been abandoned after all.

I was introduced to our mode of transportation for the weekend that Susan so affectionately called the “Belt Sander on Wheels”, AKA the new Ford Edge*. Not a bad looking car/SUV type thing, just maybe a little more bubble-ish in style than what we’re used to. Is this yet another sign of getting old?

*Yes a Ford. Due to unavoidable and unforeseen circumstances in the car rental industry, we were forced to drive something other than a Dawdge!




I no sooner got in to the Belt Sander and I was introduced to the Sacred Racing Waffle. That’s right, The Sacred Racing Waffle (or SRW). Do you really want to know? All I can say is that I believe Rutledge would be proud. The Sacred Racing Waffle rode neatly in its own plastic take-out container, which happened to have a clear lid. The whole thing made it look like a portable shrine. I knew we were in for a good time. Anybody who picks someone up at the airport with a Sacred Racing Waffle can only have one thing in mind. FUN!

We went to the hotel where I found Robin sleeping… with a guitar! LOL Ok it was still in the case but she was curled right up there with her Woobie and a guitar… She still had her shoes on!

When I woke her up she insisted she did not have to take her shoes off no matter what I said. lol We got my things into my room, which I would share with two fine ladies – One I had met before, the other I had known even longer but had not yet met face to face. I looked forward to the next two airport runs!!

Considering both Robin and I had not slept Wednesday night, and only grabbed a couple hours of “plane sleep” (not real sleep), Susan & Dave insisted we have a little rest. It would be our last opportunity for the remainder of the weekend, I thought. First I tore apart the rolling duffle and I organized the gift bags and got everything sorted out. Then I laid down for a little rest. It didn’t last long as it was soon time to get something to eat before the third airport run of the day.

We hit this a place called “On the Boarder - Mexican Grill & Cantina” located near the hotel. OWESOME quesadillas! I’m not a real fan of refried beans but this Canadian could get into TexMex if it was all like this! And they served up a wonderful virgin pomegranate margarita! That was about the yummiest slurpee I’ve had in ages.

We had to walk off some of that food so where else would we go but Wally World! Ah the adventure that is the Wal-Mart Supercenter. Living on what many consider Tundra, we don’t have The Supercenter. Ok they are just building a “small” Supercenter on the west end of Edmonton, and I’m not sure if it will be 24 hours or not… I hope so. That’s part of what makes The Supercenter, isn’t it?! Heck even Emporia, VA has a Supercenter! And Metro Edmonton is only about 178 times bigger* than Emporia! LOL

After loading up with some snacks, bottled water, sodas and whatever we thought we might need for the weekend, we went back to the hotel and dropped everything off, along with Dave. Then it was time to head back to DFW to pick up the Legendary Merri! Armed with bunny ears and the Sacred Racing Waffle (SRW), we decided to get a package of M&M’s just in case – so she would at least see something familiar and know it was us!!

As we waited, Robin and I donned the bunny ears and Susan took our photo with the SRW. An Airport Official came by and whispered to Susan, “Rabbits are not allowed in the airport.”

She whispered back, “Not even the two-legged variety?”

“I think we may be able to make an exception,” he replied.

She convincingly added, “Besides, they have the Sacred Racing Waffle!”

He didn’t miss a beat. “Why didn’t you saaay sooo!” and walked off. He made it about 10 paces, turned around and said, “The Sacred Racing Waffle?!” Then turned around and continued on his way. We all bust out laughing.



Susan’s cell phone rang. It was Merri saying the plane had arrived and she would be in the terminal soon. Susan reassured Merri she would not be able to miss her welcoming committee in the airport. They continued chatting until Merri came through the doors from the secured area. Soon as she saw us, she averted her eyes, and I’m certain she asked herself why she decided to come at all! LOL There were hugs all around, and we waited for the luggage to hit the turnstile.


Meanwhile, a plane was arriving at DFW from Norfolk, VA, delivering our dear friend Alnee. I was so looking forward to seeing her again. The Vegas luggage didn’t get to us in time to meet Alnee at the gate, but we found her shortly after. As we almost drove past her in the Belt Sander, I said, “There she is! That’s her!” And Susan yelled out, “Hey Lady! Want a waffle?!” LOL Alnee herself could hardly believe she had actually gotten on a plane! It was pretty much her first time flying and she overcame her fears to visit the great state of Texas despite the many derogatory things she may have heard about the place. Alnee seemed happy and excited to be there, and I knew we were going to have a LOT of laughs over the next few days.

After introducing Merri and Alnee to the SRW, it was back to the hotel for some sleep (what’s that?). Of course we had to take Robin past Texas Stadium first. At least that’s what Susan told Dave when he asked what took us so long. A Belt Sander full of women admitting they took a wrong turn and got even slightly lost? LOL Think again!

Robin stayed with Susan and Dave, and Alnee and I roomed with Merri. When we realized how such a room assignment might could make some people very nervous, Alnee and I had a really good laugh. LOL I guess we would find out if she was really and truly “Scary Merri” as legend had it!

And that, in a nutshell (ha ha ha!!) was Thursday. We were all so tired from lack of sleep, flying, and excitement. As I stretched out in bed, I hoped Juanita and the girls had made it to their destination safely. It was good night, God bless the hot dog man, the soldiers, and happy birthday to Granma Wheezy! Look out TMS, here we come!


* Based on population figures found on www.ci.emporia.va.us and www.edmonton.ca

Things Will Never Be The Same Again...

Thanks to Renee's brother, Roy B. Hailey, Jr. for this drawing.

Triple Chocolate Donut

Chocolate! Chocolate! Chocolate! Tim Hortons Triple Chocolate Danish, Cookie, Muffin and the new Triple Chocolate Donut are all irresistibly chocolaty. * The Triple Chocolate Donut is currently only available in Canada.

I don't know why I thought I needed more chocolate this week, but I tried Tim Horton's Triple Chocolate Donut today. The pudding in the middle was the best part. If I have a wild chocolate craving again anytime soon, this will be the cure!

Sorry Susan, I don't think the donuts will ship quite like the cans of coffee do!!!

Snow. Still.

Ok. It's April 19th. It's snowing. I want to go back to Texas!!

I come out of the apartment to go to work today, and yeah. There it was. Heavy wet snow, almost freezing rain. I normally don't complain too much about our Alberta weather, at least I try not to. But this year I seem to really be tired of the snow. Six months of winter is long enough. If I wanted more I'd move even further north or to Siberia or something. Gah! I need to move south. I'll take a tornado or two over this, at least right now.

It's 0 C (or 33 F) right now with a wind chill of -4 C (23 F). Forecast for today? A high of 6 C (43 F) with mixed rain and snow. 12 C (54 F) by Monday.

Well, work is calling... At least I only have to work today and tomorrow, then have the weekend off. Maybe I can get over this cold.

Well, Here It Is

The long-awaited blog. LOL I don't know what's going to happen here. I hope to do a TMS diary this week, and after that who knows! I guess we'll find out together! Stick around. It might be fun!