I don't know why the call this the off season because I have been busier now than I usually am during the regular season. I've have certainly had a lot going on since the Winternationals in Pomona. After my trip to Germany to visit the troops, Toni and I had a chance to visit Sea Ray in Merritt Island, Fla., for the Sea Ray Yacht Expo. We went with the staff from Prince William Marina along with co-owner Carlton Phillips and his wife Debbie.

Every year Sea Ray hosts the Yacht Expo which is held at the Sea Ray plant in Merritt Island. This is where Sea Ray builds boats that are 40 to 60 feet in length. At this expo they have all of the 2007 model boats being built, various demonstrations, seminars and a small trade show where you can talk to the representatives from MAN diesel engines to boating insurance and of course the fun stuff – navigation equipment and electronics.

I spent most of my time drooling over the new Sea Ray Navigation system and the new underwater lighting system that is now available. Of course, taking test rides on all of the latest and greatest boats Sea Ray has to offer wasn't bad either. I have to admit, I did get some great ideas to put on my ever-growing Christmas List. I sure hope Santa gets my list in time.

While we were there, we got a chance to visit with Rick Stone and Rob Palmiter, the president and vice president, respectively, of Sea Ray as well as a lot of their engineers and mechanics. It was amazing to see how they build these massive yachts. I have included a couple of pictures of the plant but it is hard to appreciate all the engineering and planning that goes into the process of building each boat just by looking at a couple of pictures.

Unfortunately, I was too busy looking instead of taking more pictures. You have to visit the Sea Ray website (www.searay.com) and take a look at some of the new 2007 boats they now have to offer. One of my favorites was the 58 Sedan Bridge, or maybe it was the 60 Sundancer -- hey, a guy can dream right?

Since our boat is presently at this facility getting some yearly maintenance and upgrades done on it we were able to check on its progress and of course, talk to Wilson White, the head engineer in charge, about perhaps adding some additional items I saw at the show. I think Santa would understand if I ordered just a couple of things for the boat wouldn't he?

The weekend was short-lived and after taking a couple of extra days to enjoy the warm Florida sunshine, Toni and I headed home so I could get ready to go to the PRI show, which was back in Florida. I have to admit, I could get used to this warm weather. The PRI show was fast-paced and informative and Jamie and I always have a great time going to this show. We both come home with so many new ideas and so much information; it takes a week to call everyone you wanted to contact after the show.

Unfortunately, we didn't have an extra week this time. Jamie flew to Jerry Haas Racecars this week to assist in the final assembly of our new 2007 Pontiac GTO and I left Tuesday with my truck and a trailer to head out there. My GTO will be ready to take home sometime this week so I will pick it up and still be home in plenty of time for Christmas.

Of course, I still have to shop; I have a couple of parties to attend and then our annual Yates Family Christmas Eve celebration will be held at my brother Jason's house. Not to worry, there will be plenty of time to get everything done. Toni said she was going to just put a big red bow on the roof of my GTO for my Christmas present this year. I'm ok with that.

Well, I guess I better get this wrapped up. In case I don't get a chance to write again until after Christmas I want to wish everyone a very happy, healthy and blessed holiday season. I hope that each and every one of you will keep our troops in your thoughts and prayers during this special time of year. Happy Holidays to all of you!