Posted by: Jim Yates
Wow! I guess time flies when you are having fun, right? Well, that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it! I just realized that it's time that I finally cleared off my desk and sat down to write a long overdue blog. At my last post I was on my way to Vegas where I was very optimistic about our chances of running well and luckily we were not disappointed. Another final round appearance was just the momentum that A.J. and this entire Mopar team needed as we headed to Pomona for the final race of the year.
What an awesome final race it was. Can you say nail-biting excitement? I know that the Pro Stock champion, Jason Line, was already crowned but in all of the other professional categories the championship and the final points order came down to the last rounds of elimination. A.J. was well on his way to his third straight final when his Dodge Avenger hit a slick spot on the track in the semi's and he was forced to lift. Though I know that he was really disappointed, we were all very proud that he had moved into fourth place in the points standings. Congratulations to A.J., Roy, Mark, and the entire Mopar Team for a great season. I was really glad that I could be a part of such a talented team even if it has only been for three races. All I can say is I can't wait until next year!
After the race in Pomona, Toni and I spent a couple of extra days enjoying some of our favorite places in and around the L.A. area. Of course a couple of relaxing days to Toni equates to running on the beach every day and. oh yeah, let's don't forget our 20-mile bike ride we had to go on. If it had been up to her we would have biked the entire coastal bike path so I guess I am lucky that we only had time for 20 miles! I will grudgingly admit that I couldn't beat the view – I mean how often do I get to bike along the Pacific Ocean? Just saying!
After our two days of relaxation – I think that she got even with me for the boat waxing day – we headed home. Since being home we have taken advantage of some nice weather, had time to clean up our yard, play with our grandkids, and catch up around the shop. We also had time to meet up with some of our old high school friends, Bob and Bonnie, who were in town for the weekend for a nice relaxing dinner. And this time I mean relaxing! LOL We met at National Harbor for dinner and then found a quiet spot where we sat and talked for hours trying to catch up on the last 20 years. Now, between us we have seven kids and seven grandkids so you can only imagine what we talked about. It's funny how that happens, huh?
Anyway, now is the time to start preparing for the holidays – yikes I can't believe that it is that time again! This is one of my favorite times of the year and I can't wait for the festivities to begin. We are hosting a big Thanksgiving Day at our house this year and at last count I think Toni said that we are going to have about 19 family and friends joining us. This year all of our kids are home for Thanksgiving which only happens every other year – I'm sure many of you can relate to that – and I am so thankful to have all my kids (and grandkids) together along with Toni's dad, my brothers and their families, my nephews, and also Alli's mom. It promises to be a really awesome day.
Well, I promised myself that I wouldn't get too longwinded in my blog today but before I close I want to wish everyone a very blessed Thanksgiving holiday. May the bounty of the season fill your heart and home and may you not gobble till you wobble! Happy Thanksgiving everyone!