Trials and Tribulations

Car #20

2009-07-04T08:47:00.001-05:00

Yesterday our local Home Depot had the #20 Joey Logano car on display. Naturally, I had to go check it out. I took a ton of photos plus got my picture with the car! :) Carol

Independence Day

2009-07-01T19:53:00.002-05:00

On my writing chapter's listserve, someone posted an article about the fates of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Very moving about their sacrifices.

Knowing people's stories is what draws me to doing genealogy. I'm both fascinated and proud of what I've learned so far about my ancestors. Just this past year I learned that I'm one of the million descendants of the Mayflower Pilgrims [my ancestor was the one who was swept overboard but caught a line and was saved]. Between 1620 and 1650's, the most direct lines of my family settled in Virginia and Maryland. They served on colonial assemblies and were sheriffs, lawyers and planters.

One ancestor lost everything in the religious war in the 1650's in Maryland. Family legend is another was hung by the Tories during the Revolution. One family lost their homestead in the aftermath of the Revolution with three brothers heading west and the other three brothers staying east. I'm a descendant of one of the westward-ho brothers who settled in Ohio.

As much as I can determine, family members have served in nearly every conflict beginning with the Revolution [the only conflict that I haven't pinpointed yet is the Korean War].

So here's to the colonial settlers, founding fathers and all those who have served and continue to serve this country.

Have a Happy and Safe Independence Day! Carol

Congrats Joey Logano!

2009-06-28T20:14:00.001-05:00

On your first Cup win! Loved watching the race against the backdrop of the New Hampshire scenery. :) Carol

http://www.joeylogano.com/

Congrats, Kasey!

2009-06-21T19:43:00.002-05:00

Wow, what a road race he ran today at Sonoma! I'd driven past the track last summer when I was visiting the wine country. Man, what twists and turns that course has. :) Carol

OFFICIAL SITE OF KASEY KAHNE :: HOME
http://www.kaseykahne.com/

So You Think...

2009-06-17T19:51:00.001-05:00

I can dance? heeheehee :) Carol

Missing in Action

2009-06-13T21:36:00.001-05:00

Sorry that I've been quiet here. Day job is hectic and I'm under a deadline for writing. I'll catch up soon. :) Carol

Congrats, George Strait!!!

2009-05-27T21:02:00.002-05:00

I'm a huge George Strait fan so I was thrilled that he was at long last recognized as Artist of the Decade. 57 number one hits. Unmatched in any genre. Even a greater achievement, these number one hits have spanned 4 decades.

But the performances tonight underscored why: not only he's a great singer, he tells the story of the song. While a few of the country artists did a passable job of singing his hits, a number of them couldn't even begin to equal his performance of the song.

I agree with George: he needs to keep singing and give us those wonderful songs.

:) Carol

Batted 1000

2009-05-20T21:07:00.002-05:00

I batted one thousand this week between Dancing With the Stars and American Idol. All my votes went for Shawn and Kris. I'm thrilled for them both. Kris was my dark horse AI candidate once the final 13 were picked. Week after week he impressed me, and I loved his ability with both the guitar and the piano. He just kept growing in confidence and giving solid performance after solid performance. I know the judges were "Adam, Adam, Adam" all along, but Adam always made me hyper. Kris is the kind of singer one can curl up with and feel good or go to a concert and come out relaxed and happy. His would be an album I could buy.

So enjoy, Kris. And Shawn, your competitive spirit was amazing.

But I don't get to catch my breath because tomorrow night begins "So You Think You Can Dance." :) Carol

Crime Watch

2009-05-18T20:25:00.002-05:00

I went to my first neighborhood Crime Watch tonight. I wanted to see the chief of police and other officers in person [having only seen them on TV on occasion]. I also wanted to hear their plan of action for the burglaries that have been plaguing the area.

Goal no. 1 accomplished; goal no. 2 not so much. It never ceases to amaze me how people can't ask a question. They frontload with run-on sentence after run-in sentence about this and that before finally getting around to the actual question. And they think attorneys are the only ones with an endless hypothesis. Then there were those people who have to tell a story.

Several had obviously watched one too many CSI's episodes and were suggesting to the police investigation techniques. One woman went on about checking cell phone records of 2 suspects recently apprehended. Like...the suspects wouldn't have immediately lawyered up and all sorts of court battles are being fought, not to mention subpoenas needing to be issued for phone records.

Anyway, I did learn that I could sign up for crime alerts, which I did. If my local police department has such alerts, I would imagine many do. :) Carol

AI

2009-05-13T21:01:00.002-05:00

The finale will be as I hoped for. While I've been a Danny Gokey fan from his audition, what I felt as the competition unfolded was that he was a great singer. However, what Kris and Adam [even though Adam is too hyperfrenetic/over the top in his performances for me] are artists. I think this is the first AI final where the two both perform with their own interpretation of the music. Kris blew me away last night and I'll be texting my votes for him next week. However, any of the final 4 could have been the AI, and I would be content. It's been a great season of talent. :) Carol

Star Trek!!!!!!!

2009-05-09T18:35:00.002-05:00

One word: FAB-U-LOUS!!!!! Star Trek is back. I never quite cotton to the TV series that followed the original one. The combination of characters never snapped, crackled and popped.

The casting of the new movie is exquisite and the special effects are superb. I have to admit my personal fav was Bones played by Karl Urban; it took me a while to realize he had been in Lord of the Rings II and III. I have liked Chris Pine since Princess Diaries II. I also understand the buzz about Zachary Quinto as Spock...stellar. The rest of the casting for Chekov, Sulu, Scotty, and Uhura. Unbelievable.

If there weren't so many movies coming out that I want to experience in the theater, I'd be tempted to go see it again. :) Carol

Dom Deluise --->--->--@

2009-05-05T19:02:00.002-05:00

I was sorry to hear of Dom Deluise's death. He always made me laugh. He had a wicked but 'gentle' sense of humor...no nasty slashing remarks in order to get a laugh.

Of course, my fav role of his was the director in 'Blazing Saddles'...what a hoot!

Dom, thank you for bringing so many smiles. Carol

My anal side

2009-05-05T18:48:00.002-05:00

I'm one of those people who likes to have everything planned out. It's not that I don't appreciate spontaniety, it's just there is sooooo much on my plate that I need to slot in order to fit it all in. I actually can almost plan out to the minute how long a task will take me, driving or otherwise.

Right now in the day job, I have an endless line of merit hearings over the summer. The first deadline for my NASCAR book is coming up, and I'm trying to get another proposal out. So on Sunday when I learned I was supposed to be going to the "Jersey Boys" show that night...and not next weekend as I was originally told, and another friend needed to swing by to use my computer/printer, I almost hyperventilated. Sunday remains my one 'pure' day of writing so I'm not a happy camper when people call or anything disrupts me.

Of course, "Jersey Boys" was a fabulous production, and I would see it again in a heartbeat. I did get some work done on my proposal. Instead of quickly cleaning the house, I told my friend she would have to take the house as is, and of course, she did.

However, I decided to give myself a break plus carve out a few more minutes. I've switched to paper plates, plastic forks, etc. to minimize washing dishes; I'm turning a blind eye to mess. House cleaning can come later...much later. :) Carol

AI

2009-04-28T20:06:00.003-05:00

When I heard the theme for tonight's AI was the Rat Pat, I thought 'oh no'. I doubted if even the contestants' parents had been born during the Rat Pack era.

But they blew me away tonight. If I had to pick the final 3, I'm leaning toward Danny, Kris and Adam. I'll never be a fan of Adam as he's too theatric for me. If I went to his concert, I wouldn't be able to relax and enjoy myself. When I come out from a performance, I want to have a mellow mood. The singer I would most enjoy in concert is Kris, but I would also buy an album by Danny.

I do think this is the best final 5 I've seen in the seven seasons I've been watching [I missed year one]. :) Carol

Talladega Nights and Days

2009-04-27T19:30:00.003-05:00

First, I have to congratulate Brad Keselowski for his first Sprint Cup victory yesterday. Obviously, he's got to be feeling a-okay today.

: Brad Keselowski : JR Motorsports : Hendrick Motorsports : 88 car NASCAR Nationwide Series : 29 car Sprint Cup Series 2008 :..

However, that race is going to be remembered for all those heart-stopping crashes. I didn't get home until the last hour, but that meant I got to see the grand finale. I cannot believe Carl Edwards's presence of mind. To go flying up in the air, crash into the fence, do a couple spins with rollovers thrown in for good measure, and then have the car burst into flames...he gets out of the car and runs to cross the finish line in homage to Will Ferrell's 'Talladega Nights'.

Ohmygosh. WAY TO GO, CARL!!!!!!! Like everyone else in the stands, I stood up and applauded. The Official Site of Carl Edwards

Great race. A thrill a minute. :) Carol

Congrats to Mark Martin!

2009-04-25T14:10:00.002-05:00

For his winning the Subway Fresh Fit 500 at Phoenix International Raceway last Saturday night.

Yes, I know I'm a bit late with the congrats, but last week I was attending a Florida Bar seminar in New Orleans. Sweet. Sit through a lecture in the morning and enjoy the French Quarter Jazz Festival in the afternoon. I had a great time, but when we got back, my friend's mother had to be hospitalized. She's doing much better, thank goodness, and is out of the hospital, but I'm way behind in catching up. I'm looking forward to chilling and watching the Talledega races this weekend.

:) Carol

AI results

2009-04-08T21:02:00.002-05:00

The AOL poll had it right for American Idol tonight. It was curtains for Scott. However, I'm glad that the judges allowed him to perform one last time since he's always come across as sincere in his efforts. If Lil doesn't get her act together next week, I suspect the judges won't exercise their save for her.

I have to admit, my fav part of the show was the surprise appearance of Frankie Avalon...I still love his voice and personality. Talk about career longevity!!! :) Carol

Is it Scott's time to go

2009-04-08T06:37:00.002-05:00

According to the current results of the AOL poll as to who should go home on AI, it's lights out for Scott tonight. I'll be interested to see if the poll has gotten it right. :) Carol

DWTS and AI

2009-04-07T22:14:00.004-05:00

Man, I'm getting thumb tendonitis from flipping back and forth between AI and DWTS...and my channel switching even continued after AI was off because I like the show 'Fringe'. Most nights I don't give a hoot what's on TV and they have to schedule my favs against each other.

I wasn't surprised by the bottom 2 on DWTS, merely surprised that Lawrence Taylor wasn't the one to go. Poor Kim. I wish one season that the show would give her a decent celebrity so she can take the title.

As for AI, I guess limiting the category to the year they were born was too expansive for some of the contestants. I didn't even recognize most of the songs performed. By the 80's I was drifting to country and didn't pay attention to the pop/rock singers. However, I thought Danny started the show off with a bang...then it limped along to the final 3 performances. I do hope Kris makes it through because I think he's got a lot of talent; just poor song choice tonight. Lil is really on a bad, bad roll so I expect her to be in the bottom 3. Quite frankly, she deserves to be. She has a terrific voice but no individuality. The fact that she performed a Tina Turner song was a major yawn in the expectations department. The only thing I'm grateful for is she hasn't done a James Bond movie theme song yet ala Shirley Bassey [or if Lil has, I missed it]. Allison continues to rock it, and I hope she's not in the bottom 3; she so deserves to at the top of the voting.

Still, we're about at that point in the season where a fav unexpectedly doesn't pull in the votes and is in danger. I doubt if the judges will use their save on either Scott or Anoop, but it will be interesting if any of the others get in trouble. We're getting to the nitty gritty of the competition.

:) Carol
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001UG3BJA

Shout out to Carrie Underwood & Julieanne Hough

2009-04-06T20:38:00.002-05:00

First, major congrats to Julianne for taking the best new artist category last night at the ACM's. However, I'm soooooo proud of Carrie Underwood. She's one of only 7 female country stars to ever win Entertainer of the Year. That is tremendous accomplishment. Even though I love and adore George Strait, I was thrilled for Carrie. I'll do my cheering for George when he's honored for Star of the Decade later on in May.

Overall, the ACM's were stellar last night with loads of great performances...and Taylor Swift's appearance engineered by David Copperfield was way cool. :) Carol

WTG, Jeff Gordon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-04-05T18:51:00.002-05:00

Woohoo!!!!!!!! Jeff Gordon not only broke his losing streak but he got his first Texas win!!! Majr kudo's to his pit crew for the magic they worked on that final stop and got him out first. I think Carl Edwards's pit crew will be practicing--a lot--this week. But I'm so happy for Jeff; he's been driving really well this year. :) Carol

http://www.jeffgordon.com/

DWTS/AI

2009-04-01T21:10:00.002-05:00

I have to say that I'm not surprised with the eliminations last night on DWTS [in fact, I'm grateful] or tonight on AI. While I've enjoyed Megan from her audition, she hadn't progressed/developed during the last few shows so I figured it would be between her or Anoop. I suspect Anoop has a bit of the teenage contingent voting him through, but he needs to go next unless he makes a giant stride forward.

Kris is now my dark horse candidate to win. Most people I speak with have it between Danny and Adam, and I was agreeing, but that Kris. He is developing by leaps and bounds, and I enjoy listening to him. Very interesting season. :) Carol

DWTS

2009-03-31T19:42:00.001-05:00

Before the show airs tonight with the double elimination, I figured I'd better comment. I'm becoming a huge Ty Murray fan. He's adorable, he's nice, he's solid, and to me, what the show is about. Who would have thunk that a bronco buster could do the Lindy Hop?

I like a few of the others, but Ty's the one I most look forward to seeing. I do hope that Holly or one of the Steve's hit the door tonight. I wanted to give both Steves a chance to recover from their earlier injuries, and much as I adore Lacey, I don't think she's got a partner to last long. But Derek!!!! He is such a great choreographer; I want him to stay in there so I can watch his innovative moves. :) Carol

Fargo

2009-03-30T18:20:00.002-05:00

A shout out to Fargo and all the other communities along the Red River. Everyone must be sooooo exhausted, both emotionally and physically. Hang in there, and I hope the waters subside sooner rather than later. {{hugs}} Carol

Martinsville, what a great race!

2009-03-29T21:24:00.002-05:00

Wow, what a great race today at Martinsville! I was a bit worried about the weather, but it cleared out. Not too many cautions and what an exciting finish! The way Jimmie Johnson bumped Denny Hamlin aside to take the checker flag! It was the stuff short track is made of. What was even more exciting was how for the most part it was a 4-way race among Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, Hamlin and Johnson. Of course, for the Hendrick Motorsports, what a perfert way to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of its first victory.

http://www.jimmiejohnson.com/

:) Carol
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001UG3BJA