Monday PM

This has been a typical Monday. And I don't like Mondays.

The moon and stars were out of whack from the start this AM when a lone stranger took my chair at SB's and we had to sit at a different table. Everybody who came through gave the same, "What's the deal here?" look to us.

Tomorrow is Halloween, my most detested "holiday" of the year. It was ok for the girls when they were little, but I became pretty jaded once the junior high, and older, kids made their way through the neighborhoods. And the visits by total strangers from other parts of the city, or other states took any remaining fun or cuteness out of the event. I do remember an Indian Princess parade float (the Sioux tribe with 4) in the blue truck with 3 as my co-pilot as being a good time and kind of cool.

A teacher at Bettendorf said at coffee today that the Bettendorf elementary schools had some internal discussions on how to celebrate Halloween (or not), and the ultimate decision was to take a 2 day Fall Break and simply not have to deal with the political correctness of any conclusion. Who wins there?

We had a discussion at coffee last week one day about the vamp character, "Elvira", who I thought was a pretty hot babe years ago. She did mostly beer commercials. And lots of Holloween stuff. Most of the people in the coffee group had trouble figuring out who she was, and I couldn't remember what brand she represented. Coors, I think. She's probably pushing 60 these days. Aren't we all.

I registered for the TT today. $20 entry fee through 11/10/06. Then it goes up to $22. It's $25 on race day. T-shirts to the first 1500 registrants.

The Marine Corps Marathon in DC yesterday drew around 30,000 runners. One heart attack death on the route, and at least one other close call. That race might be a fun one to do one day, ladies. I think the route makes it's way around lots of the historical stuff in DC.

The 24 survived a couple of wrecks to finish 6th yesterday at Atlanta. He basically has no chance at the championship, but he's been competitive these last couple of weeks. If he doesn't get crashed out, or the motor doesn't fail, the car will normally be in the top 5. Luck has a lot to do with the finish order.

I have made contributions the last couple of years to The Victory Junction Gang camp, initially set-up by the Petty family. The camp is designed to be a true camping experience for terminally ill kids or kids with severe disabilities. It has become a major charity for all of NASCAR. Check it out.

So I'm off to do a run with 2. Hope your weeks are starting well.

Be careful out there.