It seems as though I have been "more" aware the past few months of my mortality. I'm not sure if this is part of the aging process, a normal concern, or a premonition.

Throughout the summer it became a regular ritual for me to jot a quick note, usually in abbreviated form, so Krl would have some idea of where I was at on a particular day and hopefully she could figure out an approximate time frame. Lots of mornings I might already be in the metroplex area or the high plains before she and the houndgirls were stirring.

I have also found it interesting that I leave a fairly good trail about where something is at. I don't guess there is any reason for me to lock my pickup because everyone should know by now where I hide my keys! Same for access codes! Bookwork is pretty simple, trying to keep it at basic steps where nothing is assumed and no-one would wonder where a particular number came from.

I'm just wondering if this is normal. Hhhmmmm.

I do know I would be lost if something happened to Krl. I can look for something in the kitchen or in her files with no results. When I finally ask her for help it is usually only a brief moment until she produces the item.

NCAA Football Separation Saturday was definitely that. Pretty good football in spots. Oklahoma and Tennessee probably feel robbed while Oregon should buy a lotto ticket and send the officiating crew a thank you card. Michigan, and USC flexed their muscles, Texas completed their therapy against Rice after the Longhorn loss to Ohio State. The Buckeyes had a down week after thrashing Texas. Miami and Notre Dame have to be in shock. They didn't get beat, they got routed!

Already the Miami message boards have petitions for Coker's firing, other contributors are demanding he resign immediately "to give potential recruits the message that Miami is serious about returning to national prominence". Other message board threads call for Kyle Wright's demotion.

To this point I have stayed out of the fray, but it is becoming increasingly evident that the Hurricanes have been out coached. They come out primed and ready and when their opponent makes adjustments, Miami never counters. Four losses our of the last five games to BCS teams and they have not scored in the second half.

I am partial to Kirby for obvious reasons. I have seen him play. He and Kyle may be "good friends", but Kyle appears to be a politician saying all the right things. Kyle apparently is a "practice player" who excels in controlled situations but locks down and spazz's in realtime games. Kirby is one of those players who thrives in game situations, stepping up to the next level. I think Kirby is deserving of "meaningful" playing time with the best supporting cast Miami can provide, not filler time with reserves after games are safely out of reach with Division 2 opponents.

Last January Kirby seriously considered leaving "the U". Coker made a trip to Brownwood during the holidays to urge him to stay. Kirby was told of changes in the works. We have read press reports of a special package being put in, just for Kirby. Maybe Coker should become a politician. Not only has Coker failed his team and Kirby, he has failed the alumni.

It's a sad sight when the 'Canes come out and talk the talk, but when it comes to walk the walk, they waddle.

And those are the observations of a "couch coach".

I am excited about today's NASCAR race. Loudon, N.H. begins the ten race chase to the championship! Sentimental choice is Martin, loyal choice is Gordon, most deserving is probably Johnson, Burton would be o.k., Jr. probably needs to win it to measure up to Sr., I just can't like Harvick, Kennseth has had his day and newcomers Busch, Kahne and Hamlin will have their day in the future.

Hope your weekend has been a good one!

FATHER, I pray for renewal!