I have enjoyed not being behind the eight ball all weekend. I am running well ahead of what I need to in order to finish all my tasks.

On an interesting note, I went to mail invoices last evening. My problem was I thought the mail pickup in downtown Abilene was at 6pm. Monday through Saturday. Wrong. Monday through Friday, yes. Saturday pickup is 5pm. However there is a late pickup at 7pm. weekdays and 6pm. on Saturdays. I had to get out of my pickup to read the address. 1020 E. Overland Trail. I thought I knew where this was at, so I drove there. However I never saw a mailbox.

Go figure!

I talked with Rian yesterday and he was going to go work on his big pulling tractor. Last week he became very frustrated when he could make it run on gas (when priming it) but not on methanol. After we had discussed it and thought about it, I told him the small hex shaft that inserts in the end of the camshaft and drives the pump, had to be either broken, rounded off, or it had slipped out of the camshaft or the pump.

When Rian returned from San Antonio, he was determined to get the big blown Chevy running. He removed the pump extension from the front of the motor and discovered there was a three/eights difference in the length of his old pump extension and the one he had chose to use. That small difference would be enough to keep the pump from pumping.

When Rian had re-installed his old pump extension he began trying to start the engine. VVvvarrumphhh! He primed it again. Vvvvarrumphh!! As soon as it had devoured the priming gasoline, it would die. He was instantly disappointed, and began trying to figure it out when he discovered he had failed to open the fuel shut off valve. After opening the valve, he primed the engine and gave it another try. Vvvvarrrooooommmm! It roared to life! He timed the ignition system, then tested the multi disc slipper clutch. All systems were go and worked flawlessly.

I know how he felt. I have always gotten a thrill out of being able to tear an engine down to basic pieces and re-assemble it and make it run.

It is almost like magic!

I did watch yesterday and last evenings debut of NASCAR 2010. Danica did good. I was disappointed one of my guys didn't win the Shootout, but oh well. I was thrilled Mark Martin won the pole for next Sunday's race and Junior will join him on the front row. The twin qualifiers are Thursday to determine the rest of the starting order.

I am eager to get the Super Bowl under way.

I don't know if I ever told ya'll about it but a few years ago I was invited to a Super Bowl Party and I was in charge of the punch. When they found out I intended to purchase a new toilet to use for the Super Bowl Punch Bowl, I was relieved of my duties.

Hey, I was really into the theme.

Have a day, enjoy the game if you are into it!

FATHER, thank YOU for down time. Please bless my coming week!