Things just aren't the same.

Not only is this weekend Halloween....

(My all-time favorite time of the year)

It is also Race Weekend here in Talladega.

For two weekends a year, Talladega becomes the most populated area in the state. Horrible for traffic, but great for local businesses.

Normally, there is excitement in the air as our tiny little town welcomes Race fans from all over the country.

I also get very excited because I get to spend time with some of my racing friends.

But not this year.

Because of all the lies drama surrounding my favorite driver, Jeremy Mayfield, most of my buddies have decided to sit out the races this year.....and probably for all future years as well.

This is the first time in 9 years (other than 2002 when I was pregnant/delivered Jameson) that I will be nowhere near the track during race weekend.

I couldn't care less about missing the actual race. Normally, I don't even actually go to the race. Talladega is so big, it's better watching the race on the television. But I do care about something much more important....

I miss my friends!

I miss just hanging out, people watching, eating expensive track food, walking so much that I have blisters on my feet, stalking looking for our favorite drivers, laughing and talking so much that I no longer have a voice, and I even miss driving up-and-down Speedway Blvd, in race traffic, waiting on a certain friend to make his presence known.....lol.

I'm going to miss all of THIS:

Hottie Hubby during one of the last races we went to.

Jameson patiently waiting for Trackside to start.

Chelsea and Gladys

Chelsea supporting her driver at Trackside.

Me and my driver, Jeremy Mayfield.

My best bud Dennis and me. We have been to every Talladega race together since 2003.

Chelsea, while we were eating track food and chatting with friends.

Ms. Wanda, I've really been missing her!

Jan and Jessie. They came over for a huge breakfast before heading back after the race. We had such a great time that day!

Bill showing his hand at the campgrounds.

Paula (Bill's wife) snuggled under the blanket at the campground.

Dennis in April. He had already lost about 50 pounds at this point....he's since lost another 30 pounds.

Gladys and Dennis.

One of my all-time favorite pictures of Jameson. We were at the Talladega airport watching the drivers, crews, and owners fly in.


These are just a few of my favorite photos I've collected over the years. Some others are "locked" in my old computer.... :o(

Fortunately, since the race was moved to Halloween weekend, I at least have something fun to do to take my mind off missing my friends.

However, there is ONE thing I will NOT miss....

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Prayer Request!

My bloggie buddy, Kat Sparks, the winner of my 200th post giveaway, sent me a very touching e-mail yesterday asking for prayers for a family friend, 7 y.o. Ty Boatman. Ty is a sweet little boy who has a stage 4 neuroblastoma (Wilm’s Tumor). He has had a kidney removed and the cancer is also in his lungs.

Last Saturday, Ty was able to make 1 play for his football team. Here is the link to this incredible story.

Please go to Kat's blog and read his entire story.

Cancer is a scary, scary thing. I've lost many family members, and most recently, my father, to cancer. I cannot even imagine the fear and pain his parents must be going through. Many thoughts and prayers headed their way!

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