Vacation 2006 RIBCOOK OFF

Vacation 2006 RIBCOOK OFF

Flew in on Friday morning and Larry picked me up from the airport. I was so tired since I was at work the night before. Tried to get some sleep on the plane but I was just so excited to be back for a visit.

O.K. it was about 85 degrees and I was cold. What the hell is wrong with ME!
I lived here since 1989 and 8 months of baking in AZ, just kinda changed that.
On the way home Me and Larry always have those conversation that nobody else would imagine having. I knew then right away that I would have a very exciting vacation.

The area has been growing and compared to Phoenix it is like putting a lemonade stand.

Got home and Kerri took the day off. Got the camper all ready for my stay. I feel so special! You didn’t have to do that.

Went to Larry's condo for a little bit and he suggested that I take a little siesta and so I did.

Friday NIGHT AUGUST 25

Went to this new place in Sparks called Pinnochio's for some dinner.
Kandice ( She's taller than Me now even with me having spiked hair), Will (she is taller than you too buddy), Dave (Opie),H2ODEB, Little bro James , and Larry and Kerri just had a very nice time together. After some beer and wine with dinner , I was feeling pretty good.

Bully's here we come!

James dropped Kandice off. So the “Young at Heart” could go out and party. Derrick showed up and hanged with us for awhile. I got to see some of the locals and the girls at Bully’s . Coors Light stocks were up that night in Northern NV.
Hey Kerri they are looking for that bucket that you borrowed! LOL!

Victorian Saloon was the next stop.

Most of the Gang was there for a Friday night. Loren,Rocky,Big E, Big Chris.. The usual suspects. By this time I was not feeling any pain. Then someone had an idea of doing some shots (washington apples) yummy!. More beer and just enjoying each others company. Before you know it. Midnight. 1 a.m. 2 a.m...... Blackouts for me is getting bad so I really don't know what time I went to bed.

Saturday A.M. AUGUST 26

I did set an alarm on my phone so I could wake up and get ready for my fantasy football draft. Well I didn't hear the darn thing and Kerri woke me up about 9:15... Draft is at 10.I was like a fireman. Get in the shower, print something from the Net and be on our way.Oh we did have some printer difficulties as well.

Larry was kind enough to drop me off at Will's house. Went inside and first thing Opie tells me is " I look like crap"... I felt like it. But giddy up cowboy Jay it's draft time. I said my hellos and exchanged some stories then the draft was on.
Usual draft there were some OOOH'S and AHHH'S talking trash and just a good time amongst peers.

After the draft Larry came back and he and Paul H. decided a couple of weeks prior to by some beer from this new place in town, " BEER TASTING" cheese and crackers. These guys got it going on. The whole draft I thought I was going to get away without drinking that day. NOT my lucky day. As soon as we started I was going for the solid food.
Then for some reason that tiny sip of beer just gave that buzz again..... It was good to see Paul.
We just hanged out and learned more about " GEODUCKS". Watch Discovery Channel.

Deb and Kerri was at the lake and they had an adventurous day as well. Something went wrong with one of Deb's jet ski's and the rest is history. They brought food and let me tell you it was good. Need the recipe. Prime rib stuffed chilles with some taters.

After dinner pretty much everyone was just tired. Of too bed we go. Larry had to work the following day so I was nice and ran out of gas for him. hehehe.

Sunday AUGUST 27

Helped Kerri to buy some things for the first day of school for the girls. Went ate lunch at Soochow ... Kerri was making fun of me cause I was sweating while having soup.
You know it is good when you sweat. Phone rang and it was Ralph.
Of to TAPS I Go! Philly was there and just talked trying to catch up on recent activities.
Decided to go to the ole Watering Hole and just talk silly. Noodles (John N) showed up and we just had a blast. After working 12 hours Larry was kind enough to came by and became my chauffeur for the night. I’m telling you right now. I just can't have better friends than I do now.
We went to Bully's then Joe Bob's ordered a bunch of food and I passed out. I was having problems with my sandals as well!

Monday AUGUST 28

Larry woke me up about 10:30 a.m. His morning chores were all done and he wanted to level the camper out. I felt like a million bucks! I took a shower and tried the hot and cold shower routine that worked great in the past. Not working. Went to go get some Noodle and soup that worked before... Not working.

Larry went to the condo and fixed some more stuff, but I could just not get out of the gate.

The girls came home from school. And I was still in the couch just loved life!
Kandice made the varsity for volleyball so she is off to practice after a quick change.
Ashley showed me some of her award winning paintings.
They are just growing so fast that I still remember dancing with them at the Great Basin and I was the greatest dancer ever. I am so proud of you two.

I was still in the couch. Phone ringing. Kerri asked Ashley if I was still in hell. YES!
She got home and that smile of her just says it all. I'll get you next time.
Kerri off to the garden and picked some fresh veggies for the " K sauce".
Ashley was baking some cookies and Me ... still in the couch. Cucumbers, tomatoes, water.
I was trying.....But nothing seems to be working. Kandice got home and had to take Ashley somewhere and I’m still in the couch!.
Phone rings... Mark O. on the phone and wants to watch the football game.
Told him about the all day affair with the couch so he gave me till 8 p.m. What a Pal!

Finally Kerri couldn't see me suffer any longer so she suggested to go the condo and see if Larry is getting some stuff done. LOL! You just have so much time on your hands Larry! (inside joke).
While we were there they worked on the bathroom, toilet out, floor out....
Larry is just the Reno version of " This Old House" host.
Phone rings..... 7:45 p.m. Mark O and Al S. headed to Wingstop to meet with Randy B and I was hoping Doc could make it but he didn't.

Randy just ordered some of the wings and got a beer. It didn't taste good. Al asked if we wanted another brewski and mine was still not touched. Then it kicks in. That little sip gets that old alcohol from the previous day. I'm off at the gates like a Gray horse. 1st or last.


Marie showed up and said Hello. Good to see you Marie. After some chatting and just telling silly stuff. And a lap dance for Olis (inside joke). LOL! Randy B had to work so I was hoping that we were done for the night. But you guessed it!

Wingstop is very close to Bully's. .Yaegers,Tuaca... bad news. Amber was working and she just made me feel like I never was gone. It was so nice to see you Girl! About 11:00 we decided to call it a day. Good to see you Mark and Al.

Tuesday AUGUST 29

Woke up a little earlier went to the shower and get ready for a visit and lunch at Fernley with Ernie. I saw Heidi, Jonne, Doris, Steve Dunn and Mom (Sue Long) in the front office.
Then proceeded back in the pressroom. Talked to Big E for a little bit and Randy B was on shift and pretty much gave me a tour of the plant.
Red crew was on so I knew my original gang is on shift. It was like old times.
After meeting all of them and just saying hellos and how you dos. It was 2 hours later.
Had a little crisis and I really didn’t think Ernie could go but we still went out to lunch.
Wigwam and the Big Moe cheeseburger everything on it!
Thanks Ernie! Good to SEE YOU GUYS!

On the way home Larry told me that they were going to Spyro’s another old stomping grounds and met Eric. Ms. Kerri went there after work and had a few. Larry was off to the condo, Kerri was getting her nails done for the big weekend and Eric was off to do something. I’m off to Bully’s to meet Derrick and Jenny. Ms. Marcy was working it was like old times again. She always made me laugh and was just happy that I made sure I stopped by. After a night of drinking and a full days ahead of me it was off to bed. I slept great. I miss the evenings here in NV.


Wednesday AUGUST 30

Bright and early Larry was off to his chores. Got up and went showered and I scared the cat again!
That “pussy” cat just doesn’t like me. After planning the day we were off to the condo to hang some blind fixtures. I was Larry’s assistant and was pretty much getting in his way. Next day we were going to play golf and since I forgot my sneakers it’s time to buy a new one.
We went to Big 5 and tried some shoes on and such a goof ball that I am I had do something silly.
Larry was walking towards the cashier and this worker was there.
So I asked Larry if he wanted to watch Brokeback Mountain! This fella just shook his head and said “ that is just wrong ”! Larry just walked away. LOL!

After dropping off our stuff at home. We went on the other side of town for some errands and went to stop by at Kerri’s work. I was wearing a shirt that said “ From God to Women”!
She just shook her head and probably is still apologizing to all of her coworkers as you read this.

Off to the Rib cookoff we go. I needed to get some sauce to bring back to AZ. We just walked the booths and tried all the sauces. On one booth this gal just asked what was so special about me.
I just smiled at her and said cause I am. No comeback for Jay! Yes it happens once in awhile. After a few more booths we got to Butch’s the defending champion last years cookoff.
They have some sauce that is called “Pyro” and “Super Pyro”. We tried the Pyro and and whoa nelly! It was hot. Then for some reason Larry decided to try the Super Pyro and gave me some.
Let me tell you I like hot stuff but this thing is HOT! We were out of beer and gasping for air.
Went to get more beer and sweating still from the Super Pyro then this other booth and a hot sauce that just killed my taste buds. So I decided on what sauces to buy and out of the blue this gal was just screaming at something and it was the gal for Sweet Meat cookers. She wanted me to go over there to have her fellow cookers see my shirt! I told you it works!
Got the sauces and got a full rack of ribs to munch on. Man they were good! After a few more beers I was on my way to Fernley to meet the Brasch’s for dinner.

Dinner at Mike and Heidi’s! Chatted for awhile and just enjoyed each others company.Nothing beats a home cooked meal. Thanks a lot for dinner!
I miss you guys already.Looking forward on your visit to AZ this fall.

Off to the plant I go and see Green crew.
Chris C. was there and just walked with me throughout the plant to say my Hello’s to the guys. It was good to SEE YOU GUYS!
Went and passed by pre-press to see my pal Dubbs. Asked him how come he has been picking bad drivers ever since I left! LOL! Chris was planning on a vacation with the kids in AZ in Nov. Cmon down! I missed my curfew by 20 minutes. 10 p.m.! Sleep!


Thursday AUGUST 31

GOLF!

Larry, Dave, Tom and myself off to Empire Ranch!
Dave ”TIGER” Moore for some reason decided to put on a show for us. He shot a 78!
It was nice to watch someone do something like that.
In the back 9. I shot well but he had birdies compared to my pars. GOOD JOB OPIE!

After golf we went to Bully’s for a mid afternoon snack. Margarita’s for Tiger!

Hooked up with Randy B for his generous offer for a room at John’s A. Nugget.
Thanks again for the room.

Checked in the room and off to the festivities we go! Checked out some arts and crafts.
Deb bought some paintings for her new place. Then RIBS here we come. YUMMY!
Went to my room for some drinks and fun. They decided to go home for some siesta after a night of partying and I’m off to “TRY” my luck at the tables. I lived in NV for a long time so I know that you “try” winning. After about 5 Vodka cranberry and a some Benjamin’s gone its time to for a nap.


Friday SEPT 1

GOLF!

Wake up call at 7:30 a.m. I was talking to the automated wake up call for about 2 minutes trying to get a snooze call. I am just a hurting unit. Larry called up to see if I was up. If I felt like I did on Monday I would have never gone golfing today. I finally put my game face on and met Larry and off to Wildcreek we go.

Larry, Dave, Jerry Crook and myself.
I saw Jerry at the draft last Saturday but never really got a chance to talk to him much.
This guy could hit the long ball! Ouch is all I hear from the ball every time he hits off the tee.
Sorry to tell you there were no 78’s today. The golf gods just have to bring us back to earth after a round we had yesterday. LOL! Sorry Dave had to give you a hard time. Miss you man!
I’m off to my room for a quick shower and before you know it Will and Larry were there before I even could take a nap. HERE WE GO!

Aaron Tippin was playing and pretty much my phone was ringing off the hook.
It was friends from work that want to meet me for my little vacation in Reno.
I feel So Blessed!
Heidi and Mike, Randy and Marie, Curtis and Tabattha, Jenny and Derrick, Loren and Jamie.
Derrick had an adventure with the Super Pyro. So you just have to ask him!
We went to Orozko for some drinks but the whole group decided that the jazz band just isn’t right for the occasion. So went to Trader Dick’s. Troy showed up and joined in the fun as well.
We just had a blast and just be silly! That’s what it is all about! Then Tab and Jen decided that a Scorpion drink is in order. For you guys that doesn’t know what a Scorpion is.

It’s a drink that will knock your ass off a barstool if you drink it by yourself. It’s a great drink for 4 people.
Yes I have done a Scorpion by myself once and I am still looking for that truck that hit ME!

After looking for Jen and Tab for about an hour or so I decided to go up to my room and crash out.

Opened my room and for some reason the Scorpion is affecting my vision.

My beds are on top of each other. So I went back down stairs to see if this will help me. I had one more drink and went back upstairs. The beds are still making out. Then it hits me. I gave the Deb,Kerri and Larry a key and decided to rearrange the furniture. Went and got my camera and took a bunch of pictures and why not Jay have another drink. There was a magazine from 1998 that they found when they moved the mattress and some lotion courtesy of the girls since I missed them that night.
I tried to move the mattress back instead of just sleeping on it. Lost my footing and I was like a base runner stealing second base sliding in under the table. Don’t worry I’ll get you guys back.


Saturday SEPT 2

Woke up about 9 and just started drinking cranberry juice for a change. After taking a shower and I was getting ready to call what time check out is. The phone is gone! Both of them! I’m just like Oh.Oh! Opened the cabinets and my clothes was in there which I didn’t put in. It was in my bag.
Even the wireless keyboard! They had so much fun while I was gone! Thank God I woke up early.
Could you imagine me explaining to the casino host or security how come I have to house phone and a keyboard in my bag.
Kerri called up and she is just laughing her ass off. I thought it was funny as hell!
She knows that this isn’t over yet. All I hear in the background is Larry saying I am not a part of what they did!
She wanted to know what my plans were. We planned to meet downstairs to meet Hammer and Carrie we said are hello’s. Larry and I went back to the hotel and returned the spare key and I decided to hit the Bloody Mary bar! It was good and it kinda got the blood going again. Hammer and Carrie was off to see the crafts and arts while the rest of us got some ribs from different places and met back at the vehicle. It was a good change of eating before you start drinking. It was the hottest day since I got here. I was melting! It could be the alcohol I consumed all week but I am not going to say it! We went to the Silver Club and cooled off some.

James called me up and is on his way. He met us went and got some ribs before we were off to his place for some downtime. After walking and looking at some crafts, I just went into the hybernation mode. My mind still wanted to GO! But my body just said, “ I don’t think so Jay”.

So after James got done. I told him that we just have to make a few more stops and we should be on our way.
Larry, Kerri, Dave, and Deb. Thanks again for everything! You guys are the awesome!

Randy and Marie I really appreciate what you did for me. Thanks.

Let’s plan on making this a yearly event. Will plan on getting some tables for the ribs ,except that I’m not going to give out my keys. And I'll try to pace myself.
I doubt it is going to happen but HEY! It's the thought that counts!

AGAIN IT WAS SO GOOD TO SEE EVERYONE! I MISS YOU'ALL ALREADY!

THANKS FOR EVERYTHING!

KCJAY