For those of you that don't know, people from all over the United States will be invading north east Alabama this week and making their way to Talladega.

LESSON NUMBER 1: There is no DAY in DEGA. If you are going to come to Alabama for the race, at least pronounce it right. I promise you will score big brownie points with the locals.

Let's practice. All together now....TALLA DE GA.

TALLA DE GA = GOOD
TALLA DAY GA = STUPID

We will gladly accept, TALLA DE GA over TALLA DAY GA anyday.

The most common way to pronounce it, by those born and rasied in this area, is: TALLA DIG GA.

I gave that tip to a friend several years ago and he reported back that all the locals gave him big smiles, high fives, 2 hugs and 1 kiss, because they thought it so amazing that someone with his accent was actually pronouncing it correctly.

Growing up less than 30 minutes from the track, it wasn't really a big deal in the 70's. I never cared about going and could not for the life of me understand the entertainment value of watching a bunch of cars drive around and around in a circle all day long. Not to mention the fact that Daddy declared it a place where no "decent" woman would be caught dead. I asked him once if that applied to decent men as well, and if so, why was he going and taking my little brother. That didn't go over too well.

During race weekends in the 70's, it was not uncommon to drive to The Ark for some good ol southern fried catfish and see the likes of Richard Petty,Bobby Allison, and others. Those names meant nothing to me back then, and I only remember because several times over the years Daddy would point at this tall man wearing sunglasses and a cowboy hat and say:

Daddy: That's Richard Petty.

Belle: Who?

Daddy: Richard Petty. A famous stock car driver.

Belle: Oh.....Does he know Captain Kangeroo?

Daddy: I doubt it.

Belle: Can you ask him?

Daddy: Hack no, I'm not asking him if he knows Captain Kangeroo!

Belle: You said he was famous.

Daddy: He is.

Belle: Well, so is Captain Kangeroo.....Oh....oh....maybe he knows Mr Greenjeans too!

It was only a couple of years ago that I attended my first race at Talladega, in the hopes of seeing Dale Jr win. He didn't. Although it was an experience. The roar of the crowd is amazing when Dale Jr is announced or goes speeding by....and you better cover your ears if he is in the lead. As much as Talladega loves Dale Jr....they HATE Jeffy Gordon and Jimmy Johnson, as the beer cans pelting Gordon's car after a win will attest.

Tried again at the fall race and swore I would NEVER...go again, but, I am rethinking that. I have a feeling this may be his year to win at Talladega and I want to be there to see it. At least I think I do. I tend to forget how much I hate crowds.

The second time I went with my friend Jack, losing me at the spring race fresh in his mind, the minute we got out of the truck, he clasped something around my wrist...the other end around his with a bungee cord like thing in between to keep track of me.

Oh the looks we got walking through those crowds.I was by that time in hour 3 of "happy" hour and didn't give a rip. I laughed as he pulled (DRAGGED) me along, stopping every once in a while just to see the cord stretch out between us and hear him piss and moan.

Jack: Geez, Rocky, I feel like I'm here with a 5 year old.

Belle: You should know by now you can't take me anywhere...especially in large crowds.

Jack: I think it has less to do with the crowds and more to do with Jack Daniels,now bring your country ass on before we miss the start of the race.

Belle: Jack.....

Jack: Yeah? Can't you walk and talk at the same time?

Belle: My shoe is untied.

Jack: So? Tie it. I need to put down this cooler anyway.

Belle: Tie it for me.

Jack: Tie it yourself.

Belle: I can't. I'll get dizzy if I bend over and if I sit down, I might never get back up.

Jack: GAWD A'MIGHTY! Give me your foot!

(Shoe now tied, we continue for a while)

Belle: (stopping again) Jack.....

Jack: (turns around....STEAM COMING OUT OF HIS EARS) What now? You don't have to pee again, do ya?


Belle:I'm thristy.

Jack: Drinks are in the cooler and if you want one, you'll have to follow me!

We caught a couple of people in our cord a few times. By accident of course.

Belle:(stopping) Jack......

Jack: DAMN! What?

Belle: I want some beads.

Jack: Huh?

Belle: Beads....see...all these women have on beads. I want some too.

Jack: No way in HELL! Come on, this cooler is heavy.

Belle: Why not?

Jack: I'll explain later, come the @#$% on!

Belle: Look, she has a lot of beads.

Jack: Show your hooters and you'll get some beads too.

Belle: What?

Jack: That is how they get the beads.

Belle: In that case. I don't want any.

Jack: Good. Can you walk faster.

Belle: Wait a minute. Caught a cowboy this time.

Jack: Remind me NEVER to bring you here again.

To the cowboy: Sorry, Sir.

To me: Let him go, Rocky!

Belle: I'm having fun.

Jack: No, Babe, you aren't having fun, you are bombed. Maybe if I was bombed, I would be having fun too. Instead, I am dragging you and toting this heavy ass cooler...now,please...I'll do anything just come on!

Belle: Anything?

Jack: Yes. Just come on.

Belle: Untie me from this stupid thing.We look like 2 good'uns.

Jack: What kind of good'un will I look like walking around this track for 2 days trying to find you. Come on.

Belle: Jack.....

Jack: What?!

Belle: Those men have on beads.

Jack: So?

Belle: What did they show?

Jack: Come on!

Belle: (STOPPING) Jack.!!!! Jack....look.....over there look!

Jack: WHAT....!!!

Belle: That man over there....It's Joe Nameth. I want to touch him. Come on!

Jack: God help me! That isn't Joe Nameth.

Belle: Are you sure?

Jack: Yes, I'm sure. That isn't Joe Nameth and those guys by the van weren't Lynyrd Skynryd and no way in hell is Al Gore here at this race. I swear Rocky...PLEASE...come on.

Belle:He is so sexy. Don't you think he is sexy?

Jack: Who?

Belle: Joe Nameth.

Jack: Yeah. Joe Nameth is so hot he makes my blood boil, now COME ON!

(Just so happens a bunch of guys heard Jack's sexy Joe statement and started laughing...and so did I)

Jack: Less laughing, more walking....come on!

Belle: Jack.....

Jack: Why did you stop again?!

Belle: Jaaaaaaaaaacccccckkkkk......

Jack: Oh, no. Don't TELL ME.....

Belle: I have to pee....

He didn't speak to me for about 2 hours.

Later Ya'll...^Belle^

BEST OF FRIDAY FIVE:

11-Do you tend to make relationships complicated? Only when divorce is involved.-BAMAMAN



3- What is your secret weapon to lure in the opposite sex?

Now why in the HELL would I want to do that??? -BIGGIE T


14-Have you ever had the strange urge to pluck someone else's eyebrows because they looked so heinous?

No... I don't even pluck my own eyebrows and Belle stay away from me with those tweezers! It'll poke my eye out!-POLARB


2-Have you ever rode in an automobile naked?

*** Does "naked, except for handcuffs, a bonnet, and a garter belt" in the back of a state troopers interceptor count?-RANDY420


5-Do you lick envelopes or wipe a wet paper towel over them to get it to stick?

*** I just close em up with a dab of ear wax. -RANDY420


8-Favorite thing to have on your bed?

Sex-SYBIL


5-Tears are falling from your eyes, what’s the reason? I'm writing alimony check.-BAMAMAN


16-Where did the red fur end up?
I do believe last time I saw it it was hanging outta yer butt cheeks!! LOLOL-POLARB


10-"What becomes of the broken hearted....?
They get lawyers-BIGGIE T


4-Have you ever finished a Rubik's cube?

If you mean have I taken all the stickers off to complete it...then yeah.-POLARB


4-Have you ever finished a Rubik's cube?

Yes. I pulled it apart and put the pieces back in order.-KRISTIN


2-What do you have to do,before going to sleep?

Sex always works like magic-SYBIL


2-What do you have to do,before going to sleep? Brush teeth and get nekkid.-BAMAMAN


8-Have you ever had anything removed from your body? Had a wife removed from my ass does that count?-BAMAMAN


10-"What becomes of the broken hearted....? They ask for alimony.-BAMAMAN


15-Does anyone carry your photo in their wallet or billfold? The FBI
-BAMAMAN

BEST ANSWERS OF THE WEEK COME FROM WHIT AND BRY.


10-"What becomes of the broken-hearted....? They go out looking for something to mend it with and end up with Crazy Glue.-WHIT


10-"What becomes of the broken hearted....?
They sue for divorce-BRY

*FUNNY FARM*

MARINE CORPS

A marine and a sailor are in the bathroom. When they finish, the sailor says,"In the navy, they teach us to wash our hands," and the marine says," In the Marines, they teach us not to piss on our hands."

HOW DO YA DO THAT?

A blonde & a brunette got on a crowded elevator together,
and moved to the rear, behind a man in a dark suit.
Refering to the dandruff visible on the man's suit,
the brunette whispered to her friend that she should give him some Head & Shoulders.
A few seconds went by, then the blonde asked her friend:
"How do you give shoulders?"

****************

SHRIMP AND SPINACH ORZO

(This recipe was in the AJC and I had to try it. So good! If you don't like shrimp you can substitute thinly sliced chicken.I also did my own thing and added some fresh mushrooms)

1 1/2 cups orzo
2-3 large garlic cloves, minced
1 pound fresh spinach, stemmed and chopped
1 pound shrimp, peeled, deveined and patted dry
1 large lemon, halved.

Prepare orzo according to package directions, reserving 1/2 cup cooking liquid before draining.
Meanwhile, in a well oiled skillet, preferably nonstick, saute garlic until aromatic and softened.
. Add spinach a little at a time, tossing until spinach is cooked down. Remove spinach to a plate. ( I used my trusty old iron skillet, with a dab of olive oil)
In the same skillet, add shrimp and cook until just done, turning once or twice. Add the juice of half the lemon and stir to combine.
Gradually add orzo, stirring to mix.
Return spinach to pan and stir.
Season with salt, pepper and additional lemon juice, if desired.
If dry, add cooking liquid a little at a time until moistened.

Later Ya'll...^Belle^

It's Friday and you know what that means. Time for the Friday Five. This week with a School Days Twist. As always, answer any 5 or go pickled pigs feet freaky and answer them all. Ready....Have at it....

1-Have you kissed anyone other than family in the last week?

YES. CAN YOU GUESS WHO....?

2-What do you have to do,before going to sleep?

TAKE A SLEEPING PILL

3-How many, nieces/nephews do you have?

2 nieces, 1 step niece, 2 great nieces, 1 nephew, 2 step nephews, 1 great nephew, PLUS 2 NEPHEW IN LAWS....?

4-Have you ever finished a Rubik's cube?

I BUSTED ONE UP WITH A HAMMER. DOES THAT QUALIFY AS FINISHING IT?

5-When is the last time you went out of state?

TODAY

6- Do you like mornings?

ONLY IF I ENCOUNTER THEM VIA STAYING UP AFTER MIDNIGHT WITH THE YANKEE

7-Do you know anyone with the same first or middle name as you?

NOPE.

8-Have you ever had anything removed from your body?

YES. TONSILS AND 2 BABIES. OH YEAH, AND A BIG NEEDLE FROM MY ARM. DON'T ASK!

9-Have you ever swallowed a non food item by mistake?

BY MISTAKE.....NO.....

10-"What becomes of the broken hearted....?

THEY REGROUP AND BECOME STALKERS

11-3 things that are always in your fridge?

NAIL POLISH,COKE ZERO, SWEET TEA

12-Have you ever been in a cave?

YES

13-Have you ever made "whoopie" in a lake or ocean?

YES TO BOTH

14-Who is in the first or top photo in your wallet or billfold?

DADDY

15-Does anyone carry your photo in their wallet or billfold?

DADDY,SON,DAUGHTER

16-How many different schools did you attend?

3-ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, HIGH SCHOOL, BUSINESS COLLEGE

17-School colors?

ELEMENTARY-Blue and Gold, HIGH SCHOOL-Black and Red

18-School mascots?

ELEMENTARY-EAGLE, HIGH SCHOOL-TIGER

19-Where was "the" place to hang out and chill?

POP'S

20-Where was the best place to go "parking"?

SCENIC OVERLOOK GOING TO CHEAHA or EDUCATION STREET

Later Ya'll...

My heart is heavy, full of tears I have cried on the inside, choosing to keep them to myself. The last couple of days, I can only compare to living in an emotionally hostile combat zone. Not that I haven't been in this place before, I have, but this time, I am flying without my "wing man".

For almost 15 years, we have been friends. At one point, it was more than friends until things began getting complicated, then we went back to being friends. Looking back, that probably wasn't such a good idea, because I knew, his feelings weren't totally of a friendly nature and even though he never pushed, I knew he wanted to be much more than just friends.

In 2002, he was my rock. Our friendship changed and became deeper as I opened up to him about painful,private things in my past. Things I had NEVER shared with anyone else. He became my "go-to" person. The one I always turned to for advice, to feel safe, vent, and purge long deeply buried emotions.

Sometimes, all I needed was just to not feel so alone. Many times he kept me company over the phone until my fears passed. Sometimes all I had to do was send out a "CODE RED", and without fail he knew what to say and do. It didn't matter what time of the day or night. In fact, he was the only person I ever cashed in or felt at liberty to cash in the, "Call me anytime, day or night" card.

The past 18 months has been hard on him, and things took a turn about a month ago. He has betrayed my trust. Sharing things told to him confidence...things that were not his to share....doing so with the intent of hurting me personally and with the hopes of driving a wedge between me and the man I love.

That was the topic of conversation today in therapy, as I struggle to make sense of and define the way I am feeling.

Trusting someone that deeply, to open myself up and strip away all pretenses, wasn't an easy place for me to arrive at. But I did, and my private torments felt safe with him....."In the vault", we would always say. And now, the vault has been opened wide.

"Emotionally raped", is the term my therapist used, although I flinch at the word, I can see his point.

Tonight, I am feeling the same anxiety that drove me to pick up the phone or send out a "Code Red" over the internet.

In a way, it feels like someone very close to me has died.

My therapist says I have to "allow" and give myself, "permission" to grieve the loss.

It isn't just the loss of a friend, but the loss of trust and security as well.

Later Ya'll...^Belle^

Which Seinfeld Character Are You??? Jerry You are funny and well-liked. In fact, you can't stand the thought of a single person NOT liking you. You over think things sometimes, but are also a good friend. Even if you're friends walk all over youonce in awhile. Television-Movies Quizzes

What Bath & Body Works scent are you? Mango Mandarin Your scent is Mango Mandarin. You are a bad girl who is rebelious & different, & you need a scent to match that... something over-the-top & crazy, just like you. Beauty-Vanity Quizzes

What's Your Midnight Snack? Candy You're wild and crazy! You love to have a great time no matter what you're doing. You love to tap into your creative side and see what you can come up with---who knows, it could be something worthwhile or really eye-opening. All of your friends can depend on you because you're totally sweet. Food-Drink Quizzes

For the record, my favorite midnight or anytime snack is THE YANKEE....

Also....if anyone gives a rip....He and I both got the same results on all 3 quizzes posted on Monday....Are we a match made in Horndog Heaven or what....

Later Ya'll...