I have tried twice to write this thing and every time I hit a wrong key and delete the whole thing. Maybe the third time is a charm. Anyway, I had an absolute blast in Dega and would love to go back again. Now for the weekend! Most of this will be devoted to Friday night at the Montana Saloon and Grill.

Thank the Good Lord and all that's holy that I emailed RGM to find out where Robby was going to be appearing! On that note we arrived at the above mentioned spot and basically settled in for the evening. Yes, I was drinking Jim Beam Black, but the really sad thing is that there were so few real Robby supporters in the crowd. Most people probably didn't even know who he was, but I digress.

The evening began to get interesting when the show car arrived and was unloaded. We wandered over and checked it out and took some pics just to get in the mood. Robby finally arrived (when is he not late?) and even he checked out the car. He even went so far as to lift the hood and check things out. I fully expected him to pull out a wrench and do some tinkering.

It seemed like everyone wanted a pic with Robby and the car and I finally decided that I would like to do that as well. Gibby was my photographer (I'll post pics tiomorrow) and she got a pretty nice shot of the two of us. Nothing must to but I had to talk to him about his car for the weekend. It went something like this:

Me: "So, Robby, tell me about your car."
RG: "It's good."
Me: Yeah, I know you were on top in first practice, but in second practice you went way down. What's up with that?"
RG: "It's where we're going to qualify."
Me: "Well, you don't qualify very well...."
RG " That true, but it will be OK."

We waited while they got organized, and then got in the back of the line. Sarah had a bit of a disagreement with Robby and I was killing myself laughing behind her. Now it was my turn and I just kept on talking to him.

Me: "Robby, I have something for you."
RG: "Is it a good luck charm?"
Me: "Yes. it is, and you have to carry it."

...and there's more

Me: "Why isn't your souvenier trailer here?" (I just couldn't resist opening that can of worms)
RG: "Well, there's a problem with licensing with CFS and Monster and Monster got into trouble. But it will be back out in Charlotte."
Me: " That doesn't help me at all."
At that point he just kind of shrugged and looked apologetic.

...and I was just on a roll.

There are times when the devil half of my brain teams up with my mouth and gets me into all kinds of hell and mischief. The following exchange is one of those times.

Me:"Robby, I want a hug!"
RG: "You do?????"
Me: "Yup, I do!"
The rational half of my brain is now screaming inside my head WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING? I have no doubt he was surprised but he rolled with it, and reached out and we shared a hug. Now, ladies, in case you're wondering, he hugs much like he shakes hands - firmly! At this point rationality regained control and I offered my best wishes for Sunday and thanked him.

And yes, it was pretty cool!

Now, about the show car. Understand that I have not even begun to stop causing mischief because it is what I am good at. I had it in mind that I really wanted one of the big banners and one of the larger pictures of Robby and the Jim Beam emblem, etc. One of these pics was on the wall behind us and the banner was on the front of the porch. I handed my hubby a knife and said, "See if you can get the staples out of this thing. He had them all out but ONE and a Jim Beam guy said. "Ma'am, you can't take those down." I said "but I want it and I want Robby to sign it." He said, "you can't take them until we leave, but I'll tell you what...since you and your friends are walking billboards for Jim Beam and Robby Gordon I'll arrange it so you and your husband can have rides in the car." But you can't tell anyone." Oh yeah, baby! My hubby had his ride first and came back beaming. I had mine a little while later and it was just the coolest thing.

And yes, I am an unrepentant thief when it comes to Robby swag and I have in my possession both the large banner and the picture. The poor things had no idea who they were messing with.