I guess I am getting old and maudling as I start my second century. 'Back in the day' I did all the high stress, chasing the almighty dollar stuff, lived in the suburbs and drove a commuter car. As a matter of fact, I carried a gun every day to work for the last five years I was involved with the trucking industry. I just shake my head when I look back at how crazy it was. Oh, I had a wife back then too who didn't make the transition to Phase 2. Bad for her.

Thanks to Kevin, I sold a car to Al Fernandez ( CMC#5) back in January. 90 days later , the deal is about to be completed. The deal was pretty unconventional and not without logistic challenges. So what does this have to do with the secret of life?

I would have rather done this off the wall deal with Al than sell the car to my next door neighbor for cash. It was fun and interesting and I made a new friend along the way. Being self employed now, I have gotten real particular about the company I keep. Like as not, when someone comes across as rude and obnoxious I just hope the door hits 'em in the ass on the way out. This deal was not about whose bank account was bigger or who could take advantage of the other or who could nitpick and gripe bigger - it was just good business. Al was honest, punctual, respectful and willing to trust me just as I placed my trust in him. Rare commodities in this day and time. The secret of life is making your friends and family the most important thing in your life --- and them making sure you enjoy every minute you can with them.

So here ya go Al -- A well deserved thumbs up!


Andy

Indeed, there is more than one way to drive down the road of life. Sounds like you are doing it the way that keeps you young.

Excellent Andy. I'm glad to hear that you got it all worked out. Al has been a real asset to this board and I appreciate his efforts and time to help make this fun for all of us. And, I hear he's a great guy.... One of these days I'll get out west to meet Jules, Randy, Al and the crew. (Don't worry, I'm hoping to swing through Texas one of these days as well).

Of course, I still think this place has the best staff on the 'net.

How do the new toys shoot? (Speaking of which, I still need to get my H&K rifle to the range and break it in).

Kevin,

You are absolutely correct on everything you posted. Fly into DFW and I will treat you to Beer and Brisket. Better yet, I can probably find a car to loan you for a few days to make your rounds. If you flew in today, you could pick from a 77 Vette, 93 Cobra, 96 T/A or 87 IROC. The ORR car isn't *quite* street legal but if you want to live on the edge a little..........

The firearms are better than I expected -- 'nuff said.

Andy

Very nice. Brisket, beer and some range time in Texas. Sounds like fun for all!

If I didn't already have most of my vacation tied up for a trip to Canada (and other places) to see Eugenio and Montreal, I'd work it into my schedule (and I might still).

Come on down. I won't tell anybody you are a yankee.

I crew chief for Brion from Dark Horse Racing. Brion is from Texas, born and raised. Anyway, I went to Road Atlanta to crew for him and took a good friend of mine (both from Ohio...). We drove all night, arrived at the track and hopped out of the car. Brion introduces us to some guys from work who had come to help out, I shook hands and said "Hello, nice to meet you guys". Everyone just stopped dead. I could almost hear it in the air "Who let the Yankees in here????". I got a pretty good chuckle out of that one, but it's a moment I'll always remember.

It may be a hard secret to keep.

The secret is to keep your mouth shut until everyone has had at least 4 beers.

Now you tell me.

Brisket and homebrew will be taken care of ...

I'll eat brisket only if you eat Thai food when you come out here!

Works for me. I'll have both!

Not a prob, Jules.

You obviously have never seen a pic of me. Food does not scare me.

I guess food does not scare Kevin either!

Nope, no danger there. I'm guessing that Mitch and I could put a pretty good hurtin' on a buffet.

.....and, they might have a hard time finding guys large enough to escort us out.

I doubt I'll ever have much of an issue making post race weight.

Count me in I love Thai food too.

I'm down for some Thai! And I've never turned my nose up at good BBQ either... although I don't know if Texas can match the fine pulled pork produced by north Alabama and Tennessee... Home always is where the stomach is, and now that the picky eater is no longer around, I don't have to care!

I like Al too!

Can I get some beef n' beer?!?!

Garrett,

I am originally from East TN --been out here in TX for about 12 years. When I first got here, brisket was foreign and I made the mistake of ordering 'pork' barbecue. I got a slice of ham.

Over the years, I have come to appreciate a good smoked brisket but feel it is my duty to educate the Texicans on the merits of pork barbecue. I have always put a pork shoulder on the smoker along with the brisket. The last big hurrah we had in February that coincided with the Daytona 500, the pork disappeared first. I am making some inroads.

Interesting note -- when the folks from AL,GA,TN and the Carolinas settled Texas in the 1800's, most of their stock succumbed to the severe climate. The hogs could not stand the heat. So the reason their is no pork barbecue is because they had no hogs -- and that stands to this day.

Andy

Wow...goes to show how long its been since I was on here...here's this great thread and I missed it for like two weeks!

Everyone I explained our deal to thought I was completely nuts...but not only did it work out, I think it was a great win for both sides....and it makes a great story now

Its a two way street Andy, so thanks to you for the same traits.

Are you sure you've got the right Al???
Is this the same Al we know in CMC???

hahahaha

Just kidding...glad the deal worked out and I'm glad I got to have a beer or 7 with my old buddy in Texas because of it!!!

-=- Todd "I was just leaving" Covini

Andy, check out Smokeys Column at the following website http://www.barbecuen.com/
Specifically "Building a better briskit". His writing is great because he mixes in a little history as he cooks.
Enjoy,

jeffburch
CMC#3

Dang it Al,

I sent you a message several weeks ago that I won the lottery and wanted to split it with ya. You didn't get that one either????

Andy