Texas Motor Speedway

Last night we went to the grand opening of a Cavenders (country western clothing) store. Ron Hornaday was there signing stuff. We also entered a drawing and won VIP passes to Sunday's race as well as the store owner gave us VIP hospitality passes for Friday. What fun. We enjoyed talking to Hornaday. Last week he was in a truck wreck where he flipped over and landed upside down. Roy was at the race (I was flying back to Talledega). We do wear our Boise State stuff often (and get lots of comments!)

Today we went to a COPD fair at the Forth Worth Stockyards and Danica Patrick was there. You can sort of see me with Danica as she signed my GoDaddy hat. Roy got so excited, he cut off the top of my head (was he looking at me or Danica????) Ha Ha. Having fun. Thanks for the comment Sharon - - at least I know someone reads these!

Texas and Rain, Rain, Rain

Spent the night in West Monroe, LA and then drove to Ft. Worth, Texas. Rained all night, all afternoon and is currently raining. We are parked in the grassy acres outside the racetrack. We are hoping we don't wake up to a lake tomorrow. Hopefully RVs float??? Races are Thursday - Sunday. Last time we were here, the track church was quite big and it was fun to run into some NNU parents during church. Forecast says sunshine on Thursday to Saturday so we are looking forward to Sun Sun Sun. Looking forward to some R & R the next couple of days.
Miss ya all (is anyone reading this - - a comment would be very welcome!!)

On our way to Texas

On Wednesday, Roy and I flew from Atlanta to San Diego. We went to Joan's rosary and vigil. Roy's brother Don talked about her life as a kid and Steve (her husband) talked about her life as a wife, mother and shared some of her last moments. Thursday was her funeral mass and afterward a dinner. Many people came by and expressed how loving Joan had been (especially people in her support group). We cried in sadness but also rejoiced in the life of a wonderful loving woman who touched many with her kindness and faith. I know she is resting with her savior and no longer in pain and suffering.

Roy flew back to Atlanta and drove back to Talladega. He spent Saturday at the truck race.
I flew to Boise and went to my nephew's wedding in Boise, then flew to Talladega on Saturday. Was wonderful to hug Aaron and Rachael!

Seems like all we've done is be on planes!

Sunday, after track church, we went to THE RACE. This is our favorite race, where speeds can go over 200 miles per hr. when they bump draft. Exciting race and again Earnhardt led laps. Unfortunately, he and Burton got tangled in a wreck and so he didn't finish very well. We are so happy to see him running up front though. Looking forward to Texas races.

We are currently in West Monroe, Lousiana - - will arrive at the Texas track tomorrow afternoon and will camp there until next Monday.

Martinsville/Talladega

We enjoyed the Martinsville races. The track is the smallest track on the 36 race circuit and built right next to a railroad track. During the sprint race (which Earnhart led 90 of the 500 laps!!!!!), the train went by slowly (you think the engineer wanted to watch a little of the race?).
We have moved on to Talladega, AL after spending the night in Atlanta, GA. Tomorrow Roy and I are flying to San Diego for Joan's funeral (Roy's sister). She fought a long battle against breast and lung cancer. This last month has been hard and God called her home. We will miss her!

Roy is back!

Roy spent 4 days in San Diego with his sister, who is under hospice care. All his sisters and brothers were there. I stayed with the dogs and RV in Virginia. It seemed like a long time but important time for Roy to be with family. Joan is still in hospice care, but heavily medicated. The cancer has spread from breast, to lungs, to bones. They have discontinued chemo and radiation as she is too weak to continue. Just continue to pray. We will head towards Talladega, AL on Monday after this weekends Truck and Sprint Cup race. Lord, please give strength to all the Stringer/Kapicka family during this tough time. Amen.

Martinsville, Virginia

Since I last wrote, we've done a lot of traveling. On the 9th we drove to south of Boston (Middleboro). (The picture is of me with my lobster!)We went out to Cape Cod (where the rich live!) and walked our dogs on the beach. On Sunday we visited a small church of the Nazarene in Lakeview. On Monday we drove to Richmond Virginia (got stuck in traffic near NYC, Baltimore AND Washington DC so it took forever!). When we got up in Richmond, we couldn't get the jacks up in the RV. Waited all day for a repairman, who finally got the jacks up so we could travel (after multiple phone calls to Winnebego). On the 13th we arrived at the Klondike campground, where we have a lot of friends, for camping at the racetrack. Wed night we went to a dirt track race. Friday we attended a track Bible study, then watched the NASCAR Chef cook (picture of chef at left with Chris) in front of one of the RVs in our campground (we'll be in the background when it airs before the Texas race). We went to an autograph session at the racetrack that had about 20 nationwide driver's, incuding Joe Nemechek and Brian Scott (local Boise boy). On Saturday, we went to a church service at the track and in the evening went to the Sprint Cup race. Sunday we drove to Martinsville. Today (Monday the 18th), I drove Roy to Roanoke VG. He's flying to San Diego until Friday to be with his sister Joan, who has agressive cancer. Please pray for her.

Back in the USA

Today we crossed the border. They walked through our RV and made us open our car carrier but that's about all. Took about 15-20 minutes. Said they were looking for hiding people. We are now in Saco, Maine for the night. Going to Boston for Lobster tomorrow night! We will stay Sat and Sun in Boston then start towards Charlotte NC Should arrive in NC on Tuesday. NASCAR races on Friday and Saturday. Good to be home and have signs in English rather than French.