LAKE POWELL BALLOONS AND BASS

It was our first trip to see the Lake Powell Balloon Festival. Probably thirty five balloons in the air. The best part was the balloon glow on Lake Powell Blvd. on Sat. night. All the balloons lined up down the blvd. and lit up. Cool event. The balloons in the morning are kind of a let down though because they don't launch in the same place. They launch all over town. Stupid idea. Anyway the fishing was ok. Caught quite a few on Friday, not so many on Sat. Found a boat for Kevin to buy, but it was knot for sail. And yes kids the castle still stands.

HALLOWEEN

The little Grandkid trick or treaters came by last night and did they look GREAT. Loved the little Jesse's and our Hippie was sooo cute. They got joined by Monet the Samba Girl and her Grandma Becky and let's not forget Lady Gaga or GaGa or GAAGA or whatever the hell a Lady GAGA is.

BULTACO RIDES AGAIN

Took the Born again Bultaco out to the top secret Little Moab test facility yesterday for some hot laps. Unbelievable, runs better than ever. What a BALL. Now I just need to learn to ride. I pretty much suck but had a blast, and it will come. Just takes some practice. I still can't believe that I even have it. Thanks again, Al and Annie.

VALENTINO ROSSI WORLD CHAMPION

Valentino won his 9th World Championship yesterday! He is certainly the Greatest of All Time in motorcycle road racing and what makes it even better is his personality. He always keeps it fun and lighthearted. After winning he was carrying around a rooster wearing a helmet with a big number 9 on a giant egg on his shirt. Don't know what the egg/rooster significance was but I am sure it meant something to him. What a Champion. And congratulations to Ben Spies for winning the World Superbike championship in his first attempt.

BULTACO REDUEX DUEX

Well many months have gone by since we had a seizure. Therapy complete, and it started on the FIRST kick. Well, really the second kick, but the first one was wimpy. Ran great, shifted great. Nice to have it back running again. Thanks to Roy for helping with all the technical stuff. Could not have done it without him. And once again thanks to Big Al and Annie Pulham for old 661. I love it.

LOVETT AND HIATT

Shannon and I went to Kingsbury last night to see Lyle Lovett and John Hiatt on stage together. What a show. Funny! Lovett killed me. He said he was called a folksinger for a long time. He said a folksinger was really anybody that couldn't afford a band. Then he said we weren't going to hear any " If I had a Hammer or Lips Sweeter than Wine tonight". His songs were great, Fat Babies, One Eyed Fiona, and his infidelity song, Keep It In Your Pantry. First time I have seen him live, what a talent and voice plus he rides motocross and has an MV Agusta. He could hang out here. And John Hiatt needs no introduction here. He recently made my Hall of Fame. He played so many of my favorites it was unbelievable and wailed on the acoustic guitar. It is bittersweet hearing someone play like that. Damn I wish I could play like him. Practice, practice, practice. Great night!!!

KEVIN VAN DAM THE BASSMASTER

Watched my DVRed recording of the Angler of the Year finals and guess who won again. KEVIN VAN DAM my own personal Bass Hero. He is now a 5 time Angler of the Year. And he does it with style and class. Seems like alot of the other top anglers have started resorting to phony post-catch screaming tantrums in order to cop a camera shot. It really seems contrived and is getting really old. KVD lets his rod and reel do the talking and is always the man to beat. If I ever find a magic bottle with a genie in it I am going to wish for a day on the lake with KVD. GREAT JOB KEVIN. I HOPE YOU WIN 5 MORE.