[AndyJ]

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! (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/2thumbs.gif)


Andy

[Pilot]

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!

[AndyJ]

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!

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