Yesterday was Carrie's birthday.
Most of you know who she is but for those of you who don't, she was Madison's caregiver since birth up until the beginning of this year when we decided to put her in pre-school.

Of course this little monkey was the first one to run up and yell HAPPY BIRTHDAY and give her a big ol' hug and a kiss. She loves her some Carrie and still goes to spend the night once in awhile with her.

My other half Stacy. I love this picture of him. Even if he IS wearing that K*yle Busch hat. *snort* This guy is one in a million. He takes good care of me and Maddie and does for everyone. Plus he's sexy and funny. An unbeatable combo in my book!

Here's the birthday girl herself cheesin'! Yes Katie that is a Vera Bradley bag, the Raspberry Fizz pattern. Us southern girls DO love our Vera!

This is her cake from the Coldstone Creamery. It was a devils food with peanut butter cups on top. Pretty good (although chocolate cake is not MY personal fave.) I don't think Coldstone can make a bad cake!

Carrie and Madison. I love them so!

Brittany, Carrie's daughter. She is the sweetest child and will do anything you ask of her. She's Madison's special buddy also. They are just like sisters and yes they even fight like sisters sometimes :)

Here is my eldest sister - the one who cleaned my house for me last week. Words can't express how much she means to me. She has done for me and taken care of me my whole life and I love her so much.

Here is my Momma, my best friend (next to Stacy), I can count on her for anything and know she is on my side all the way. She instilled my love of books and reading at a very early age. She has battled breast cancer twice and won. She is my hero.

Here is my Daddy. He is the smartest man I know and fair to a fault. I get my stubborness and my solid work ethics and morals from him. He has set a wonderful example and is the rock of our family.

That sums up our little celebration. I think Carrie had a very nice day. She wasn't surprised, ahem, because Brittany let the cat out of the bag but what can you expect from an eight year old. LOL

I posted on Friday about a big brouhaha about a school in Irmo,SC who is divided about some kids wanting to form a Gay/Straight Alliance.

In responding to my comments (which were all good ones BTW) I got a bit "wordy" and decided I wanted to post further.

I remember in high school and even as far back as middle school recognizing some kids I thought were gay (and i'm pretty sure turned out to be).
It was never an issue for me. One girl who played softball with me told me she had a crush on me and I told her I was very flattered but unfortunately only boys interested me in a romantic way.

We were still friends, still hung out together, still had sleep-overs just like we always had.
Some of the other girls in school went on a campaign against this particular girl and came to me hoping to do some shit-stirring I guess.
They were all "Oooh did you know so-and-so is gay? We heard she is. You still stay over at her house and let her stay at yours? Oooh - do you sleep in the same bed? Gross!" that type of thing.

I told them in no uncertain terms that I didn't "know" if she was gay (Okay I lied but it sure wasn't MY place to confirm and Out this girl to those bitches) and they should grow up and stop acting so babyish and stupid. I said she was a really cool girl, an awesome ballplayer and a LOT of fun to be with. I really made them feel like bugs under the microscope and i'd like to think helped in the end of their campaign against this girl. Things did die down after that.

I still remember though, her coming to me and crying and thanking me for being her friend. I felt so uncomfortable because to me, it just wasn't that big of a deal. I was doing what I felt was RIGHT.

I also want to give a shout out to a boy who lived in my neighborhood and rode the same school bus named Tim Moon. Tim, if by some one-in-a-million chance you ever read this please know that I always, always took up for you and I beat up Bryan Bass when he called you a Faggot on the bus one time too many. Yes I did, punched him right in the face and jumped on top of him and beat the tar out of him. Tim had already gotten off the bus and although I tried to be friendly to him and we would exchange smiles we never really TALKED, but you could sure tell someone beat up Bryan for about a week afterward til' his boo-boos faded (snicker). The bus driver (whose name I recall was Ronald) never turned me in either bless his heart.

You moved away soon after that incident and I always hoped you ended up happy. You took so much shit from the little turds in our neighborhood. I am so sorry.

There was a to-do in our capital city of Columbia,SC yesterday regarding a proposed gay/straight club in a local school.

I sent the following comment to our State newspaper:
"As the parent of a child who I don't yet know will grow up to be gay or straight (she's three) I definitely support such a club. I believe God loves all of his children and we should be preaching acceptance not rejection. There is too much hate and negativity in this world as it is. I would love it if the South would shed some of it's backwoods narrow-minded reputation in favor of open-mindedness and tolerance."
I posted my full name, would have gladly posted my address and telephone number too.

I am never ashamed of what I have to say and anyone who knows me definitely knows I support gay rights. I am striving to instill those values in my child and never pass up a chance to pass on the message to anyone else either regardless of age/sex/creed/religion etc.

Some of my family members are very close-minded and my open-mindedness disturbs them (as their close-mindedness disturbs me). They love to try and bait me and argue but I am a pretty smart cookie and can usually get over. I love to see the steam coming out of their ears when I hand them a little bit of rope and let them hang themselves.
Happens every time so far.

You see I am a FIRM believer in "wrong never truly wins".
Maybe a small battle but never a war, my friends, never a war.

I just hope the kids in Irmo win the right to have their gay/straight alliance.

Okay I know my co-workers are nosey concerned but their nosiness concern is getting a bit old. Because I am getting sick and tired of the not-so-subtle sneak peeks, the outright stares, - the questions on why I have my ear in a big ol' white nut cup, I will let you pick what excuse I will give tomorrow when asked:

1) Got shot in a drive-by shooting

2) A shark snapped it up while I was swimming at Myrtle Beach

3) The ghost of Leonardo Da Vinci attacked me last week

4) I donated it to little deaf kids in a Thirld World Country

5) Madison took my ear to school for a science experiment

6) Stacy bit it off during hot wild monkey sex

Vote dear Blogreaders! My sanity just might depend on it!

I am so down and frustrated tonight about my ear. Ugh. Just sick of it. I am going to try and figure out a way to wash my nasty nasty hair tomorrow. It just HURTS all the time and itches, which means it's healing but Arrgh...
Okay pity part of one - OVER.
This little guy is sitting here begging me with his eyes to get off the computer and play with him for crying out loud! When sister goes to bed it is our time to play fetch and me baby him. He makes me smile. He is the best dog. Me, Stac & Maddie are so lucky to have him in our lives. He may be little but he's five pounds of pure heart. (and yes I know he needs groomed - badly but he gets a bath every week and has no fleas I swear!)

She can run a front-end loader... in pigtails no less. She's a rockstar like her Mamma who used to tear down Transmissions for a living. Rawwrrr....

What odd job did you have that would surprise me? Feel free to make something up (*cough*Grant*cough*) OR if you would rather just tell me what the coolest job you could ever do would entail.

Well I know it's only been a few days but my lord do I have some catching up to do!

It was a rougher surgery than last time as I said before. Still alot of drainage that I didn't have before.
He found a tumor the size of a pearl and he said in two months time we would have been right back where we started. What we do now, I don't know.
I was in no shape to really discuss it when he called to check on me last Thursday night but I go back on June 4th to have the inner ear packing taken out.
I have rested until I can rest no more!
Stacy has taken excellent care of me and Madison too and God Bless my sister "K" who cleaned my house from top to bottom on Friday even steam cleaning the carpets. Nothing soothes the soul like knowing your house is clean.
I am back at work but it should be a quiet week with the boss not back until Thurs/Fri and then if I can get through next week I am on vacay to Oak Island, NC for a week. My toes will be in the sand. I bought a few cute sundresses including a flowered terry short one that feels very seventies!
Anyway i'll be able to get caught up on reading blogs today as no one is around to really bother me I HOPE.
Thanks again for checking up on me and all of the good well wishes and comments. VERY much appreciated. It's nice to be liked!

Stacy snuck in and took a few pics of me sleeping ... attractive I know but I really couldn't care less.

This has been harder this time. More bleeding from the incision, I don't do well with blood either. Ack.

Anyway hopefully i'll get caught up on the blog reading soon. Thanks for all of the well-wishes and for checking up on me.

Stacy, Maddie & My big sis have taken excellent care of me. Time to go lay back down. I did want to give an update though.

Hugs and have a wonderful Memorial Day Week-End.

Many thanks for the veterans who gave of themselves to fight for the freedoms we enjoy every single day. Don't ever take it for granted!

Well I may be back online Friday depending on how I feel. Y'all know me - I can bounce back pretty quick!
Thanks for all the get well wishes and good thoughts. I really appreciate it!
I'll be going to the hospital early in the a.m. hence the writing the night before :)
I might have to go have another cookie because I can't eat or drink after midnight (something I HATE but who doesn't?).
Happy Thursday All!

From Loving Annie three dozen Toll House Cookies. OMG words fail me to tell you how good these cookies are.
I caught Madison climbing on the counter trying to sneak one after we both ate one and I told her to leave them alone until her Daddy got home.
They are "risk-a-spanking good" LOL (for the record I would NOT spank her over that!).
Thank you so much you sweet, wonderful, thoughtful, kind lady.
I have learned so much about the human spirit and grown through reading your blog.
I will miss you and hope that you reconsider and decide to start blogging again when the time is right for you.
Again thank you for your random act of kindness. It will never be forgotten!

Indulge me while I post a few more pics - my SIL Buffy took tons of them. The lighting was weird but that's the way it was on the stage and I couldn't crop them...

Here is Maddie and Daddy - Thank Heaven For Little Girl's!

If you look toward the bottom you can just glimpse her roses..

Performing "Genevieve The Giraffe" - it was the CUTEST!

For Little Girls Grow Up And Go Away........

"There are many things that children have to know...." from("This Is My Left Foot")

Entering Stage Right.......

Anxiously awaiting her debut! (see the concentration on her face!) She was SERIOUS!

"Jeremiah was a Bullfrog" (sang VERY loudly!) LOL

"Singing Joy To The World!"

"I Wanna put on my~my~my~my~my Boogie Shoes!"

"and Boogie with You"!

Madison and her partner-in-crime Kaitlyn

Madison is the only three year old in her class and she was two when she started and two when she first danced in public at the Sweet Potato Festival. I think she has done remarkably well. Miss Patsy's babies have already been booked to perform at the Catfish Festival next November in Society Hill, SC. Don't you just love these southern festivals LOL I sure do~! They had the Pine Straw Festival in Patrick, SC last Saturday but we, of course could not go.

Here we are before her last number, she looks devilish! I look frazzled LOL

She wore this outfit when they performed "Hot Hot Hot" at the end.

Clowning around before the show began~

Maddie had her first official dance recital on Saturday.
She did GREAT. Here is a list of her numbers: The opening was "Thank Heaven For Little Girls" which was with her Daddy.

He did so good too except for about sweating to death partly from nervousness and partly because a transformer blew and the a/c wasn't working. Yeah. So anyway... the proceeding numbers were:
"Left Foot, Right Foot", "Genevieve The Giraffe" (which I had never even seen or was aware of and it was DARLING), "This Is The Way We Learn Ballet", "Boogie Shoes", "Joy To The World (Jeremiah Was A Bullfrog)" and they ended up with "Hot,Hot,Hot" shaking their little maracas.

I have to say Madison pretty much stole the show. So many people made comments to me or I heard them talking about the "littlest one on the end". She really put alot into her performances and I could see so much improvement from the Sweet Potato Festival last October.

I really felt sorry for the parents whose child or children wouldn't do a thing, and it happened unfortunately.

Madison said she wanted to take the Summer session so we start up again on June 5th.

Oh and my oldest sister whom Maddie calls "MeMaw" presented her with roses. It was definitely a kodak moment. So special! *sigh*

In between the Race Madness we attended my great niece Hannah's sixth birthday party Saturday morning. It was at a place called "The Barn"

They fished, Madison caught the biggest one! She also ran when she pulled it out of the water and it swung towards her. That's my girl! LOL

I just thought this was really cute photo op. Each child had their picture taken. The party was really nice, the cake was yummy, they did the gift bags etc. If you don't care to fish the kids can take pony rides and do a working farm tour.

Yep this is STACY coming over that hill driving that big ol' Dodge! He said it was literally straight up and straight down!

If you look closely you can see his outline it was really hard to take pics with the sun so bright. I drove the Dodge Charger around the obstacle course and of course had the camera WITH me so no pics of that. OMG can I say I want one even MORE now? Please Fairy Godmother if you read my blog, send me a Dodge Charger. Even a used one. Any color! Pink would be hottest!

Dale Earnhardt Jr. when he was being interviewed on SPEED Channel. Too bad he wasn't facing the crowd but I got a pretty good pic.

That is DW (Darrell Waltrip) beside Dale Jr. He is a retired driver, quite popular in his day but not by My Dad *snicker* Long story - i'll share it one day.

Here is little Missy dressed up in her finery from the racetrack that we brought back for her. Diggin' the Dodge Racing Bandana she's wearing!

Note the multiple layers of pink "Dodge Girl Racing" beads LOL Madison does NOT subscribe to the "less is more" rule but she will one day (I hope).

All in all it was a nice week-end and I look forward to it next year!

I want to pay tribute to my Mother In Law, "Miss Hazel". She raised a wonderful son who grew up to be my husband and my child's father.
No, we don't always see eye to eye. We are two VERY different people. She is a perfectionist and a control freak. She knows this however and tries to work on it. She has a heart of gold and her family means everything to her. She lives for my little girl whom she calls "Princess". Honestly I don't think i've heard her call her "Madison" or "Maddie" half a dozen times in her whole life! To her grandchildren she is "Ma".
She is a person I know I can be myself and be completely honest with and knows I expect the same from her. A few weeks ago Madison and I went down and spent the week-end with her and that was one of the best week-ends I have ever had.
P.S. Does auto publish work for anyone else? It sure doesn't work for me!

I'm writing this ahead of time because I won't be at work on Friday. I have to go to "Muffins For Mom" at Madison's school from 7:30-8:30 and i'm excited about that. She is too!

Then Stacy and I have some errands to run and we are going out to the Track to walk around and visit the exhibits (they have racecar simulators, a game similar to Plinko on Price is Right, just lots of neat stuff and freebies) and I plan on going by a certain drivers Souvenier Trailer and getting a shirt. Ryan knows who and some of the rest of you may also (Cheeky).

I will TRY and remember to charge up my camera and take it. I'm sure the FUG will be running rampant. Always lots of FUG and drunks at a Nascar Track. I have to admit that. I've been to enough! Anyway y'all be good and I will try to put up a post on Mothers Day also. Try. I know we are going to the Lake on Sunday after Church so i'm looking forward to that too. Lots of good stuff!

That sound is my heart when I see THIS guy's photo!
Manblogger, significant other of Disgruntled Daisy sent me a bunch of pics of "Brett after retirement".
This one really caught my eye. *sigh* I was just thinking football training will start up soon. It just won't be the same watching the Packers without my boy leading them. *sigh*

I had to leave work at 11:00 yesterday to go pick Mad up. She had two nosebleeds.
I got some "Little Noses" to put in her nose every morning and that should do the trick. She does have allergies. We run a humidifier in her room at night also.

After we got home she and I got in her Daddy's chair (his has a better view of the TV - mine sits under a reading lamp) and before I knew it we both fell asleep AND she peed all over me. Oh well none got in Daddy's chair. Guess that will teach me to let her lay on me with a sippy cup in hand *groan*

I'd like to welcome a new member to my BlogrollPink Owl I have also sorrowfully deleted a few who have either stopped blogging or haven't updated in over a month or more.

Instead of having it at a restaurant on Saturday cos' she had to go to Clemson with her sis-in-law we had it at my niece's house last night. Here are me & Madison. It was SO nasty and stormy and rained buckets but everyone came anyway.

Here are me and my goofy nephew. OMG I laughed so much last night. He is crazy and funny as heck. He is not "good with kids" (he SAYS he's not but he is) and I keep threatening to drop Madison off on his doorstep with a bag. He claims he'll call her a cab but I don't believe it!

I really think my Sis had a wonderful birthday. She got alot of nice gifts as well as some nice Red Hat Club gifts!

My parents are having to have their cat Sam put to sleep today. He has tumors that have started bleeding and it just seems like it is best for him. They are heartbroken. I am so sad for them. It's so hard to lose a beloved pet. Sam was one of the meanest cats I have ever known and he was treated like a king but that was just his nature. He was a rescue, so small when he came to them that he could slip underneath the doors. Now THAT is tiny! He had a good life and was well-loved. Wouldn't it be wonderful if everyone (animal and human) could say that? Peace.

Is it really Monday again? Really? Blech.
I have to talk to Boss about something I wish I didn't have to... but I do.

I did get some things organized clothing wise but not as much as I would have liked to. I tell myself "baby steps.... baby steps".

This is "race week" here in Darlington as they will be running the Dodge Challenger 500 this Saturday but actually the fun runs just about all week:
*Starting with "A Taste of Darlington" on Tuesday (which I just might get to go to this year finally if I can get a babysitter as it is an adults only thing),

*Wednesday they are having a Car Hauler Parade which is alot of fun

*Thursday racing at FMS but we will be at dance class and Stacy & Madison will have their first practice together before the recital!

*Friday is the day we usually go over and walk around at the Track looking at all of the fun vendor stuff they have and buying souveniers. They run the Busch Race that night I'm off Friday and that morning 7:30-8:30 a.m. I have "muffins for Mom" at Maddie's school. I can't wait!

*Saturday Night the "Big Race."

I am really hoping Ryan will be able to make it and give me my great big hug he has promised me!

Gee just writing all this has cheered me up and chased away those Monday Blahs. Off to see how all of YOUR week-ends went. Hope it was a GREAT one!

Okay y'all got a good peep of the one with the parasol but I had my sister re-scan the other two. Here (rightside up) is the boa one in her jazz skirt.

This is the one I didn't show you before.
I am having it made into an 11x17 and framed and hung in our livingroom alongside the ones Katie took last summer at the Isle Of Palms.
I love them all but this is my favorite.
We did take her to the beauty salon to have her hair done but NO make up. I don't believe in that. Doesn't my sweet babygirl look GROWN!

Sorry to bore you with more pictures - these were the only three poses I promise!

I stole this from the adorable.Jessica,who stole it from Miss Ash who stole it from..... I Forget...
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My roommate and I once: were shot at in Charlotte, NC.

Never in my life have I: did drugs (including marijauna)

High school was: A wonderful time in my life.

When I am nervous I: get very quiet.

My hair is: Dark brown and Long.

When I was 5: I thought I had the world on a string!

By this time next year: I hope to have visited Minnesota and maybe Louisiana and Texas.

I have a hard time understanding: People who are bigots, racists and haters.

You know I like you if: I talk to you. If I don't like you I ignore you. You are not on my radar. You simply do not exist.

My ideal breakfast is: Scrambled eggs & fried potatoes in a sandwich form on buttered toast cooked by my darling husband.

If you visit my hometown: You would probably be watching the Little League World Series!

If you spend the night at my house: We would probably sit around talking all night.

My favorite blonde is: My SIL Buffy

My favorite brunette is: My husband Stacy

The animal I would like to see flying is: Pigs.

I shouldn’t: Swear so much.

Last night I: Went to bed early because my blood pressure was up.

If I could have any car it would be: a Dodge Charger!

I’ve been told I look like: Stacy's friend Terry's wife, Amanda

Okay sorry these are not better! She has on her jazz skirt!
My sister is re-scanning the 5x7 of this one.

Isn't she sassy!!! I love it! She likes the tutu better (of course)

The third pose not pictured is the one i'm going to have made into an 11x17 and framed in my livingroom. Can't wait to share that one!
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Also Happy Birthday to my wonderful Father. You've taught five children how to be successful adults. I love you Pop!

A little princess asleep on her Princess Pillow. I could just eat up those little lips and itty bitty nose LOL

Since I bitched yesterday I thought i'd leave you all today with a cute pic of my girl. Stacy is going fishing with the guys at Santee and me & Mad are going to the MIL's.
I got her dance recital pictures back last night - OMG they are awesome. When I get my sister to scan them i'll post them. Beautiful. The recital is May 17th at 2:00pm at the Music Barn on the Harry Byrd (Hartsville) Highway if anybody can come :) Remember Stacy will be dancing with her in the opening number!

Some of you like my PSA's, enjoy! - Some don't and it's okay to just say "Hi" in my comments without reading. It REALLY helps me to "get things out" so.... without further ado........

To "Boss Boss": No, I don't really "know you". BUT you come off as a beyotch with a stick up your ass sucking on a lemon. When I just see you in passing, you annoy me.

To "Friend": I am SO frigging sick of your whinging and whining every !@#$%%^ day of the week.
If you are that miserable here: Quit.
If you are that miserable with your life: Kill Yourself.
If your husband is that horrible: Kill HIM. I kid,- I kid. I think.

To "Preggo Chick"- You might think you are Barbie in those stiletto heels but girlfriend, you've already lost one baby. It would be a shame for you to lose another because of your idiotic narcissim. I feel sorry for your husband too.

To "FrienDoc"- You had better not have made a huge mistake and if things are no better in a few months we better do things MY way. I don't give a damn how long you went to school. A woman knows her own body.

Now i'll make nice... a little.

To "New Kid"- I did not think I would like you. I thought you would be an annoying twit but seriously you cute as a doodlebug and if I had a son I would like him to grow up to be like you.

To: "New Girl #1"- I can spot your fakeness a mile away. Seriously. Brown nose Alert! Danger Will Robinson!

To: "New Girl #2"- You are seriously a sweetheart and I hope you don't get sucked into the politics and bullshit that go on in your area.

Have any of you ever heard the Brad Paisley song "She's Everything"? Wouldn't it be wonderful to have someone feel that way about you?

Did you celebrate earth day?

I kind of did, I purchased these. I liked the bags, as they are some of the only ones I've found that have a strap instead of a handle. I thought these would also work well at the Farmer's Market this summer. I also found these.

I have also been busy shopping, it seems like I've been getting a gold star in that. Last weekend my family came to town and we headed to the Outlet mall, and I got myself a new purse & wallet, then today, I had these waiting at the office for me. I *needed* them when I am at the nursing home. I need to wear shoes that cover the toe & heel. Since I mostly wear flip flops in the spring / summer, I figured they would fit the bill nicely.

Other than that work's been plugging along and tax season is over. Apparently the issues we had at the end of the season are MY fault. Oh well, it is what it is.

So that's what I've been up to. Nothing too exciting.

Can you see him? A little caterpillar! (click on the picture to "big" it)! It took her a few days to pick one up when we first started seeing them. She wanted to but unfortunately she has inherited my fear of bugs and creepy crawlies! It's so much fun seeing things through a child's eyes. She gets so excited when we see a caterpillar or ladybug or butterfly! Brittany caught a butterfly on Sunday. I told her it was not a good idea to do that because their wings are very delicate but it flew away and seemed okay (maybe it flew off somewhere and had a heart attack but I hope not!).

Having a small child let's you kind of re-experience your own childhood. I love blowing bubbles, kicking a ball around the yard, swinging on her swingset. I WISH I could ride in her Barbie Bug!

They did not have cool stuff like that when I was her age but I did have a Big Wheel! Remember those? Man we wore ours OUT. We would race them around the huge parking lot at Ascension Catholic Church and the old lady who lived next to it (Mrs. Gentz) would come and tell us to get out of HER parking lot.

She was the one we thought was a witch cos' bats flew in and out of her chimney and we would stalk her on her way to the store. She always wore black. She would keep all balls, frisbees etc. that made their unfortunate way into her yard. I think most neighborhoods had an old curmudgeon like her.

That title sounds exciting eh? Don't get your undies in a twist just yet. No picture to accompany this post (lazy) and really not alot went on.

Oh yeah, I still have my sanity :) I had Brittany from Friday night to Sunday night along with Madison. On one hand they do play together and keep each other occupied but oh the nit-picking, arguing, etc. It reminds me why i'm glad I only have one kid!

We went to church on Sunday (and no I did NOT burst into flames when I walked into the narthex).
I really enjoyed Saint Matthews. It was alot for Stacy to take in (having been raised a southern baptist) but he seems agreeable also. He didn't know what to do with the communion wafer (I hissed put it in your mouth!) and commented on the communion wine being strong (i've always found it to be delicious) hehe.... He really is a good sport about things.

His fishing trip to Santee with the boys is this week-end and me & Madison are supposed to go to the MIL's to the Rice Festival in Walterboro. I hope everything pans out.
Right now just let me get through this work week!

Helga accompanied us to Madison's dance class. Here she is posing beside Madison's pink satin backpack replete with ballet slipper :) Mr. Roger is writing out receipts and keeping the books. He is the dance instructor's husband. Helga liked him.

Here is Madison showing Helga the gym at the building where she takes dance. Behind her is Richie. He is one of Madison's dance classmates big brother. He loves wrestling and is Stacy's buddy. If I had a son i'd want him to be just like Richie. Helga agreed.

Helga visits the infamous Raceway Grill. Dale Earnhard Sr. & Jr, David Person, Richard Petty, are just a few of the Nascar Greats that have eaten here. Now Helga can be added to the list!