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Stuffed myself today. Good thing I've lost nearly 8 pounds in the last month cuz I'm pretty sure I put it back on today. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

OOOooooo that should be an interesting and fun race to watch! Hopefully no one gets hurt!

Next year in F1, Daniel Ricciardo returns to Red Bull as a reserve/test driver, while his place at McLaren is taken by 2021 Formula 2 champion and current Alpine reserve driver Oscar Piastri. F2 driver Logan Sargeant takes Nicholas Latifi's place at Williams. Nico Hulkenberg returns to F1 to replace Mick Schumacher at Haas. 2021 Formula E World Champion Nyck de Vries joins F1 to replace Pierre Gasly at Alpha Tauri. Gasly moves to Alpine to replace Fernando Alonso, and Alonso moves to Aston Martin to replace Sebastian Vettel. Driver line-ups at Red Bull, Ferrari, Mercedes and Alfa Romeo remain the same as this year. In other news, McLaren Racing boss Zak Brown has called for a change to the current driver qualification system to make it easier for IndyCar drivers to join F1 by employing a similar 'super-licence' system to Formula 2. It was also announced last week that next year's Chinese Grand Prix has been cancelled due to the country's Covid policies.

Hmmm, that gives me an idea. You could still come to the race but you can be the one who shoots the starter gun and waves the checkered flag. Except....we've never really used the checkered flag. Nobody has ever finished all four laps so if you left right after the race started you won't have to witness all the carnage. If you are on probation and can't shoot a starter gun, I'm sure Bo or Luke will lend you a bow and dynamite arrow.

The list certainly has quite a few questionable entries. What I found weird is that the picture they used for #23 is a publicity shot of Joaquin Phoenix as The Bandit from the re-make 'Smokey and the Bandit Rides Again' which was originally due for release in 2020. As far as I can see, this reboot has disappeared without trace.

Oh I love racing...just not of milk or people getting sick. LOL.

But I thought you were a big racing fan. You are right though, it's not that fun. Unless you are only a spectator....then it's a blast.

Sorry to say, Roger, but that doesn't sound too fun. HA!

sorry...I tried to capture an image and messed it all up! .........( Bar Tender!! pour me another!!!!)

oh definitely! Of course my close Hazzardite friends will get in free!

It is definitely more fun than the Buttermilk 4.00 where you have to chug a quart of buttermilk and run around the barn 4 times without barfing. Nobody has made it all 4 laps yet but whoever gets the farthest wins. Hobie won it last year with a personal best of 2.75 laps.

well my weight is almost as bad as it was.....!! BUT....I AM a millionaire!

That was the best when they came back! You are too kind!

It does sound fun...:)

Thinking the same thing. It really reminds me of how good it felt when Bo and Luke came home.

Hobie's feelings get hurt when I beat him every year but other than that it's a lot of fun.

YOU are SO right Ma'am!!

The Dukes (and Dukes fans) are sometimes down, but never out!!

boat (we're gonna need a bigger boat)

I've been a bit lazy reporting the last couple of races of the F1 season because the Drivers' and Constructors' Championships had already been decided. The season finished on November 20th, but it's taken me a week to post the review. Like last year, the final race of the season was in Abu Dhabi, but this time without the controversial ending. For the race, the top three teams qualified in pairs, with the Red Bulls on the front row, the Ferraris on the second row and the Mercedes on the third row. This year's champion, Max Verstappen, got a good start and never looked back, taking an easy win for a record-breaking 15th time in a season. Lewis Hamilton had a first lap incident with Carlos Sainz and great game of cat and mouse with Sergio Perez, but eventually had to retire with hydraulic issues. It's the first year of his F1 career where he hasn't had a pole position or win. Charles Leclerc held off Sergio Perez to claim second place in the race and the Drivers' Championship, and also secured Ferrari's second place in the Constructors' Championship ahead of Mercedes. A fair bit of the weekend's coverage was devoted to four-time World Champion Sebastian Vettel, who has decided to retire from F1. He managed to claim a single point for finishing 10th in his final race. You can watch the race highlights here.

The next morning a few minutes after unlocking the post office and turning the sign from closed to open Cletus appeared, automatically without being told, he took a number and, retrieved his wallet from his pocket to show his license, Bo only a few minutes behind from the other days, came in taking a number and readying his own license. —----------------- Thursday had been quiet, BL parked her GTO in the lot behind the post office after delivering the mail, same as she had all week,"c’mon Sadie “. “You're under arrest for mail fraud, naughty, naughty BL” Rosco said, removing his cuffs from his belt. “Mail fraud! Rosco, have you gone squirrely? I ain’t nor would I be involved in mail fraud” BL said “Tiddly tuddly, this says otherwise,“ Rosco fanned out 5, $100 bills. Giving up on arguing, BL went with him over to the courthouse then saying,”I want my phone call”. Who to call was the problem, she didn’t want to get her daddy involved, so ruled out calling home or the garage. “Mabel, can you get me Tri-Counties Jail please?” BL held her breath, as she waited hoping Dixie answered instead of one of her coworkers… "Tri-Counties Jail, Officer Davenenport." Dixie said answering the phone automatically with the standard greeting. "Dixie, I need you to pick me up after work, Rosco arrested me for mail fraud, ME can you believe it?" "What? What in the world? Has he lost his mind?.... Nevermind, answering that." Dixie replied. "Why don't you call Cooter? He's across the road." "I was afraid Luther would answer or at least overhear and he'd tell Daddy." BL blew out a breath. "Dang it! Sadie's still at the post office, can you get hold of Cooter to get her please? This is my one call." Rosco pointed to his watch, telling BL her time was just about up. —------------------- When Dixie got off the phone with BL, she was glad that no one else was currently around. She made a call and found out Judge Druten was on duty for Hazzard County. She placed a call to his office and found out he would be in Hazzard later that afternoon. After taking care of a few things, Dixie was changed and on her way to pick up Sadie then head over to the Courthouse. Before entering the town of Hazzard, she passed General Lee... —----------------------------- After hanging up with Dixie, Rosco took BL downstairs to the first cell. Bo wondered what Dixie was headed toward Hazzard so early for, he picked up the CB mic. "Lost Sheep 2 to Little Shotgun, you sick or somethin?" Dixie was already pulling over into a wide spot, "Turn around a minute." Bo turned General Lee on a dime and pulled in behind Dixie, "What's up?" "We got Trouble." Dixie stressed the last word. "BL's in jail." That wasn't a phrase Bo thought he'd ever hear in broad daylight, "What? BL's where?!?" Dixie explained what she knew and they both headed to the Post Office for Sadie. ‘ —-------------- When they arrived at the Post Office they found Sadie laying on her blanket giving Boss Hogg a look, he was muttering about incompetent Sheriffs and dipstick deputies…. Both heard the very distinct sound of General Lee pull up and stop out front of the Post Office. Sadie jumped up and began wagging her tail. Boss Hogg mumbled under his breath about not having the time to deal with any no account Dukes. Bo and Dixie found the Post Office locked and the closed sign out. Dixie knocked on the door and knocked harder when she saw Boss Hogg inside, "I need to get Sadie." For a moment he had forgotten about the Davenport girl’s dog. "Alright, alright, this ain't no place for a flea bag." Boss unlocked the door and opened just wide enough for Sadie to make her escape. —------------------------ Over at the courthouse, Judge Druten looked BL in the eye, clearing his throat saying “BL Davenport, you are being charged with mail fraud. Bond is set at $2000 If found guilty of this crime you could be sentenced upto a year in prison. Do you understand this charge and the penalty?” BL felt her knees weaken at the mention of prison, ”yes your honor”, BL answered weakly. At the mention of prison and seeing how BL answered, Bo started to protest her innocence. He had no sooner opened his mouth when Dixie gave him a sharp elbow to his ribs. He caught Dixie's slight shake of her head, 'no', he wisely hushed. Dixie asked politely, "Is that cash, property, or bondsman?" Judge Druten studied the young woman and felt he should know her but he could not place her. "Yes, yes it is Miss." "If I can call Danny, I have the $215.00 right here," Dixie said. Judge Druten motioned her to the phone. Dixie had the call placed and said, "Danny this is Dixie from Tri Counties. I could personally use you over here at Hazzard Courthouse to go a bond for my cousin." Now Judge Druten knew how he knew her, she worked at Tri-Counties Jail. BL looked at Bo and Dixie desperately ”I don’t know what’s going on but I ain’t done nothin”. ”Of course you ain’t darlin’ we're gonna get to the bottom of this. Ain’t we Dixie?” Dixie had a determined look in her eyes ”We sure will, you just wait whoever is framing you will get theirs.” Balladeer: With BL's bond paid, the Davenport girls and Bo headed to the Boar's Nest. —----------------- Luke pulled into the Boars Nest after his rather long drive from work. As he got out of the truck, Bo, BL, and Dixie all pulled in together from the direction of town. "What's up?" Luke asked. Dixie said, "You do mean other than me having to bond BL out of jail. Right?" "What?" Luke asked. "We'll tell you inside." Dixie replied. —---------------------- The group went inside, making their way to their usual table in the back. Cooter came in right behind them, Daisy came over to take their orders but before she could speak, Luke said “Dixie, why did you have to bond BL out of jail?” Cooter and Daisy looked at Luke, like he had 2 heads “what?!” They asked in unison. Daisy sat down in the empty chair, she had to hear this for herself. Dixie told them all the story as she knew it. “I don’t know what but Boss Hogg is upto something. He was in the post office when I got back from delivering the mail.” BL added the part of the story Dixie and Bo didn’t know. "That's funny," Dixie said, "He was there when Bo and I stopped to pick up Sadie." Luke frowned, "Well, whatever he's trying to set up, he's had all the time in the world to invent any evidence he needs." Luke's comment wasn't at all popular with the group and was met by each protesting that they had to do something. Luke tried to settle the others down, "Now exactly what do we know? Did Rosco give you any idea how you are supposed to be committing mail fraud?" “Not the slightest but he was acting odd the other day but that ain’t nothing new for Rosco” BL shrugged her shoulders. —----------------------------- “How was he acting exactly?” Luke asked. “He had some letters or something that he was real anxious to mail. I told him the mail truck would be there any minute to make the morning mail pick up, that he’d have to wait until the afternoon but he kept hanging around.” Luke took a long drink of his beer as he thought, "Has anyone in town sent or received anything strange or out of the ordinary?" He asked. "I've only worked a few days, but the only thing I've thought was weird was that Cletus rented a large box but hasn't gotten any mail in it. I mean Bo rented a large box but he's at least got some mail in it. Then, there was that $100.00 bill that fell out of his mail the other day." BL explained. “That could be something, Have you seen any more money?” Luke asked. BL shook her head ‘no’, “I just put the mail in the box that the mail is addressed to, don’t pay attention to whose name’s on it,” BL said. Looking at Bo, deciding her innocence being proven was more important than rules, “Was there more than once you got $100 Bo?” BL asked. “Yeah a few actually”, Bo answered. “I figured that those $100 were all fan clubs, a fan club wanting a picture for every member,” Bo continued. "Bo. How many fan clubs want your picture?" Luke asked. He hoped it wasn't many. Something just wasn't setting right about it with Luke. "I don't know 4 or 5 maybe," Bo replied. BL looked at Luke, her expression saying 'what'?. Luke rubbed the back of his neck tiredly, "Something isn't right here. It's just not adding up." Luke looked to Bo in disbelief, "You really have over $500.00 for pictures of you and General Lee, ... and you don't think that's odd?" Bo was a bit hurt, "Now, Luke you are just mad that they want my picture or are you upset that you are missing out on some extra cash." "Pictures that you are looking at fifty cents on a pop. No, you have fun with that." Luke declared. "But, I'm not, see when they order in bulk I save envelopes and some postage too." Bo argued. —--------------------------- Balladeer: It was times like these that made Luke wonder why he'd come back to Hazzard instead of sharing a place with his team much closer to base camp. Dixie got up and headed for the jukebox. Luke zeroed in, forgetting all about pictures and money. Balladeer: That’s why he came back, folks. ^^^^^^^^^^^

The next morning, BL was sorting the morning mail delivery, noticing Bo had quite a stack building, she wondered again why he was suddenly getting so much mail. Bumping the growing stack on the table, a few of the envelopes fell to the floor, bending down to retrieve them, a $100 bill floated to the floor, "Now reckon why someone's sending Bo $100?" BL said to herself. —-------------------- At the Duke farm things were pretty much starting out as normal, well the way normal used to be before Luke became a Smokejumper. He was drinking coffee at the table when Bo came into the kitchen dreading doing all the chores this morning himself. Bo took note that Luke wasn't in his normal hurry and rushing to get out the door as Bo got his own coffee. Several minutes later, Luke asked, "Are you going to sit there all day or are you ready to get at it?" Bo frowned, "I'm going, I'm going. Why are you rushing me?" "Well, if I don't rush you, I'll have all the chores done by the time you finish your coffee." Luke said. Bo's head shot up quickly, "You're not working today?" Luke grinned at Bo's sudden revelation, "No, not today, but I'll make up for it when this class gets further along and we jump all day on a Saturday. —----------------- Around 10 Jesse sent Bo and Luke into town for some fence posts, before heading home they stopped by the post office, so Bo could check his PO box, "Mornin BL, me and Luke were in town getting fence posts for Uncle Jesse, thought we'd get the farm's mail too and I want to check my P.O. box," Bo said. "Ain't nobody getting or checking nothing until they take a number." BL replied, just as Cletus came in. Luke took a number and handed it to Bo before Cletus could get there, and mumbled "For Pete’s sake." Bo promptly handed BL his number while giving Luke an annoyed look. He also reached for his wallet. "Here ya go Darlin". BL peered at Bo's license then said, "I shouldn't ask, being a postal worker but I'm asking as a friend, what are you getting all the mail for suddenly?" "I'm sending an autographed picture of me with General Lee, for a small 5 dollar fee. You want one? It won't cost you a cent, cause you're so pretty," Bo replied grinning. "I appreciate that Bo, but I'm gonna have to pass. Somebody sure wants one, a bunch is more like it, must be for everybody in a fan club, cause a $100 bill fell out of an envelope this morning when I sorted the mail delivery." —------------------------- Luke whistled low, he hadn't thought Bo would get many takers at $5, he sure never thought someone would send $100. "Really a $100 worth of pictures of little ole me. What do you have to say now Lucas?" Bo rubbed it in to Luke who had wanted no part in his scheme. "There's fools born every day." Luke said. Cletus on the other hand chimed in, "That's great Bo! Wow! A hundred dollars for a five dollar picture.....they will get at least ten, ... Maybe even fifteen pictures for that." Luke suddenly wished that he had worked today with logic like that his head was beginning to hurt. —-------------------------- That evening after dinner, Bo sat at the table autographing pictures and putting them in envelopes. He still couldn't believe someone wanted $100 worth of his picture, what was really unbelievable was, he'd come across not just the one BL had discovered but there were at least 4 more envelopes with $100 bills in them. Luke looked up from where he sat reading the newspaper. "Are you about done in there?" Luke asked as he finished his coffee. Bo grinned, "No, I'm not." Luke sighed, "I was going to ride with you to the Boar's Nest, but I can take the truck." Bo frowned at that comment, "Well, I can finish this later tonight. Besides, I need to get Daisy to get me some more pictures printed and get some more of these big envelopes." Luke looked at the supplies that Bo had spread across the table. "Bo how much is it costing per picture to send them out?" Bo shrugged, "Not that much.“ He gathered his receipts together and handed them to Luke." Jesse put his paper down and began to listen closer to his boy's conversation. Luke took a piece of paper and pen and began writing the prices down. "Is that all you need to send them out?" Bo replied, "Except the stamps." Luke nodded and added the price of the stamps. "Now how many pictures did you get made from this stuff?" Bo replied and Luke divided the cost by the number of pictures. "Four dollars." Bo smiled, "See. A dollar profit isn't bad." Jesse spoke up, "How much are you paying Daisy to make them there pictures?" "$1.50", Bo replied. Luke subtracted that and then circled the total, handing Bo the paper a big circle drawn around -50 cents, "Where are you getting a dollar profit, cousin? By the time you add up expenses, plus Daisy's pay, you're in the hole by fifty cents." Luke said. Bo groaned miserably, his get rich quick idea, wasn't working out so good, optimistic as always he reasoned things had to get better. “Luke that can't be right.” Bo said as he looked over the list of expenses. Jesse cautioned. “You will fill each order and pay Daisy.” Bo saw the looks from both Jesse and Luke. "Yes sir", Bo said dejectedly. Dividing the pile of cash when he'd finished filling the orders. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

The next morning, nothing was forthcoming from Dixie still as they got ready for work, "See you at the Boar's Nest after work?" BL asked, “Yeah, I'll be there," Dixie replied, she couldn't not go, BL would really think something was going on between her and Luke. "Good, I should be a house owner by then. Miz Tisdale and me are going to see Boss at lunch, so Miz Tisdale can sign it over to me." BL said "That's awesome BL!" Dixie said...glad BL was letting go of the, her and Luke together notion. —------------------------ Dixie was on the road heading to work.This was the time of day she had to herself and could think. She couldn't believe how her family was acting because she dropped off the radar for a couple hours. She knew her father hadn't wanted her dating Luke when she was a teen, but that was several years ago. They hadn't really had five minutes alone since she got back into town to talk. The moment they took the time to actually have a conversation and everyone wanted to get all up in the air. Dixie looked at the car clock. She had to stop thinking and drive or she was going to be late. —------------------- Nearing the Smokejumpers Training Center Luke was also thinking about last night and how Bo had acted, not to mention how he figured the Davenports had acted by the tone of BL's conversation with Bo. He felt kind of bad that Dixie had said she didn't want to get into all the drama that had happened before she left town. He really hoped that didn't mean she was thinking of leaving town again. He shook those thoughts out of his mind as he pulled in to work and needed to get things set up for the classes he was teaching today. —--------------------- BL was sorting the mail getting more aggravated by the minute, each time she had found something addressed to Bo, the envelope had smelled flowery, stuffing letters into slots, she came across three more envelopes for Bo Duke and only one of them didn't smell flowery. The bell over the door jingled, Bo and Cletus came walking in together. "Hey BL" they said in unison. —------------------------ "I'm here to get my P.O. box mail and might as well get the farm's mail while I'm here,"Bo said. "Yeah me too, well not the farm's mail, just my P.O. box mail." Cletus said. "Nobody gets nothing until they take a number", BL said. Bo gave her his lady killer grin as he took a number, "Yes, Ma'am, here ya go and I got my ID right here too." Cletus took the next number and got his license out waiting his turn. Half of her wanted to wring Bo's neck but when he flashed his lady killer grin she weakened. Instead of being snippy and jealous sounding, she looked at his license, more for show than to identify him. Leaning to the left, BL retrieved a small stack of mail that was both Bo's P.O. box mail and, the farm's mail, "That's the farm's and your P.O. box, didn't see no point in putting a few letters in that big box." BL explained. Seeing the larger stack of mail than he'd been getting, Bo smiled widely. "Thanks, BL." Bo said without offering any information as to what the mail was or who all the good smelling letters were for. —---------------------- Cletus showed his ID and license to BL. She turned to look in his PO Box and said, "I'm sorry Cletus, there's no mail for you today." Cletus shrugged his shoulders, and replied. "That's alright BL. See ya tomorrow." Later in the afternoon BL and Sadie were delivering the mail, as they got near Hobie Harkins home BL said, "This ones a special delivery, from the U.S. government it says, so you are going to make sure Hobie gets it. Sadie gave a woof and bounded out of the car with the registered envelope. Hobie was sitting on the porch when he heard a car pulling up and out of it jumped a wolf! He tried to stand up quickly but his moonshine pickle legs weren't having it. "Wolf! Wolf!" Sadie kept on her path toward the drunken man who thought she was a wolf and actually ‘woofed’ at him. Hearing the ‘woof’ Hobie tried harder to focus and now made out the dog that looked a lot like "Lassie". Being very relieved that she was a dog and not a wolf, "Well, hello there Lassie. What on Earth are you doing here?" Sadie, tilted her head curiously, stretching out her neck cautiously, Hobie's fearful reaction at first, making her movements more gentle. "Is that for me Lassie?", Hobie asked as he took the envelope with an unsteady hand. Returning to the car, Sadie jumped in the back seat. —------------------------- Dixie walked into the Control as the Shift commander hung up the phone with a glum look hand me that X list Dixie, Joey won't be here tonight. Dixie handed him the list but said I know whose turn it is ... Mine. Well do you want 4 or 8 he asked, relieved it wasn't his turn. 4 is fine Dixie said. As he wrote it down he answered the ringing phone yes she's right here Dixie was surprised to get a call at work and not having any idea who it could be she answered officer Davenport” “Well officer Davenport this is Senior Smokejumper Duke here.” “Luke” she said “Hey I don't want to bother you at work” “You're not” “I'm going to be late so I figured on going to the farm for dinner before going to the Boars Nest. But I wanted to talk to you about how everyone acted last night” “Me too but I'm working over 4 hours. I'll stop if I see you there”. “Sounds like a plan” —------------------------------- After dinner Luke came in from changing shirts to find Bo opening an envelope, putting a five dollar bill in his shirt pocket, reading the contents, signing a picture, addressing a large envelope and sealing it with the picture inside. He watched as Bo opened a second envelope and began the process again. What are you doing? Making money Bo replied Putting another 5 in his pocket And keeping my loyal fans happy since they can't see me on a big track this season. —------------------------------- BL pulled into the Boar's Nest parking lot, giving it a once over survey, she didn't see Dixie's Thunderbird or Luke's truck. Shrugging she figured they both were working over and would be there later. “Be back in a little while Sadie.” BL said, heading inside. "BL have you heard from Dixie?" Cooter asked, before she even got sat down good. Shaking her head 'no' BL replied "she probably just got stuck with last minute overtime." Daisy came over asking, "Want a beer? Need a refill fellas?" Getting yes's all around, Daisy went to the bar, coming back shortly with three beers. —-------------------------- Dixie finally got a break after dinner was served at Tri-Counties Jail. She glanced at the time and knew the garage would be closed. She dialed the number to the Hazzard operator and had the Boar's Nest rung. "Boar's Nest this is Daisy." came the answer on the other end of the phone. "Hey Daisy, it's Dixie. Can you let anyone who needs to know I'm working over a bit and may stop by there on my way home." Dixie said. Daisy replied, "Sure thing." —---------------------------------- Hanging up the phone, Daisy went straight to the usual table, where Cooter, BL, and Bo was, “Dixie just called, to let ya'll know she's gotta work over a bit. Said she might stop on her way home," Daisy delivered the message. "Thanks Daisy, " Cooter said. A few minutes later Luke walked into the Boar's Nest, ordered a beer at the bar and made his way over to the table. "Hey all. You know after working over and uncle Jesse's dinner I almost didn't come out after I showered." "You not come out for a beer??" Cooter ribbed him. Luke replied, "I said almost!" The evening continued with the guys keeping up their banter while they sipped a round of beer. —-------------------------- Dixie neared the Boar's Nest after changing clothes at work. She noticed everyone else's vehicles there so she pulled in. Once inside she let her eyes adjust to the low lighting then made her way back to the empty seat at the table where everyone else was seated. "Sorry I'm late ya'll but duty called." "About time, you got here sis," Cooter said. Dixie had a couple beers then said, "think I'll call it a night, it was a long day." Not wanting to feed Bo's suspicions of him and Dixie rekindling things between them, Luke waited until everyone else left an hour later, despite being tired and just wanting to go home and go to bed early. —------------------------------ Dixie had hung back just a bit after pulling out from the Boar's Nest hoping but not really expecting to see Luke's truck catching up to her. She was pretty sure she understood that he'd stay until at least someone else left so they wouldn't think that he was meeting her. Dixie would be glad for a day off tomorrow as she went in and got ready for bed. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Doesn't John Scheneider owns him? He [John Schneider] teased us with him on the movie "Tres Leches" (they only showed "01"). My favorite TV cars are: General Lee, K.I.T.T., Pontiac Firebird Trans, and the Impala (Supernatural). This list is an absolute disaster: https://www.scrapcarcomparison.co.uk/blog/the-ultimate-list-of-must-see-car-movies/ Smokey and the Bandit is number 23 while the crappy Dukes of Hazzard movie is 12? It makes no sense.

The next morning, BL was right on time, giving herself about fifteen minutes to get Sadie settled in the post office, before the mail truck arrived at eight o'clock. Miz Tisdale rode into the parking lot doing a wheelie on her motorcycle, pulling up behind the GTO, "Morning BL, just wanted to let ya know, I have to show my house to potential buyers today, so you'll have things to yourself but, I'll check in on ya." Miz Tizdale said. "Thanks for letting me know, I won't let ya down," BL replied. "I know ya won't. You'll be just fine honey," Miz Tizdale replied, zipping off again. Meanwhile Boss and Rosco were plotting, —------------------- "We just need to get all these brochures in the mail and then wait for the money to come rolling back to us." Boss said, handing the envelopes to Rosco. Rosco replied, "I'll get them over to the post office just as soon as Cletus gets here to watch that guy downstairs." Boss Hogg grumbled. —--------------------- Meanwhile Luke and Dixie were getting their work day started outside Hazzard on opposite ends of the County. While Bo, Daisy and Jesse got things going at the farm. —------------------------ At ten minutes til eight, Rosco came hustling upto the post office, where BL was waiting out front,for the mail truck, "Did I miss the mail truck?” Rosco asked. "No, should be here any minute." BL replied, continuing when she spied the envelopes, Rosco held, "Anything you want to mail, will have to wait for tomorrow’s pickup." "Boss said it's real important this stuff goes out immediately", Rosco argued. "I'm sorry Rosco, it'll have to wait. There comes the mail truck now", BL said, pointing down the street. Rosco watched BL meet the mail truck handing over Hazzard’s outgoing mail while she chatted with the route driver. When the two walked to the back of the vehicle to get the mail coming into Hazzard, Rosco got an idea and began moving into place unobserved by the others. BL took the large sack of mail as the driver jumped out of the truck, turned and pulled the door down as they started back around the truck. Rosco threw the stack of mail held together with rubber bands right into the truck before the door came down. He watched with a giggle as the driver pulled out none the wiser. "Tell Sheriff Rosco P Coltrane he has to wait!" —----------------- Balladeer: "Y'all should have seen old Rosco when he was the pitcher for Hazzard High. The rest of the day was uneventful, with only Mable Wooster picking up her mail, after lunch. Around 4 o'clock, Bo getting a little time to get away from the farm, with Luke being gone for work, came to check his P.O. Box, anticipating a lot of fan mail, "Hey BL, I want to check my P.O box" Bo said. "Hey Bo, take a number", BL replied. —------------------- "For crying out loud BL, nobody's here but me", Bo grumbled, getting a number off the rack on the counter and then his license. "Sorry Bo, I can't relax Miz Tisdale's regulations, she could pop in to check on me anytime." BL called Bo's number and looked at his license, opening the box, expecting several envelopes, stuffed with money and requests for his autographed picture. He was a little disappointed to only find 5 envelopes but not, letting it dampen his spirit, he closed the box, putting the envelopes in his shirt pocket. "Thanks BL, see ya tomorrow", Bo said on his way out. "See ya tomorrow", BL replied. BL couldn't help but wonder what Bo needed with a big box for a couple letters. She would have loved to have asked Bo what was so important about the letters but now being a postal employee she felt as if she would be violating the rules somehow. So BL shrugged her shoulders and went back to work figuring if it was anything important that Bo would tell her later at the Boar's Nest. —------------------------ It had been one of those days at Tri-Counties when not much of anything had gone as planned for the staff. Dixie was just glad to be in her Thunderbird with the top open and on her way back to Hazzard even if she was a bit later than normal. In fact, she hadn't even taken the chance to go back in to change out of her uniform and chancing having to work over longer. She was done and more than ready for a beer at the Boar's Nest. Normally she would have been glad for the overtime but not on a day like she had already had. Glancing down at her uniform she swore slightly. She would either have to pass up the Boar's Nest to change at the garage or hope to make a mad dash to the lady's room to change at the Boar's Nest. She may have been a ‘rent a cop’ to most people but Dixie took her job seriously and did it professionally and would not be seen at the local bar in uniform. —--------------------- Luke was one of the Senior Smoke jumpers and being so, was responsible for helping to train the new hires. The hands-on training he enjoyed, but the paperwork that went with it, he did not. As Luke put the last of the certificates in folders he looked at the clock. He was a bit later than he expected and hadn't made his way to his pickup yet. —------------------------- Dixie glanced at the Boar's Nest sighing, she just didn't want to chance being seen at the bar in her uniform, so headed to the garage. Pulling into the parking lot, just as Luther was about to lock up, "Dad, I want to change out of my uniform, before I goto the Boar's Nest and meet the others, I'll lock up for you," Dixie said. "Thanks," Luther said, giving Dixie the garage key. BL, wanting to show Miz Tisdale she could handle the post office on her own, was a little later leaving the post office than the day before, she had seen Dixie's Thunderbird headed for the garage. Wondering why Dixie had passed up the Boar's Nest, getting in her GTO, she turned toward the garage, instead of the Boar's Nest to find out. Luther was just about to pull out in the wrecker as BL pulled into the lot, stopping beside him. "Hi Luther, what's Dixie doing here? I figured she was at the Boar's Nest with the rest." BL said. Luther propped his elbow on the wrecker's window replying "She's changing clothes, still had her uniform on." "I'll wait on her then, can Sadie go home with you? I don't like leaving her in the car too long, even with the top down. I'll come get her on my way home" BL said. "Sure, that's fine.." Luther said. Once Sadie was transferred, Luther was on his way. BL parked the GTO beside the Thunderbird, wondering if she could interest her cousin in a friendly little race. —--------------------- Dixie came out dressed in her favorite faded worn blue jeans and spaghetti strap shirts. Seeing BL parked beside her car, "What's up?? How was work??" BL replied, "Great. Want to race to the Boar's Nest?" It wasn't what Dixie was actually planning but why not. "Sure why not. Just don't be pulling out before I get in and settled." Dixie said. "Better hurry then", BL revved her motor impatiently, the minute Dixie was settled, BL punched the gas, the GTO taking off like it was shot out of a cannon. Dixie's Thunderbird was soon close behind, Dixie tried to go around BL but a green sedan was in the other lane coming her way and she had to scoot back over. Coming up on the Boar's Nest, all was clear as Dixie whipped out in the other lane to pass BL but, before she could get over in front of BL, the GTO surged forward, turning into the parking lot, both cars skidding to a stop in front of the bar, kicking up a cloud of dust. Luke pulled in behind the girls before the dust settled. He knew without asking what had just happened. "Who won?" he asked, getting out of his truck. Dixie replied, "It was a tie with all this 'heavy traffic' we have around here." She said sarcastically. Luke nodded with a bit of a grin. "Yeah rush hour' is a drag" BL added just as sarcastic" Luke's grin widened at BL's added comment. —---------------------- The three went in, making their way to the back table, where Bo and Cooter were seated. Daisy came over to take their orders. "What can I get ya'll?" "A beer for me, it's been a long day”, Luke said. "You can say that again, I'll have a beer too Daisy," Dixie replied. "Make that three beers Daisy", BL said. "Three beers, coming right up," Daisy said, turning back toward the bar. Bo frowned at Daisy not even asking him and Cooter if they were ready for a refill. Daisy had the good graces to smile, "Ok, ok I'll make that five beers." Everyone took a minute to check out the crowd. It was the usual workers getting off or local farmers who were either taking a break or had finished for the day. Daisy returned with their beers. —------------------ Both Dixie and Luke knew the other worked hard and wouldn't by any means doubt that the other didn't work as hard as the other, but it was Dixie that spoke up first, "So you had a long day, how many jumps did you make?" Luke swallowed his beer and shook his head 'no', "None. And therein lays the problem. We got a new bunch and they aren't even ready to look at a 'chute' yet. Some of whom I don't think will even get that far. You know if a paper has a question and a blank for the answer you'd think it would have an answer back when it's completed." It made sense to the others at the table who all nodded 'yes'. "Well these geniuses," Luke now made quotes in the air, "completed their initial paperwork after taking forever, turned it in and I had to hand every bit of it back because they all left something off." —--------------------- Dixie couldn't help but grin just a bit trying to picture Luke Duke dealing with paperwork and younger people pushing his buttons. Luke saw the grin and had to ask, "So why was your day long?" Dixie knew it was coming, "I worked Control today and HAD to push the buttons TWICE." She said making reference to the old Jetson cartoon that she knew they had all watched. Everyone laughed. Then, Dixie continued, "Well, l did work Control and between opening and closing the slammer a hundred times, I had the phones ringing, the elevator, and the County radio all going at once. Not to mention that I had to log all that traffic." —--------------------- Luke replied, "But you are good at paperwork. I'm not and I don't like it." BL couldn't wait to share her news another minute, "I've got to tell ya'll before I bust", Everybody at the table looked at BL expectantly, Daisy was in the process of delivering the table next to them's order and hearing the excitement in BL's voice took her time, so she could hear the news. "Well spit it out, don't make us wait all night", Dixie said impatiently. "I ain't just taking over the post office, I'm gonna take over Miz Tisdale's house too! So I'm closer to work and she can come stay with me when she comes back to Hazzard." "That's great BL, I'm happy for you," Daisy said "That's awesome, now I won't have Dad checking up on me so much, if I'm at your place," Dixie said. BL cocked an eyebrow at Dixie. "Glad you approve cousin." BL said. The guys all congratulated her. "Well, why wouldn't I approve?" Dixie asked, "Besides, it would cut my drive too if I left town instead of the farm." BL replied, "Just remember it's not hard to see the garage from the house, .....SOOOOooooo the house can be seen from the garage if you try." Dixie replied, "True." —------------------------- Luke knew he was teaching class tomorrow, not just doing paperwork for the group that he had already determined were geniuses but he wasn't ready to cut out. He motioned to Daisy to come over as he checked the others beer mugs. "Anybody else want another?" Bo had just taken a couple drinks of his beer and Luke was done with his. He frowned a bit but replied, "If you're buying." Luke told Daisy, "Bring us all another round on me." Then looked at Bo, "Remember this." Bo said and gave BL a squeeze, "Well it's to celebrate BL's job and house. Can't do that without a full glass." BL grinned noticing Bo's glass was practically full. Daisy came back with five more beers, passing them out. "Thanks Luke", BL said taking a drink. —----------------- The next half hour was spent, just idly talking, BL excused herself to the restroom. Bo and Cooter were deep in conversation about something or other and, not really paying attention to the rest of the bar. Luke saw his chance as he finished his beer. He looked at Dixie and nodded toward the door. Dixie was game and gave him a ‘why not’ grin as she calmly finished her own beer, just as BL returned to the table. "Well ya'll it's been fun but I think I need a nice long soak in the tub." Dixie said as she stood up. —------------ BL said, "Awe, come on just one more?" "Not tonight, maybe tomorrow will be a better day." Dixie said heading for the door. Luke gave Dixie enough time to get out of the parking lot before he pulled out his wallet and put the money for the beers down, "You know I think I'll pack it in too." He stood up and headed toward the door before anyone could protest. "Ya'll have a good evening." He called over his shoulder as he left. —--------------------- Dixie had gotten in her Thunderbird and pulled out but hadn't pulled off the lot completely when Luke pulled up behind her and went around her heading in the direction of both the Duke and Davenport farms. Dixie made her turn to get behind him. Luke was careful to choose a spot to pull off road that the low setting Thunderbird could handle. A bit down the road he took a turn off the road onto a pretty grown up path but the old short cut was still a good road that led down by the river where Luke parked. —------------------ Dixie pulled up beside him and got out of the Thunderbird and into Luke's pickup. Luke reached behind the seat and pulled out two beers from a cooler, "This is much better than the Boar's Nest." "Yes it is." Dixie said, taking her beer and lightly clinking it against Luke's bottle. Having one last beer, BL sat the empty glass down saying "I better pack it in too, I got to get Sadie from Luther before going home." "Right behind ya", Cooter said. Outside in the parking lot Bo said, "see ya tomorrow BL". "Okay, see ya tomorrow", BL said, wondering still why Bo needed a big P.O box for just a few pieces of mail. Pulling out of the lot behind the General Lee, heading toward the Davenport farm, Cooter bringing up the rear in his pickup. —------------------ Pulling into the Davenport farm driveway, she went inside where Luther was laying on the couch, Sadie curled beside his feet, "Getting kinda late, ain't it?"Luther said. "Sorry, kept you up Uncle Luther, we lost track of time", BL said. "Where's Dixie? " Luther asked. "She'll be along", BL answered vaguely, not wanting to lie nor, tell her Uncle she didn't know where Dixie was exactly. Seeing Cooter's headlights reflect through the door onto the wall BL said "c'mon Sadie let's go home. See ya later Uncle Luther." BL hoped to make a clean getaway before she was 'dragged' into a lengthy discussion about Dixie's whereabouts. —------------------ Luther frowned a bit at his niece's speedy retreat but figured Dixie was behind Cooter. Several minutes later Cooter came in the door and was greeted by his father asking him the same question that was on Cooter's mind, "Where's Dixie?" They said in unison. Luther added, "She's not behind you?" Cooter replied, "No, ..... —----------------------- BL picked up the CB mic, as soon as she was off the long crooked driveway leading upto the Davenport farmhouse, "Sweet Talker to Lost Sheep 2, you got your ears on?" "What's up Sweet Talker?", Bo replied. "Is Lost Sheep 1 home yet?” BL asked, Bo's answer would answer alot of her unasked questions, she hoped. "That's a negatory, something wrong Sweet Talker?, Bo was starting to get worried, he wondered why BL was looking for Luke. "10-4, not really. Catch ya on the flip side, I'm gone," BL hung up the mic, hoping Dixie had been listening. —------------------- In Luke's truck, the conversation between Bo and BL was heard loud and clear. Luke looked at the clock on the dash and it was 9:45. It wasn't late. What on Earth was everyone doing home this early. "s*$@.” What are they doing home so early?" "Right." Dixie agreed. Cooter looked at Luther like a deer caught in headlights, did he or did he not tell Luther that Dixie had left the Boar's Nest early. Luther waited impatiently for some kind of answer from Cooter. —------------------ Bo picked up the phone, dialing BL's phone number, parking the GTO and letting up the top. BL heard the phone ringing as she stepped onto the back porch. "I got it Daddy", BL hollered as she came in, picking up the receiver, "Hello Clyde Davenport residence, BL speaking" she answered. "BL what is going on, why were you looking for Luke?" Bo asked. "Bo look at the time, it's 10 o'clock, that was 9:45 and they left the Boar's Nest a good hour before us and Cooter but Dixie wasn't home yet, when I picked up Sadie.", BL replied. "Ohh...",Bo said, connecting the dots, drawing the same conclusion BL had. —------------------- Why Cooter was breaking out in a sweat at the looks his father was giving him, a grown man, was beyond him but he was in the middle of something. Being in the middle of something and not knowing what that something was, was like being called to the principal's office and not knowing why. It was never nearly as bad if you knew what you had done and why you were being called. "Maybe she had errands to run." "Exactly what sort of errands can you run in Hazzard County, USA at 10 pm?" Luther asked. True his daughter was a grown woman, but she was his baby daughter. True she had a job and paid her own bills but her job as a Correctional Officer worried Luther. You just never knew when or if she'd run into someone that hadn't liked her treatment as an officer. The three counties that made up the Tri-Counties were small and everyone pretty much knew everyone and each other's business. Cooter frowned, hoping to hear the Thunderbird's engine any second now, "It's only 10 pm Dad." Cooter took a look at his Father after stating the time, the man practically had steam coming out his ears. Cooter swore to himself, if he didn't hear the thunderbird in the next two minutes, he was going to wring Dixie's pretty little neck when she did come home. —----------------------- "Oh is right, I bet Cooter's in the hot seat about now. Glad I got out of there before he came inside," BL said. Dixie sighed in defeat, "I really don't want to start all this again." Luke hoped she wasn't thinking about leaving again. He put his arm around her shoulders in reassurance, "It doesn't have to. I'll head out to Copper Mountain and come in from the back 40. I'll imply I thought I saw smoke and went to check it out. You head out the way we came and if they ask you took a ride down by the water. We are at the water." Luke said as he leaned in for another kiss. It made sense to Dixie, more than a lot of things had lately, as she kissed Luke back the dread from five minutes ago was gone. "Luke I don't want to hide and sneak around but I'm not ready to deal with 'all that right now." He brushed her hair back from her face, "I hear you. Really I do. I'm not up for stirring things up either, so you head out and I'll take the long way home and hope they can't connect the dots." —-------------------------- Not really paying attention to her surroundings "s***", BL swore, nearly dropping the phone, as Dixie walked in the back door. "BL are you alright? What's wrong" Bo asked, BL rarely swore. "Yeah, I'm fine. I gotta go, see you tomorrow." BL hung up the phone, then looked at Dixie, "Where'd you come from? You about scared me to death!" Dixie smiled innocently saying, "I followed you home." —--------------------------- At the Duke farm, Luke came in from the direction of the back 40, hoping Uncle Jesse had went to bed early, so he wouldn't have to tell his made up excuse for leaving the Boar's Nest early but, not coming straight home, he hated lying to Uncle Jesse, even if it was only a little 'white’ lie. Bo saw lights coming across the yard but they were coming from the 'wrong' direction. They came from the back 40 and he knew the truck instantly but didn't know why Luke would have been coming that way from the Boar's Nest. Jesse put his paper down and said hearing the truck, "Well there's Luke. I think I'll turn in." Luke took his time getting out of the truck and hoped that he only had to deal with Bo's questions. Stepping in the back door, Luke found Bo in the kitchen with a look that said he had a million questions. Suddenly Luke thought he might have fared better dealing with Jesse. —-------------------------- BL dragged Dixie down the hallway to her room, closing the door then turning to Dixie, "Did you and Luke have a good time?" BL asked, cocking an eyebrow. "Who said I was with Luke?", Dixie replied, smiling innocently. "You didn't have to, ya'll left the Boar's Nest at the same time. When I picked up Sadie from Luther you weren't home and when I radioed Bo, he said Luke wasn't home either. I connected the dots." BL replied. "Well maybe you should try Tic Tac Toe and Luke was still at the table when I left," Dixie replied. —--------------------------------- At the Duke Farm, Bo only said, "Well?" Luke frowned and said with a tired sigh, "Well, what?" Bo nodded and headed outside. Once there he hoped Jesse couldn't hear him and said, "Spill the beans. Are you and Dixie a couple again?" Luke replied, "What are you talking about? I bought her, Cooter and ya’ll a beer." Luke said, trying to remark on the only thing Bo should have known he had done to reconnect with Dixie. —----------------------------- "Dixie I ain't dumb, he left a few minutes after you did. I put two and two together, pretty sure I came up with four." BL said. "Two and two are usually four, but not in this case. I just rode down by the water and sat enjoying the peace and quiet after a long day. It's something I haven't gotten to do in awhile." Dixie said and hopped to change the subject by continuing, "Did I hear you say something on the radio about Dad thinking I'm MIA?" "Uh huh", BL didn't believe a word of it but, rather than fight with Dixie, she let the subject be changed. "Yeah, guess he thought you'd be right behind me." "I guess I had better call and tell them where I am." Dixie said as she turned to go to the phone. BL frowned at the fact that Dixie would rather call her house than to tell her the truth. Dixie really hoped Cooter answered as she waited for the phone to be answered at the farm after the Hazzard operator connected the line. Dixie was in luck, Cooter picked up on the second ring, "Davenport farm, Cooter speaking." "Hey Cooter it's Dixie. I...', before she could finish, Cooter cut in, "Where are you? Dad jumped me like a dog jumps on a bone, wanting to know where you was!" Cooter said. "Well that's what I'm calling to tell you. I'm going to hang out with BL tonight. I've been here awhile and nearly forgot to call ya'll. Sorry to worry ya'll." BL was leaning against the wall by the hallway phone, hearing Dixie tell Cooter she'd been there a while, just had forgot to call. "I suppose you came here when you left the Boar's Nest early," BL muttered. Dixie frowned at BL, "No, but I didn't just walk in and pick up the phone either." Cooter sighed "Alright Sis, see you tomorrow I reckon,” Cooter replied, sitting the receiver back in place, turning to look at Luther. —--------------------------- "That was Dixie, she's staying with BL tonight." "Of course she is." Luther said as he continued to mumble while heading for a shower. —-------------------------- Bo replied, "You know what I mean. Ya'll took and went somewhere." Luke replied, "After I left the Boar's Nest I thought I saw smoke off in the distance so I took the long way home Bo." —---------------------------------- "I'm going to go take a shower", BL got her nightshirt and headed for the bathroom. Dixie could deny being with Luke all she wanted but even subtle actions spoke contrary and louder than words. Bo gave Luke the look he had given him since he was three and wanted something from his older cousin, "Come on Luke, I ain't gonna tell nobody." "Tell anyone, what Bo? That I do what I do naturally? I see smoke, I follow smoke." Luke said truthfully. "I've got to get ready to head out of here early in the morning, can I come inside now?" BL came back to her room after showering, her hair wrapped in a towel. She looked across the room at Dixie, wondering if her cousin was ready to fess up yet. Dixie though didn't look as if she had any such intentions. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Awe Roger. You just made my entire year! Thank you.

Well, it turned out to be a 0-0 draw. England now have to play their neighbors, Wales, while the USA play Iran.

Score prediction: USA 3 and England 1 (that's one, not won)

Talking of 'Any goals in 2022?', the USA play England in the World Cup tomorrow night. It's now 56 years since England won the World Cup (we may mention it occasionally ), but we never stop believing!

You can take all of that money out of Boss's bank and use it to make the Moonshine 400 a national event. I bet you'll be profitable after the first race.

Y'all accomplish your 2022 goals? I didn't...so time to start thinking of how to make better goals for 2023. Or at least find ways to reach part of my goals. HA!

Um...we need a Christmas 2022 list. LOL. Just over a month away...

So true!

Yes it does! Was thinking the same thing yesterday.

Lately free time has been at a massive premium, especially since deer season started, so progress has been minimal. I haven't had time to work on the 3d printed police car at all, but I have made some minor progress on the RJ Speed General Lee, specifically the body mounts on the WL Toys chassis. Here's a shot of the chassis with all of the electronics reinstalled and the front & rear body mounts fabricated: Here's an up-close of the front & rear mounts, both of which were made the same way: The mounts are both made from 1/16" Kydex sheets. In the past I've always worked with 1/8" Kydex, which is extremely durable and rigid, but heavy. Because this car already weighs more than a real Dodge Charger because of the massive aluminum chassis, I really need to cut weight wherever I can or that 390 sized motor won't stand a chance of surviving for long. The problem with such thin material is that it's not very rigid, so I had to do more than just a right angle bend like I would have done with the thicker stuff. To make these stronger, I had to cut the "wings" on the sides and bend them over and tie them together with screws. Hopefully that's more clear in the underside pics: Here is the body set onto the chassis with the new mounts: One of the issues that I've run into is that the body doesn't sit as low as I had hoped, so I need to rethink my attachment ideas. Originally I was just going to go with the standard body post method, since that's the easiest, and it would make it more like the Kyosho "hero" car that this will be standing in for during jump scenes. I could bend the kydex down more and still fit the body posts, but the body sits right where it should as-is, so I think that instead of fooling with the body posts, I'm going to just go with velcro mounts and call it a day. From the beginning, the plan has been to add a lip to the bottom of the chassis to attach the bottom of the body to the chassis with velcro anyway, so what's a little more on the top? Here's a close up of the mounts through the body: The next step is to trim back the mounts, as I don't need them to extend as far from the shock towers. After that, I need to locate and cut out the wheel well openings, and then the 3d design & print work starts for the body. I'm trying to accomplish as much of the "in the garage" work as I can before it gets stupid cold, because I'd rather sit inside in front of the computer during that period. This means that I also need to make some real progress on the police body soon, or I'm going to have to spend a fortune on propane to heat the garage every time I go out there to work on it.

I'm glad you're back! You'll surely be here in the spring for The Moonshine 400! ( It's the craziest road race in Hazzard! They only go 400 laps, not 500, because nobody can stay sober long enough to finish! ( What do you expect Hobie the town drunk + a race called the MOONSHINE 400? You know they're asking for it! LOL! )

yes it's good to see you again....feels like the Good ol' days now!!

Awww thank you Roger. I've missed all of you and it's great to be back. *HUGS*

Thank you Roger. It's great to be back.

Welcome to Hazzard Lily Dog. I have no idea! If anyone tries to sell it at my car lot you'll be the first one I contact!

Monday morning about 7:15, BL in her 1970 GTO convertible, pulled in the empty lot behind the post office. She had brought a few things for Sadie and wanted to get the dog settled, before the mail truck came at 8. Dixie had hit the snooze once too many and knew she was pushed for time as she entered Hazzard Square. She could only hope that Rosco had also slept in. Even though she was in a hurry to reach the Tri-Counties jail in the next County of Placid, still several miles away, she looked with purpose toward the Post Office as she went by. She caught just the tiniest glimpse of BL’s GTO. She hit her horn and reached for the CB mic using the CB handle she had been given years ago first by Luther then Luke, “Little Shotgun to Sweet Talker. You got your ears on?” Reaching for the CB mic, BL leaned against the car door, Sadie's leash looped around her wrist "Hey, you're pushing it this morning, ain't ya? You should be more like me, I'm forty-five minutes early." BL couldn't resist bugging Dixie about being late. “Oh, well if I have forty-five minutes to get there, I’m not as late as I thought I was.” Dixie said as she backed off the gas pedal of her Thunderbird just a bit, at least until she got out of the main part of town. “I’ll be there in plenty of time. Have a good first day and I’ll hopefully see ya’ll about five.” —---------------------- BL wasn’t the only one up early this morning, Boss Hogg stood in his office window with the shade barely cracked enough to see the town as he listened intently to the CB conversation between the girls. He took a big puff of his cigar and said out loud to no one, “Yes, have a good first day.” But just then he saw what he hadn’t counted on as Emma Tizdale passed by his window on her motorcycle heading for the Post Office. BL grinned at her cousin's reply about not being as late as she thought, BL replied "10-4, see you about five. Thanks, have a good one yourself." Reaching back over the GTO's door, BL then grabbed Sadie's fleece dog bed and a bag of other things for Sadie from the backseat. Looking up with a smile as bright as the morning sun, seeing Miz Tisdale pull into the lot on her motorcycle. "Morning BL" Miz Tisdale said, getting off the motorcycle, removing her gloves and helmet. "Morning ma'am, nice day ain't it?" "Sure is honey" Miz Tisdale replied, patting Sadie's head as she held the back door open for the young woman, seeing as her hands were full. —------------------ Luke stacked the bale of hay, "It will never work Bo.""It's got to work. How else are all our loyal fans from the circuit gonna get my,... well our picture?" Bo asked. Luke replied, stacking another bale of hay, "I guess they'll just have to come watch us run on these smaller circuits. You can leave it at your picture. I'm fine with that." "OK." Bo said, "I'll just go get a PO Box to have the letters sent to, when we go up town in a bit." "Which gives you a chance to see BL." Luke teased. In town BL was helping Miz Tisdale sort the mail, surprised at how the older lady knew who each P.O. box belonged to and wondering how she would ever remember them all. The door opened and in came Emery Potter. "I've got this ", BL said, handing over the stack of mail she'd been sorting. Stepping over to the counter, aware Miz Tisdale was watching and listening to make sure her rules and regulations would be upheld, after her departure. "Number 1" she said, feeling silly noone else was in the post office. "ID please" BL continued the regulation, as Emery showed her his license. Handing Emery his mail. Taking the mail, Emery quickly shuffled through the envelopes saying "thanks BL, have a nice day ladies.”"You too Emery", BL replied as Emery turned back to the door, quickly leaving. A bit later Bo and Luke pulled up outside the Hazzard Post Office. Bo slid up into the window, "Are you coming?" "Might as well." Luke said not really having anything else to do. BL saw the boys and figured they were just here to pick up the mail, "Morning guys." she said smiling. "Are ya’ll here to get ya'lls mail?" Luke replied, "I am." "Well, just take a number." BL said. Luke had hoped that with BL working at the Post Office, that some of Miz Tisdale's formalities could be relaxed a little. He almost said as much until he saw Miz Tisdale in the back. He picked up the next number and handed it to BL who promptly called his number. Luke already had his wallet out displaying his driver's license before BL even asked for it. Once BL gave Luke the mail she asked, "Ok, Bo how can I help you?" "I need to rent a box, a large one," Bo said. Luke rolled his eyes heavenward. "Well, take a number." BL said as she got out the book Miz. Tisdale had shown her earlier. BL called Bo's number and said, "For a box I need two forms of ID." Bo handed her his driver's license and voter's registration card. "Alright, I'll just write it up, is box 100 alright with you?" BL asked. Bo looked at the few large boxes on the bottom row and saw box 100. "Yeah that should do. Thanks Darlin." Across town Boss Hogg told Cletus, "Now you just go over there and get me a box rented to you. You ask for Box 100 you see. Now git." Cletus would have liked to know why he was renting his cousin Boss Hogg a mailbox in his name but knew better than to ask. "Box 100? Ok." The door opened again, this time Cletus entered saying as he saw the Dukes, "Morning Bo, Luke. Morning BL, I want to rent a box,"Cletus said. "Morning Cletus", the group said in unison. BL added "Sure thing Cletus, just take a number and, I'll be right with you." Bo and Luke headed back to the farm and BL called Cletus's number asking, "now what can I do for you Cletus?" "I'd like to rent a box. Box 100", Cletus said BL opened the book again saying "I need to see two forms of ID." Cletus took out his wallet but discovered the only form of ID he had was his license, "buzzards on a buzzsaw, BL I only got my license." BL insisted, "Cletus, I have to have 2 IDs, but the box you wanted is taken." "Taken?" Cletus asked. BL nodded, "Yes it was rented earlier." She didn't tell him that it was Bo Duke that rented it, figuring that it would violate some sort of privacy rule. "Well, ok. I'll be back." Cletus left to go tell Boss Hogg that he couldn't get the box. Boss Hogg grinned widely as Cletus came back into his office at the Courthouse, "You got it?' "Well, no Boss." Cletus said. "No? What do you mean no? How hard can it be to rent a mailbox?" Boss Hogg asked, perplexed. "Well first off, I only had one ID, then BL told me that the box was rented." Cletus tried to explain. "RENTED?? By whom???" Boss exclaimed, "That box has been empty for years!" "I don't know who it was, cousin Boss, BL didn't say." Boss Hogg grumbled, perturbed his plans were ruined. "You want me to rent a different one?', Cletus asked. Boss chewed on the end of his cigar thinking he'd already had P.O. Box 100 printed in the newspaper NOW, he finds out THAT box, which hadn't been rented in years had suddenly been rented but, by who?, he wondered. "Yes, just get 101 instead "Okie dokie, Boss", Cletus said. —------------ At the farm, Bo used his spare time to sign several of his pictures that Daisy had taken and developed for him. Jesse noticed Bo being very busy at the kitchen table after lunch, "Bo what has your attention today?" Jesse might have been asking Bo but he was looking at Luke. Luke just smirked a bit as Bo answered. "I'm autographing pictures." Bo replied. "What sort of pictures?" Jesse asked as he moved closer to his younger nephew. "The ones I had Daisy take of me with General Lee." Bo replied. Luke still had half a smirk on his face, waiting for Jesse to ask the next question that he knew was coming. "Oh, Ok, .... I'll bite, why are you signing pictures of you and General Lee?" Jesse asked. Bo replied, "I put an ad in Big Race Magazine for any of mine and Luke's loyal fans, but Luke didn't want any part of it." "What sort of an ad?" Jesse inquired further. Bo said proudly, "I figured since we left the circuit, that some of our, well, my loyal fans might want a picture of me with my current car. So I gave them a way to get them." It seemed harmless enough to Jesse, but he cautioned, "Just don't go ripping people off. I don't need another Boss Hogg living under my roof." —------------- Back in town BL was getting ready to run the mail route, it would be the first time the Hazzard mail was delivered by car instead of by Miz Tisdale on her motorcycle but BL had a surprise in store. "C'mon Sadie girl, time to deliver the mail",BL said. Sadie barked happily, bounding to the back door. Picking up the mail bag off the counter, BL followed Sadie to the back door, calling over her shoulder, "Are you ready to go Miz Tisdale? " "You bet, let's get this show on the road!", the spunky elderly lady replied. “You got to take the mail that needs sending, over to Central City at 3:00,” Miz Tisdale continued. —------------ Out on the back roads of Hazzard with Miz Tisdale riding shotgun, BL slowed the car to a stop at the mailbox of Homer and Wilma Perkins but seeing Wilma sitting on the porch in her rocking chair, BL held the small stack out to Sadie in the back seat instructing the dog "Take this upto the porch to Mrs. Wilma. Jumping over the car's side, Sadie trotted up the porch steps, laying the mail in Mrs. Perkins lap. "Thank ya Sadie girl, these old bones weren't looking forward to a trip to the mailbox" Wilma said stroking Sadie's silky head, before the dog returned to the car, leaping over the side into the backseat in one bound without scratching the paint. After a few more stops, BL made a right onto Crabtree Lane stopping about a mile down the road at Granny Annie Coggins. Waving at Granny Annie, BL held another small stack of mail out for Sadie instructing, "go give it to Granny Annie". Sadie bounded over the car's side. Going over to Granny Annie with the mail, "thank ya" Granny said, giving a scratch behind Sadie's ears. Sadie returned to the car, again bounding into the backseat without scratching the paint. Miz Tisdale remarked as Sadie jumped back in the car, "That there is surely an efficient way to get the mail right to the people! Maybe I should have one with me in the sidecar. Sadie, you sure are a good girl." BL commented, "She sure is a good girl. I'll have to reward her this evening. "Well, we can head back to town as soon as we drop this next registered letter to Widow Parsons just up the way here." —----------- Dixie had finished her shift and was glad to be heading to her car just after she had clocked out at four and changed clothes. She figured to meet the others at the Boar's Nest and didn't want to go in uniform, plus it tended to make the guys just a bit uncomfortable when she showed up in uniform. The thought made her smile just a bit as she put the car in gear and headed toward Hazzard to see how BL's first day at the Post Office had been. BL headed back to the post office, after delivering Widow Parsons letter. Pulling into the lot in back, "See you tomorrow Miz Tisdale", BL said as Miz Tisdale got out of the car. "See you tomorrow dear", Miz Tisdale replied.Pulling out into the road that ran behind the post office. BL,with the day’s mail already in the back floorboard, ran it the 3 miles to the main branch at Colonial City, then headed for the Boar's Nest to meet the others. She couldn't wait to tell them about her first day on the job, she hoped tomorrow was as good. Pulling up at the Boar's Nest between General Lee and Daisy's yellow roadrunner, she put the GTO in park saying to Sadie as she got out,"stay here girl, I won't be long." Yawning, Sadie lay down in the backseat to wait. Dixie drove up about this time, catching up to BL at the door, "hey cousin". "Hey" BL replied. BL could see the curiosity about the day in her cousin’s eyes but she ignored it, saying nothing until they were at a back table with the others. —---------------- Bo, Luke and Cooter were at a back table, when Bo saw the girls walk in and motioned them over to the table. Daisy saw the girls walk in also and headed to the table to get their orders and see how BL's day was. "Hi girls. What will it be?" Dixie said, "I'll have a beer." BL add, "Me too." Luke said, "Daisy bring us all another round too." A couple minutes later Daisy returned with the five beers, "Alright tell us how your day was while I take my time putting these beers down, Sugar." "It was real good, Sadie helped me deliver right to folks." BL said, taking a sip of the beer Daisy sat in front of her. "How so?", Dixie asked. "Took it right to 'em, if they was outside," BL said "Bet that was cute. Anything interesting happen?", Daisy said. B.L started to shake her head 'no' but then said "Yeah Cletus came in to get a P.O box, that wouldn't be strange except he wanted a big one." Everybody exchanged looks. This was strange, none of them figured Cletus got enough mail to fill a small P.O box, even if he didn't collect his mail for a week, let alone a large box. After a minute or so Bo said, "Maybe he's ordering some comic books or something. He's always reading Enos's at the jail." Luke shrugged his shoulders and said with a laugh, "Or maybe he's sending away for a mail order bride." Daisy nudged Luke, "They wouldn't fit even in a big mail box, Luke!" Luke gave Daisy a look he normally saved for Bo, but this time Daisy deserved it, "If he thinks he's going to get a lot of offers to his ad, the letters would fit." "Oh well, yeah, ok." Daisy said as she turned back to the bar. Dixie took a sip of her as BL asked her, "Have you started on your dress yet? Dixie replied, "I haven't even got the material out of the bag yet. I figured I might think about it tonight." BL laughed at Dixie, it was no secret Dixie didn't like deadlines when she sewed, "better do more than just thinking about it, dance is only five days away." Dixie smirked, turning the tables on her cousin, "how's your dress coming?" BL didn't like feeling rushed and she knew it. "I haven't started on it yet", BL admitted grudgingly, she knew Dixie was just trying to get her goat. Changing the subject, getting Dixie's mind off giving her a hard time she hoped, BL looked at the three guys at the table "who are you fellas taking to the dance?" Her answer was three sets of shrugged shoulders. Cooter took a drink of his beer and sat back giving BL's question some thought. Bo had pretty much figured that he and BL would sort of, maybe, end up together. Stranger things had happened lately, but hadn't really asked her or anyone else. He ran his hand around the back of his neck as he suddenly felt put on the spot. Before Bo could turn the subject on him, Luke stood up and said, "I'll be right back. I got to make a call." He reached for his pager as he crossed the room to the phone. He promptly turned the pager from bell to silent. "Daisy, can I make a quick call?" Seeing the pager in Luke's hand she figured he'd gotten paged out on a fire. She sat the Boar's Nest phone on the counter, hoping that Luke didn't have to rush out. Luke dialed the number to their home base camp. He knew the voice and was glad it was one of the men he worked closely with as he said, "This is Duke, I got the page. Yeah, I know. Ok tomorrow about 8 AM I can do that. Yeah. See ya Ryan." He had to smile to himself seeing the image his mind played of his work partner trying to figure out just what that was about. It was alright he'd explain tomorrow when they were in the already scheduled class that Ryan knew he'd be at. He had taken some calls like this from his men before but he really hadn't made them often. He ordered another couple of beers before he returned to the table, hoping the conversation had changed as he sat the second beer down in front of Dixie. BL watched as Bo seemed to be downright squirming at the question, which amused her. She'd swear Luke was avoiding answering but he took work calls from time to time, answering a page. Cooter though seemed to be giving it some serious thought. "Anybody asked you yet, Dix", BL asked. Dixie shook her head 'no', taking a drink of her beer she said, "Thanks Luke." Luke gave her just the slightest nod as he sat back down. Cooter finally answered, "I really hadn't planned to go with anyone in particular. I seem to have more fun that way." "That's pretty much how I see it." Luke said. —---------- BL finished her beer saying,"I better git, I left Sadie in the backseat. See ya'll tomorrow." Standing, BL was on her way to the door, when halfway there a drunken cowboy that had been in school with her, although at the moment she couldn't remember his name, grabbed her wrist slurring "hey, sweetie lesh dance." "Let go of me!", BL said at the same time, grinding her high heel into the cowboy's foot. Hearing BL over the racket of the crowded bar, Bo and Cooter both stood up from the back table, Bo getting to the cowboy's table seeing the source of the 'damsel in distress' sounds, he grabbed the arm of the other man, "I believe the lady asked you to let go of her arm," Bo said. The cowboy slurred, "I jis' wansa dance, she jist bein' all high 'n' mighty jis' like in school," so go 'way." Next thing Bo knew, a fist came flying his way, the owner being too drunk to hit its mark. Flying by Bo's head, Bo's own fist flying out in defense, only it found its mark, knocking the cowboy out cold. BL had moved over against the wall, the minute she was free. Rosco came in the door, at the same time Bo's fist connected with its mark. —--------------- "Alright Bo Duke I seen ya, you're under arrest!" BL seen Rosco get his cuffs off his belt, "Rosco you can't arrest Bo, he was just defending me from this ogre!" BL pointed to the guy on the floor, who was beginning to come around. Roscoe said "Defending you my foot! More like disturbing the peace as usual!” At that moment the ogre came to, jumped to his feet, and launched himself at Bo. He wasn't even close, he missed and plowed over Rosco instead! Before Bo and Cooter knew what was happening Rosco was on the floor in a wrestling match and trying to get control of the drunken man. "s***!" Luke swore as he crossed the bar. Since being a Smokejumper he'd done pretty well at staying out of these things but it really looked as if Rosco could use a hand. "Come on guys. Let's give Rosco a hand." Bo frowned, wondering why they were gonna help Rosco when he had been about to arrest him. Even though Bo wasn't thrilled by Luke's directions he and Cooter followed Luke's lead grabbing the drunken man, pulling him off Rosco, then Luke helped the sheriff to his feet. "Alright you, you're under arrest for assaulting an officer," Much to everyone's surprise, Rosco forgot all about arresting Bo, instead putting the cuffs on the drunk, escorting the guy out the door to the patrol car. Luke, Cooter and Dixie went back to their table. BL started for the door again, Bo at her side. "You ok BL, he didn't hurt you, did he?" Bo asked. "No, I'm fine Bo", BL said When they reached the car Bo gave Sadie a scratch behind the ears, when she walked over to the end of the backseat." Leaning back against the car's side, Bo looked at BL a moment then asked, "Wanna go to the dance, saturday?" BL nodded "yeah". Luke tucked his loose shirt as he walked back to the table. He, Dixie and Cooter took their seats at the table as Daisy brought over another round of drinks. —-------------- Cooter nodded his head toward the door as he looked from his sister to Luke, "What's up there?" Luke shrugged his shoulders, "What do you mean? Bo's always ready to jump into a fight." Cooter frowned, "That wasn't what I meant. I meant him following BL outside." "Maybe he didn't follow her. He might have just needed to cool off." Dixie said. Luke suggested, "Or making sure that creep didn't have any friends out there." Bo came back into the Boar's Nest, sitting back down in his chair, without a word as to why he'd followed BL, Dixie knew she could call BL later and find out why Bo had followed her. Luke wasn't too curious either it seemed, like Dixie he figured Bo would give him details later. Balladeer: Curiosity was about to kill Cooter's cat though. Cooter waited, took a drink of beer and waited some more as the conversation went to things Cooter wasn't curious about. "Can you believe Rosco never gave me a second look after he got that guy cuffed." Bo asked. "Don't brag so loud. " Luke said, taking a healthy drink of beer. Dixie said knowing how far this was going to go, "I should have been the one to help Rosco. I am trained and all for that you know." She wasn't quite sure who gave her the look first but it was Luke who spoke first. "I was too Darlin', by the Marines." Luke's statement ended whatever protests Dixie may have. Cooter was hearing but he wasn't believing, "Blood's thicker than water". Cooter said. Luke nor Dixie had an argument for that, normally they would wholeheartedly agree. Luke finished his beer, "I think it's time we slide out of here Bo while the getting is good." "Right, I agree." Bo stood up finishing his own beer as he did. Luke added more for Dixie's benefit than anyone else, "And, I've got to be in that training tomorrow so I need to leave early to get things set up, " he said looking at Dixie, which means "that I'll likely be late getting back here. Cooter wasn't always credited for being a smart man but he was observant, thus the look Luke gave Dixie when he said he'd likely be late getting back, didn't get past him. Before he could ask what was up, Luke was gone. Turning to Dixie to ask instead, Dixie cut him off, guessing what her brother was doing, "I better get going too, see ya Cooter." Before Cooter could stop her, Dixie made her escape. —------------- "Wonder what Boss is upto, he ain't never in his office this late", Luke wondered aloud as Bo drove General Lee past the courthouse and, he noticed Boss's office lights were still on. Bo replied, "I don't know. He's likely up to something." "Well, just keep driving, Bo. We ain't getting involved this time, whatever it is." Luke said matter of factly. "Hey, we're not involved already." Bo said, grabbing another gear and heading out of town toward home. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Hope you enjoy it Roger.

I stuffed myself the past few days lol. Work had a potluck on Wednesday and then had two thanksgiving dinners yesterday. Definitely feeling it today, probably skip breakfast this morning. I'll definitely never forget this Thanksgiving. I'm 43 years old and people trying to dictate how I'm going to live my life like I have no choice. We're still in shock after being blindsided yesterday. We never agreed to it or even had any input yet apparently the decision has been made and my family thinks it's a done deal . I don't know how the heck the discussion from last week that my dad's house needs renovated to bring it up to live-able code automatically turned into we're moving in and and taking care of him. I and my wife never agreed to that. In my opinion the house should be sold as is and my dad should move into an apartment or senior assisted apartment. It's probably going to cost $20-30,000 just to bring it up to current home code regulations and fix the things that he let go when he was in good health.