Garrett Duke

Cake

Well Roger, I am sorry that you won't be participating, though do understand. Feel free to ask questions as we go along. Am glad to hear that you will be keeping an eye on the thread...

NASCAR was founded in 1947/48 by William France Sr. (The grandfather of Brian France who is the CEO of NASCAR today...as of 2009) Well MaryAnne, you just had to go burst my bubble, didn't you? Thought I knew a lot about the sport, but obviously, I don't know everything. LOL. Sadly, I had to go look that up...hope that isn't against the rules. Good question though! Sticking with MaryAnne's question... Who won the first NASCAR race?

YAY we got another member! Welcome aboard Waikiki! Good luck to both Roger and Waikiki on their resolutions...you both have made some pretty good ones. As for me, I have a few things that I need to work on for 2011. I wish I could add a Duke episode a day to it as well...would love that one, but don't know where I would find room in my day to do so. As it is, I have difficult times finding time to write (wish I had more time to do that as well!). Well onto my resolutions...(Drum roll...LOL) 1. Not to eat so much...in hopes of losing weight. 2. Take more time out to pray

Well I had started a thread like this at my NASCAR Club or what not on here, but figured it might be fun to do it here...especially since we 52 more days until Daytona 500 in February. The last trivia thread I had, I posted the trivia question first and then who ever answered the trivia question could come up with their own question...or could pass. I'll start... What does NASCAR stand for?

Garrett Duke stiffly stands up to stare down into the hood of 'Spittin' Cobra', his beloved 1971 Mustang Mach I, and takes in all of his hard work he had put into making the car what it is. He had built the car up from scrap years before his sister and him moved to Hazzard with the help of his dad and his dad's privately owned garage. Now, years later, the car remains his pride and joy. Even over his expensive new motorcycle he got a couple of years ago. Nothing, in his eyes, could ever be better or even as close as good as 'Spittin' Cobra'. And maybe that was why he held such a huge grudge and hatred over his twin brother who had his own built muscle car that he raced and bragged over. Back in Knoxville, Garrett had been known as the best mechanic and the best driver around. But here in Hazzard, he is over looked, as his brother has the large reputation as being the best mechanic and driver around. With his cousin close behind. Leaving them Garrett's number one and two competition. And of all the times they have raced or compared their mechanical talents, Garrett, finds himself coming in second or third. The few times Garrett has came in first was when The General wasn't up to power or when the sheriff got in the way of their race. Despite having his legendary reputation of being the best in Knoxville, he couldn't out race or out work his twin brother and their cousin. Except maybe now. Except maybe now that The General was out of commission for the race to leave Bo and Luke out of their normal set of wheels and placing them into someone else's car. "Tonight Cobra," Garrett speaks aloud as he closes the hood of his car, "is our night to shine. We'll beat them real good tonight and show them exactly who's the best. We are." He goes silent as he walks over to the driver's door and slowly opens it before being interrupted from behind. "Well Garrett," Garrett turns around to face Kristy who stands on the sidewalk with Jamie and Shay standing next to her, "I hate to be the one to burst your bubble there," she shrugs as she lets go of Jamie's hand to approach him, "but I just got a call from LB." Garrett eyes her questionably. "Despite how much I despise that hick and don't see what you seem to see in him, I don't see why that would burst my bubble," Garrett smugly states, "if I had a bubble, that is." Kristy rolls her eyes. "You just can't stand anyone else to be happy, can you? You refuse to allow yourself to be happy so you try to go ruin happiness for everyone around you. Is that it? Well, it's not going to work with me or with LB. The kids love LB as do I. If you can't accept that, then well," she shrugs, "I guess it's too bad for you." She goes silent as her greenish blue eyes fades away from her over confident half brother to take in his pride and joy; his car. She sighs heavily as she recalls the conversation she had with LB only minutes ago that had brought a rush of mixed emotions over her. Mixed emotions because she knew that it would only upset Garrett once he found out, but sooner or later he would know. "Believe it or not, I've accepted it," Garrett finally breaks the silence, "I was only giving you a hard time. I think you know that, Kris." "I know, was only playing along," Kristy flashes a smile at Garrett, "You've put in a lot of work on Cobra today. He looks great...and fast." "Like always," Garrett gives her a small smile as he closes the door, "but that's not why you're out here is it? What does this phone call from LB have to do with me?" Kristy gives him a smile. "LB just got word from Cooter," she pauses for a moment to look back at Jamie and Shay who have found some toys in the yard to play with. Turning back to Garrett, she continues, "that Bo and Luke has accepted car parts for to fix The General up for tonight's race." Garrett lets out a breath of frustration as he glances at Cobra, his premature excitement at having one up on Bo and Luke quickly deflates from within him. Looking back at Kristy, he asks, "Car parts? From who? Where?" "Someone in Atlanta got word that they were in need of help. Someone who had a few car parts lying around, I guess," Kristy answers. "Damn," Garrett states, resting upon Cobra. "I should have known it was too good to be true." Kristy shakes her head. "Don't understand why you're upset about it. You've got Cobra in excellent shape. You're a great driver. Wouldn't you want to beat them equally matched?" "Equally matched? There's two of them. One of me. How's that equal?" Garrett is quick to question, though deep down, know she is right. "Yeah perhaps I'd rather beat them in their junk car, but how many times have I beat them, Kris? I'm done coming in second to them!" "Second isn't all that bad, Garrett. Just means you all are good at what you do, but I wouldn't give up on Cobra just yet. Or yourself," Kristy states as she pats him on the shoulder, "it should make for a great race tonight." Garrett only nods as he turns back to his car as he takes it in, thinking of what else he could do to better his car, his driving ability before tonight's race. "Well Garrett," Kristy begins to walk towards her kids, "lunch is ready. Feel free to take a break and join us." "C'mon Uncle Garrett," Jamie and Shay both call out to him. "Sorry, but I've got work to do," Garrett states as he climbs into the driver's seat of Cobra and starts it up. For a long moment he sits listening to the powerful pur of the engine before he slowly backs it up on the dirt road before taking off. Lighing a cigarette to help ease his nerves, Garrett starts on his way to a private dirt track in hopes of pushing Cobra to it's limits in an extra way to get ready for tonight's race. (CUE DANEY)

I'm all for it if you are. Though it would be more interesting if more people would join in with us to do it. Hmmm how can we recruit more people? There has to be a way...LOL. I would be interested in doing it with just us two, Roger, but if you don't want to, that is OK too. We could do weekly updates on our progress...and instead of someone dropping out if they break the resolution, maybe they could list ways of how they could do better to keep the resolution next time. I don't know, just a couple of ideas.

*Bo sits on the floor taking everything in; from his family, to the warm house and it's decorations, to Connor and his new family. A smile crosses his face as he is hit with a startling thought. This is the best Christmas. Ever. There may be no gift under the tree for him or his family or Daisy may not even be able to fix their big Christmas meal they always have this year. But they are together. They are a family. Not only that, but he was able to witness something he may never see again. A miracle being born for a sad and troubled young boy who was lost without a home. Now found with a loving and caring family with a bright and happy future that looms ahead of Connor. Bo looks up as Connor approaches him and silently gives him another hug. "Thanks Bo," he grins, "for everything." Bo shrugs and as he goes to say something, Connor walks away over to Karen and Mark to give them both hugs. "Thank you. For everything," he grins up at them, "this is the best Christmas. Ever." Everyone applauds at Connor's statement. As the room goes silent, everyone's attention is grabbed as Boss and Rosco walk into the room with a bag of gifts. "Merry Christmas everyone," Boss smiles at everyone, "I think Santa left these at the office for everyone." "Oh goody! Look! I see one with Connor's name on it!" Rosco pulls out a large wrapped gift out of the cloth bag and hands it to Connor and as he gives it to Connor, Connor hugs Rosco tightly before backing up with the large gift. Rosco watches as Connor drops to his knees and rips open the large box to see a large remote control General Lee car within a clear box. "For me?! Look!" Connor jumps up and takes it to Bo and Luke, "It looks like your car! Can you open it?" "Sure can," Luke states with a smile as he carefully takes it out of Connor's hands and slowly begins to open it while he begins to sing "O Holy Night". Everyone joins in with him as Rosco gleefully begins to hand out gifts to everyone. THE END ************************************** Thank-you for all who took time to read this. I hope everyone had a very special Christmas that was filled with happiness, laughter, and with great company of family and friends. Hope you all will find good health and happiness in 2011.

General

I mainly read fiction...if you can tell by my list of favorite authors. My library contains all of their books with a few others. They are either lawyer or police books with a lot of action. Though I do read a few nonfiction books from time to time. Though it is normally about a person I like or some topic I like. I like to read Cesar Millan books. He is the Dog Whisperer on the TV show on National Geographic channel: Dog Whisperer. My dog is pretty well behaved, but it is interesting to watch him work and to read up on his advice on all the dog topics out there. I enjoyed reading James Best's book...it was very interesting to read about our very own Rosco Coltrane. LOL. At the moment, I am in the middle of reading Ben Jones' book "A Redneck Boy in the Promised Land" something like that. So far, I am enjoying it, though there has been a few sad parts in it. Terri Irwin (Steve Irwin's wife) wrote a book about Steve (Crocidile Hunter) that I enjoyed reading as well. Never thought of listing the different types of books...good idea. I mainly read fiction as I said, but I have read a few nonfiction as well.

We need three more people...

money

*With Emma and Jesse in the backseat with Luke and Bo still in the front with Ms. Patricia, they follow Karen, Mark, and Connor to Connor's new house. Bo excitedly fills Emma and Jesse in on all that has happened that had led them driving by them when they had. Luke listens in silently while he remains silent in thought of what all Connor must be feeling and going through in the car ahead. After a few minutes, they come to a halt in front of Connor's new house where Mark and Karen pull to a halt next to Daisy's jeep. "Look, Daisy's here," Bo states as he unfastens his seat belt. Ms. Patricia's old car comes to a halt besides Mark's and Bo throws open his door as well as Luke and Jesse. "Hey y'all," Mark states as everyone gathers by the porch steps, "Connor here likes hot chocolate. How about we all go in and celebrate Christmas, Connor, and family with a hot cup of hot chocolate? Karen does have some coffee if y'all perfer that." "Hot chocolate it is," Luke states, his fingers lost in his back pockets. Mark hugs Connor as he leads them all up the front steps. "Let's go see your new home," he smiles down at his new son as he opens the door and they walk in. Bo is quick to open the door for everyone to follow them inside before he follows Karen into the large kitchen.

*Smiles were contagious in the police station as everyone's eyes seemed to be focused upon Connor who grinned excitedly. Deep down he knew that it wouldn't be the same. Nothing would ever be the same as it had been that fateful day that he lost his parents and his brother. But this would be the closest to the real thing that he will ever get at having a real family and Connor was excited at the thought of belonging to a family once more. Someone to return home to. Someone to confide in. Someone to trust in. "Well Connor," Mark breaks the silence, "we already did the paper work that was need to fill out and Ms. Patricia has packed your stuff in our car. Just tell us when you are ready to go see your new home and we'll be ready to go." Connor nods. "OK," he slowly states before he leaves them and walks over to Bo to give him a hug. "Thank you for everything." "Not a problem, Connor. You just ask your parents, perhaps once it gets warmer out, we could go fishing or something," Bo suggests and Luke nods while putting a hand on Bo's shoulder. "Thanks Luke," Connor looks up at Luke before returning to Karen and Mark, "I'm ready." They nod. "Good thing. I hear Santa already has your new address and has a few things ready to drop off for you under your tree tonight," Karen beams in pride and love. Connor smiles before shrugging. "You've already given me something Santa could never bring me. A family. Thank-you." He states to receive a hug from them both. *********************************************** Silence fills Ms. Patricia's old car as Bo sits in the passenger seat and Luke sits in the back seat. Together they follow Mark, Karen, and Connor on their way to Connor's new house for some coffee and cookies that was offered before they were to ride back to the orphanage to meet up with Daisy and Jesse. Who by now was probably starting to worry or wonder what was taking them so long. "Well look at that," Bo states to break the silence, not one to stay too silent for too long, "it's snowing. We may be having ourselves a white Christmas this year." "The kids at the orphanage will love that," Patricia states, "not very often they get to play in the snow. Build snowmen or to have a snowball fight." They ride in silence once more, everyone's thoughts remain upon Connor and the great surprise he had been given while watching the snow fall from the darkened sky. As Patricia leans forward to turn the heater up on her car, Bo looks away from the sky only to spot a couple of people sitting on a log with a fire. From the distance he is unable to see who it is other than they didn't seem dresseds for the weather. "There's a couple of people up ahead on the side of the road. I wonder if they are in need of help," Bo ponders aloud and as they gain a few feet closer to them, his heart stops in recognition, "It's Uncle Jesse and Miz Tisdale! What in the world are they doing out here on the side of the road?!" Luke peers forward as Patricia slows the car down to a halt next to the motorbike before jumping out first into the cold wind and snow. "Jesse," he states as Bo joins him, "what are you doing out here?" "Dang it's cold out here," Bo gripes before looking at Jesse, "you ok Uncle Jesse? Miz Tisdale?"*

"Reality" Kenny Chesney Well if I heard it right...he does say the "B" word once in this song so I apologize if this offends anyone. Other than that, it is another great song. Reminds me of Bo and Luke in his verse about fast cars and shine. LOL.

"The Road and The Radio" Kenny Chesney Another great Chesney song and another non video song on YouTube. All the same, good song.

Well was on Youtube.com for one of my favorite authors and his main character and came up with the idea of a favorite books or author thread here for anyone else who likes to read. My favorite authors are: Lee Child Michael Connelly John Lescroart Steve Martini I am hooked on these four author's books...once a new book comes out, I have to get it in my collection and to read it. Each book hard to put down and once it is over, leaves me looking forward to the next book of that author to come out. Who's your favorite author? Or what book is your favorite book?

FYI - Darius Rucker use to be in a band called Hootie and the Blowfish...think it was a rock band. Not sure. Never did listen to their music, but did know about them because I am a HUGE Chicago Cubs fan...a couple of the announcers would talk about them from time to time during their Cubs broadcasts when I was growing up. I am really glad Daruis has moved to Country - I really like his music. Find it really refreshing. He is on his second Country album right now with his current song "Come back Song". Glad to see he seems to be sticking around the Country Music scene and is making it work for him. I'd have to say he is one of my favorite new Country artist.

Sorry for the lack of a video, this is the best link I could come up with. All the same, another great Kenny Chesney song.

Charger Hoss - Good question...was it the Dukes of Hazzard by chance?

Car (as in Stock car...wouldn't want to disappoint y'all )

*Connor grips tightly onto Bo's elbow all the way into the sheriff's station until he sees Ms. Patricia sitting at a desk with a couple of young people. "Ms. Patricia!" he exclaims before letting go of Bo's elbow to run over to Ms. Patricia to give her a hug and she warmly gives him one in return. "Please tell the sheriff that they didn't kidnap me! I only asked them for a ride to go visit my parents' grave, I didn't mean to get them into trouble," he speaks loudly and quickly as tears once more fall from his large eyes, "and now they're arrested all because of me." "Shhhh Connor. It's OK. The sheriff is only doing his job," Ms. Patricia states caringly and puts a hand up to halt Connor when he goes to object, "I know the boys were trying to help you and that they didn't do anything wrong. We all know that. It's just a misunderstanding that will be taken care of. Just wait and see. Meanwhile, the sheriff is only doing his job. Whether it is correct or not." Connor slowly nods and lets go of Ms. Patricia to look up at Bo and Luke and then over to the sheriff who eyes the couple and Ms. Patricia for a long moment. "That's right, Connor," Sheriff Rosco Coltrane states seriously as he turns his back on Ms. Patricia and the couple to face the boys who look questionably at each other and then back at Rosco. "All of this is a misunderstanding. On y'all's part." Rosco giggles, no longer able to contain his laughter, his happiness. "On our part?" Bo is quick to question, "You threw us against the car and put handcuffs on our wrists while saying we were under arrest. How did we misunderstand you?" "You hush it Bo Duke. Your mouth will get you in a heap of trouble one of these days," Rosco states half serious and half joking, "you are just lucky it's Christmas tomorrow. In my Christmas spirit, that you seem to think I am lacking, I will turn the other way and pretend I am not hearing you." Rosco goes silent for a damatic moment and Bo rolls his eyes at the sheriff. Finally he states, "Bo and Luke Duke, turn around so I can uncuff you. Khee khee." "Uncuff us?" Luke now questions as he follows Rosco's orders, "What is all this about?" Rosco remains quiet as he unlocks both sets of handcuffs and repockets them and the boys slowly turn back around to face him, rubbing their wrists. "What's this about you ask, huh? Well, y'all took Connor before his new parents could come and pick him up, so I had to think of a way to get y'all here to meet up with them. I got you good this time. Khee! I love it, I love it," he laughs to recieve questioning looks from Connor and the boys, "You see Mark and Karen Jelter just moved to Hazzard from Hatchapee County a couple of weeks ago. They have been searching for the right town and the right house to raise kids at. Well, they figure Hazzard and their new house is the best place there is and since they can't have children, the opted to adopt." "They were at the orphanage last week to get info and to look around and fell in love with Connor here," Ms. Patricia speaks up, "and was adament about wanting to adopt him. And with Christmas coming up, they wanted it to be a surprise." "You're adopting me?!" Connor questions excitedly, "You mean, taking me out of the orphanage?" "Yes sir," Mark laughs as he takes a step forward to place a caring hand upon Connor's head before bending down to his level, "I am so sad and sorry to hear about your real parents and your brother. We will never be able to replace them nor are we wanting to try to. We just want to take you in and care for you and be your new parents...not your old ones. Does that sound OK?" Connor excitedly hugs him before backing up shocked and embarassed at himself for letting his emotions get the best of him. "I mean, yes sir," he says stepping back. "You don't have to call us sir, son. Just call me dad. If that's OK with you. If not, I guess you can call me Mark," Mark answers standing up. "OK Dad," Connor answers and then looks at Karen and says, "Mom." Karen quickly gives him a hug and kisses him on the top of his head. Standing back, Bo lets out a rebel yell in excitement at seeing the best Christmas gift to be given to Connor. The gift of a family.

I am going to make y'all into New Kids on the Block fans before I'm done here...LOL

Welcome to HNet Lucas...hope you stay around for awhile. It is always great to meet new great Duke fans as yourself. Well . . . if you want some more snow, would be more than glad to scoop all of ours in Iowa and ship it all out to you. Already have a few inches on the ground and they are predicting more tonight and tomorrow. So sounds like we'll have more than enough to share with y'all. (Am definately not a fan of snow!!!!!)