It is rumored that Linda of TJ's Catering, my connection to Richmond Raceway, Fredericksburg Auto Auction, and Belvedere Plantation, found it humorous that I referred to myself as the "old, fat, funnel cake guy."  She also was quoted that "Chillie isn't fat at all." I think I'm in love with Linda. However, in fairness, I should point out a couple of things to her.  And, it might be best to paraphrase one of my all time favorites, Andy Griffith, who once opined (sort of) in his routine known as "What It Was Was Football", "It was back last October, I believe it was, we were about to cook funnel cakes for a tent service off in this college town.  It was about noontime on Saturday, and the cook weighed in at 338 pounds." Yes, Linda.  That was me.  338 pounds of fat.  Since then, not due to Weight Watchers, Dr. Scarsdale, or Jenny Craig, I've lost 127 pounds.  My waist has gone from a pulcratudunous (is that a good word?) 52 inches to 40" and those pants are now getting baggy and loose.  I'll be in 38" by Thanksgiving. Now, if you still don't get why I refer to myself as 'the fat, funnel cake guy', you should see me naked.  Ask Peggy.  With all of that weight loss, I now have tons of baggy skin that hangs in all of the wrong places.  So when I look in a mirror, which is almost never, I still see fat.  When you see me, it's all covered, thank God. How, you ask, did I loose all of that weight, without the aide of those well known dieters?  I quit drinking bourbon. The old part, of 'the old, fat funnel cake guy', is simple.  I'm pushing 60.  That's old.  Just ask my son.  And Peggy.  And my grandchildren---soon to be more than one. Now, on to more serious matters. Rain, rain, go away.  You're ruining a really good month. It rained all day at the auction yesterday.  And somehow, we still had a three loin day.  Not bad and a bunch better than I thought due to the weather.  Plus, it was a really good training day for Laura (of Belvedere) who continues to do a wonderful job. Tonight's high school game was postponed, thankfully.  I'm not sure I could have gotten my truck in and out of Jefferson Forest's stadium as it is down in a huge hole and I would imagine, muddy as hell. And, I spoke to soon on Big Red getting back in action.  My former friend gave me the shaft.  If I was a conspiracy nut, I might think the former friend and my former business partner who sold Big Red out from under me (even if in two pieces) could have gotten together.  At any rate, by Wednesday afternoon it became apparent that Big Red wasn't going to cover me at Richmond for the Equine festival.  And I did some fancy dancing because I didn't want to let down Noah of Tj's, nor Vicki from the festival.  My friend and supplier of batter and other things, Salim of Amira Enterprises in Richmond, had a crew not scheduled this weekend, and sent them to do the show.  At least all of those horses will now be able to get funnel cakes and lemonade. Peggy, who was going to work Richmond on Big Red, will now be at JMU with me for homecoming against Richmond University.  Tank and the boys will be at Liberty for their homecoming despite another tent getting destroyed yesterday in the storms.  Hopefully, the latest forecasts will be right and the rains will end by Saturday morning.  And the month will end on the high note I'd hoped for.