But to be perfectly honest there were some things I really did like about my first time at this weekend's Budweiser Horseshoe Mud Races.

I did like seeing 4 year old Ashton Brown, the son of Bron Brown of Jonesville, La., in his first competition. Just look at those eyes trained on the racing tree. He WILL BE a force to reckon with in years to come.

I also liked seeing the new Jena High School girls' head basketball coach Dani McMillin, of Jonesville, La., in a photo finish race with Shelley Creel, formerly of Jonesville but now calls Whitehall, La., home. Dani went on to capture second in the ATV Mud Bog with the husband and wife team of Ryan and Shelley capturing 1st and 3rd respectively.

I liked seeing my old buddy, Jimbo McMillin, at the races. Jimbo tragically lost the end of his index finger during a high school chemistry experiment (actually I think he was testing the sharpness of a law mower blade -- while it was moving!) and always gives me that sign when we are playing baseball, betting on the horses, or choosing a truck (you know -- pick a good 'un)...

I liked seeing my newest buddies (from left), Crazy George Butler, of Walker, La., Jim Barksdale and Tommy Bougouis, both of Watson, La. I'm not sure why an episode of the Three Stooges pops in my head everytime I see this picture but I will admit I had to pass when they offered me some of their pork ribs. Don't know why other than thinking they may have tasted a little like WD-40.

I really, really liked seeing my newest little buddy, Hayden Thompson, who had grandpa Bobby (Creel) buy him one of those spray-water fans. Now, Hayden has a bit of 'ham' in him and when I asked him to spray a little water on his face he was more than willing to oblige. However, it shot a straight and powerful stream of water right into the middle of his face. Grandpa and I laughed so hard, that I missed the shot. But to Hayden's credit, when he picked up his head, now drenched in water, and I asked him to do it one more time, Hayden quickly replied, "Uh-uh!" Smart and good looks -- this boy will go far...

Of course, I really liked visiting with my ol' buddy Judge (Catahoula/Concordia) Leo Boothe and cuzin' Larry Boothe. That's Leo to the left, literally covered from head to toe in mud! I asked him how he liked the mud races and he promptly said, "I liked it just fine until they started the mud slinging!" Uh, you would think he would be use to that by now -- wouldn't ya?

It goes without saying I like anything to do with LSU. So when I was told Catahoula/Concordia District Attorney candidate Brad Burget was giving away a couple of LSU football tickets -- raffle style -- I wanted in on it. Unfortunately, Cindy Craft (center) of Waterproof, La., won the tickets and got to be in this nifty little picture with Brad, his lovely wife, Heather, and adorable son Barrett. Don't know if Brad wins or loses, but how can you not like a guy giving away LSU tickets.