[Kris Verdeyen]

For weeks before nationals, I kept seeing this semi trailer driving around town. It was number 71. I think that has some relevance.


Seriously, I just drove North and south across the country in the past six days. (Get your maps out - From Houston, through Texarcana, Little Rock and Memphis to Terre Haute, from Terre Haute through Madison to Waupaca, and then from Waupaca through Madison, St. Louis, Poplar Bluff, Little Rock, and Texarcana back to Houston.) That was over 40 hours of driving in the past six days.

Anyway - I was seeing team numbers everywhere. I would go for hours without noticing a mile marker, then I'd see #118. On every road! 71's, 45's, 47's, 111's, 116's, 121's, 469's. Every road sign had a face that went with it. Most had several. I am so very glad that I'm not the only one who this happens to.

The only other time something like this has happened to me was when a friend of mine in high school was convinced that the number 41 was out to get him. He'd wake up in the middle of the night, and it would be 3:41. It was the number the football coaches gave him on his jersey, he'd see the number everwhere.

And then I did.

And soon, you will.

On another note -

I also found Mountain Home, Arkansas (the home of #16, the Baxter Bomb Squad) on the map while eating at a Denny's just north of St. Louis. I tried to find a route that would take me through there, but I'd still be on the road if I'd gone that way. The Ozarks are beautiful, though - even at night (by the light of the silv'ry moon). I highly recommend visiting, but make sure you fill up your tank in St. Louis - they don't believe in 24 hour gas stations there.