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Got here bright and early this morning, well before the crowd started pouring in. NASCAR fans by the tens of thousands will be here by mid morning.

Jeff Gordon hopes a turnaround that started at Atlanta Motor Speedway last October takes another step forward in the Golden Corral 500.

Carl Edwards, meanwhile, hopes to somehow fashion a repeat of his weekend at the 1.54-mile oval a year ago. It was a career-changing weekend in which Edwards won his first Busch Series and first Nextel Cup Series races in a span of about 24 hours.



Edwards' performance was shocking, even more so than Gordon's struggles at 1.5- and 2-mile tracks most of last season. But a test at the track last October sparked something in the No. 24 team. Gordon finished a so-so 13th at California Speedway last month, but a fifth-place run at Las Vegas a week ago has him geared up for Atlanta.

And of course, it is St Patrick's today - Happy St Patrick's day. Amazing how time flies. New York City has the largest St Patrick's parade in the country, about 5 miles long, thousands of people participate. It's been celebrated for 245 years (!)



In Ireland, people observing Lent are allowed to break their fasts for one day: St. Patrick’s Day. This traditional feast is typically celebrated in Ireland, and the world 'round, with pitchers of Guinness and plates of corned beef; any Irish meal should include rich pastries and hearty breads as well.

Been watching this show this season. Marlena turned me on to it. It's very intense, very good writing.

Leaving for Atlanta first thing tomorrow morning. Will be there till Monday morning.

Going to Cinci next week, Thu & Fri.

And I totally take back the comment I made yesterday about warm weather. A nasty cold wind took hold all day today. I got a sore throat from walking a coulpe blocks