I didn't have much (any) extra money, since I was making the transition from the lumber business to the insurance business with a young family. But I did have this quarter jar which I decided would be used for the trip. In those pre-casinos in Kansas and Oklahoma days, the track was happening. And I loved the atmosphere. Good food, drinks, gambling, friends. No downside.

The next day at coffee, one of those attending asked, "Glenn, did you like the dogs?" I responded with a non-enthusiastic "Oh, they were OK." From the questioner, this brought an "OK?! Are you kidding? People quit watching the dogs and were watching you." Anyway, I was hooked.

That led to several family trips to Wichita, exit 16. And trips with friends. An e-mail list that invited friends to join us at the track. It was more of a social event then a gambling trip.

I wrote a few weeks ago that the lure the dogs chase around the track is called "Ozzie" at the Wichita track and the announcer yells "Heeeeeeeeeeere's Ozzie" right before the dogs are released. The "nay" vote was statewide news, so I was a little disappointed that none of the newspapers in the state used "There Goes Ozzie" for a headline.

* * *

One of my buddies that joined me for my first trip to the track was Ron Ream. Ron was a teacher and principal. He liked to play golf. He loved his wife, Dianne.

He died too young last Saturday at 62. He had battled a series of ailments since a heart attack in 2004. And Dianne nursed him through them all.

My condolences to his family and friends. He will be missed.

* * *

I was honored to be one of Ron's pallbearers. As we were waiting at the mortuary, a lady was looking at the memorial card, which listed the pallbearers. She was asking someone, "Are you Glenn Staab? I want to meet Glenn Staab."

Hearing this, I went over and introduced myself. She explained that she liked the way Mike Cooper and The Breakfast Club crew of KAYS Radio give me a little static when I call in for their contests.

She looked at me and said, "I thought you'd be taller and skinnier."

I answered, "I used to be."

* * *

I was more than a bit surprised when my name appeared in John Pyle's letter of denial on their being a loyalty committee in the Republican Party.

He wrote, "I cannot see Glenn Staab openly campaigning for or contributing to a Republican running against Kathleen Sebelius ..."

Here's where John misses the point (or maybe tries to mislead others to miss the point). I also can't see me campaigning or contributing to a Republican candidate running against Kathleen Sebelius. But the Republican loyalty oath doesn't just include a governor's race; it includes any partisan race at any level.

That being said, my point is this; if Glenn Staab decides to support or contribute to any Republican candidate running against a Democrat in a partisan race, I won't be looking over my shoulder to be stripped of my vote at a state party meeting by five members of the state executive committee -- you know, like a loyalty committee. For all you Republican candidates out there, don't be checking your mailbox for a check from me.

You defend the "loyalty oath" because "there are approximately 15 states with such a clause." Hmm. Could that mean that about 35 states do not have a loyalty clause? A bit out of the mainstream, eh?

And you deny there is a "loyalty committee," explaining that "Four-fifths (80 percent) of the GOP state executive committee must agree that a violation took place." That, in itself, reminds me of an old saying, "You can put lipstick on a pig, but it's still a pig."

And I should know. I'm Sowboy.

(This column was also posted in the HDN)