I was so impressed by the towing services on I-435. Stuck cars getting immediate service. I couldn't figure out how the tow trucks were giving such efficient service, until I realized they were driving up and down the interstate -- basically trolling for business. And it was land office business. We made the airport on time without enhancing the K.C. area towing industry.

* * *

Mike Billinger Sr. passed away last Tuesday. Mike had a smile that exuded warmth, graciousness and orneriness. If you knew him, you will understand when I say that his eyes smiled.

The executive committee of our local party awarded him the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2001 and he was quite proud of that honor; but he took greater pride in serving as a precinct chairman for 40 years. He mentioned his tenure in every visit. In the past few years, it was difficult for him to attend Democratic Party events; so from time to time, he would invite me via a phone call or note to drop by his home for a visit.

He would tell stories of the days of Bob Glassman and Norbert Dreiling (also Lifetime Achievement Award honorees) and the Bob Docking years. Although, there was more than a three decade gap in our ages, we were great friends and our visits were always special.

He would usually slip me some cash and let me know it was to be used by Dottie and myself. I would tell him "You know I'm going to use this for gambling and drinking." Although he didn't approve of either of those particular diversions, he would tell me to use it any way I wanted.

In my note to Sue, Kim and Mickey, I wrote, "I don't think many folks understand the time and sacrifice of serving as county chair more then your father did. That being said, he did understand the reason we do serve."

So, "Goodbye, Mike. And thanks so much for your counsel and friendship. Neither will be forgotten."

* * *

I was astounded when 366 folks registered to participate in the Democratic caucus. Despite blowing snow and freezing temperatures, enthusiasm was as great as I've ever seen in my 30-plus years of attending local political events. I've been asked to explain the caucus. As far as I can tell, it is derived from the word "chaos." Despite that, those attending gave the soirée rave reviews.

A surly HDN editor did whine about the "open ballot."

His column did remind me of the last time I voted on the computer. The volunteer tried to leave after giving me the directions. I told her to stay and make sure I was voting correctly. She explained the county clerk didn't want the volunteers watching voters casting their ballots.

I told her, "I will stand on this chair and yell who I'm voting for so everyone knows. I just want to make sure this computer knows who I want to vote for." She stayed.

* * *

A pleasant surprise. Next time you visit the Baltimore airport (BWR), check out California Tortilla. We ordered a fajitas platter, a burrito and two Bloody Marys for $21.61. Although we only waited about five minutes, the counter person apologized and gave us free chips and dip. We were so impressed we visited the place upon our return on Sunday.

Also. A 10-dollar store. Everything in the place, 10 bucks. Dottie bought a shoulder wrap as a gift, and I bought some reading glasses -- for myself.

You'll have to hurry to catch these bargains. Prices escalate to 15 bucks on March 1.

* * *

So, you ask how this grandpa and grandma thing is working out. Really, really well. I even rated Dottie and I on some grandparenting activities. I get an A+ in stroller pushing. Also, an A+ in granddaughter walking (extra points as I perform this with a bad back). My C- in "peek-a-boo" pales next to Dottie's A+ (she's much more animated).

Although I take an "NA" in both diaper changing and baby bathing, Dottie gets an A+ in both of those. She also outranks me in rubber bone tossing to the dog; I may be a B or so at best, yet she again throws an A+ at the board.

All in all, we make a great grandpa/grandma team.