For my photographer, Saturday August 4, 2018 in Tustin, California was a day that he had been looking forward to for a long time. His good friend, Tom “Mr. Plumber” Currier, was hosting a Road Hog NASCAR party at his house and the California contingent of the fantasy league had pledged to attend. There would be plenty of good food, lots of alcohol, good people – and all without me. While my rotund camera guy and his wife were excited to put faces and personalities to the names that Tom’s been writing about for the past three years, he had planned to leave me standing alone on the shelf.
When the party started, I could hear all the laughter; and at times, I could smell the burgers and brats. Everyone was invited to the NASCAR shindig – everyone except me. If I didn’t know better, I almost thought that my photographer was embarrassed to introduce me to his new friends. Why would anyone scoff at a grown man who carries a “doll” all around the country with him? Would they laugh at him because he takes better care of me than he does his own kids? I was a bit angry with my photographer because I wanted to meet the folks that he’s called Beach Bum, Tornado Tony, and Umper; not to mention Red Bison, JJ’s Number One Fan, and The Corona Burner. I had figured that if those California people were anything close to being like Mr. Plumber, we would hit it off just fine. But on that Saturday afternoon, all I could do was stand in solitude on my shelf and listen to a Donald Trump rally that someone was watching on the television. That person watched Trump’s rally all the way to the point when my camera guy walked into the living room and scowled: “Get your ass outside. I didn’t come 3,000 miles to have you sit in here watching TV while the rest of us are having fun outside.” Seconds later, the television went silent and I didn’t see my photographer and his wife until they came to bed around midnight. Was the Road Hog party a success? Check out the photos and see Californication at its finest!
Pam Dennis proudly held the Rae Dunn “Beach Bum” plate that my photographer and his wife presented to her. The gift came complete with a set of Kyle Busch M&Ms.
Tom Currier was able to let his hair down after Ron Nickerson pulled his ass away from the Trump rally on television.
Tom Currier and Sam Berry, both of whom were plumb crazy, share plumber crack stories with Sam’s wife Molly.
Of the eight Road Hog owners at the party, “Tornado Tony” Maupin was in 11th place and highest in the standings. He’s a true NASCAR mastermind!
Mrs. Plumber, Rhonda Currier, talked weather with Tony as Heidi Martin smiled at the thoughts of Jimmie Johnson. Heidi is, after all, JJ’s #1 Fan – even though she didn’t wear a Jimmie Johnson shirt.
Tony Maupin, Tom Currier, and Sam Berry discuss NASCAR with Tom’s neighbor Jeff Cheechov. Jeff vowed to join the Road Hog League in 2019.
Rhonda (right) led the discussion about relative humidity with the other women. Seated from the left was Vicki, Molly Berry, Pam Dennis, and Yvonne Cheechov.
Mr. Plumber said to Tornado Tony: “Hey Dilly Dilly, let me check out that plumbing issue you have in there.”
Blink once if you love Donald Trump! Ron Nickerson loves the 45th President, and Jeff Gordon, so much that he named his Road Hog team “24 Ump-Trump”. Umper, Heidi, and Tony all reside in Orange, California.
Who knows a corn hole more than a Trump follower? Ron Nickerson found the overhand style worked better than the traditional underhand way to play the game. Trump disciples tend to shy away from anything underhanded – especially Hillary!
Plumbers might not be the best at corn hole, but they are #1 in the #2 business.
Sam Berry, also known by his Road Hog name “Red Bison Racing”, came to the party from his home in Huntington Beach, California.
Jeff Cheechov plugged the hole with his corn – then called his neighbor to unplug the hole.
“I’m telling you for the hundredth time, dew point is not the same as humidity.” Following his passionate discussion with anyone who would listen, Tornado Tony became Dew Point Tony.
“Umper, I don’t care about dew point or humidity, but I am interested in Coors.”
Dew Point Tony wondered if the humidity had an effect on his bag. It must have as it stuck to the side of his leg.
My photographer believed our weatherman Dew Point Tony looked a lot like Slim Pickens, the actor who played Taggart on ‘Blazing Saddles’.
Sam and Molly Berry share a moment with Rhonda Currier and Yvonne Cheechov.
Pam Dennis, the Beach Bum, came all the way from Norco, California – which is next door to Auto Club Speedway in Fontana. Pam lives so close to the track that she can flip-off Kyle Busch from her back door; but Beach Bum hates flying the bird.
“Oh ladies, let an expert show you how this is done!”
“NASCAR isn’t the only fantasy that I enjoy!”
Gene Gilleland, who came to the party from Corona, California, named his Road Hog team “Corona Burners”.
Gene’s wife, Cindy Gilleland, appeared to be the party’s taste tester!
Both my photographer and Gene are huge Kyle Busch fans and they tried to rub a little Kyle onto Beach Bum. It didn’t work – Pam still called Busch “Pig Face”.
Corona Burners and NASCAR Nana wet their shirts over Kyle Busch.
“I’m telling you, the dew point has caused the fog to roll in. I’m sure the hell not burnin’ the meat.”
Cute little Macy Currier thought to herself: “I have my bib on and I’m ready for a brat.”
Mr. Plumber said: “Damn, is he still talking about the effing dew point?”
Heidi Martin proved that she really was JJ’s #1 Fan!
Even though my photographer is a huge KISS fan, it appeared that he hooked up with a real Road Hog version of Mötley Crüe.
Since he wasn’t a Road Hog owner yet, Jeff Cheechov wondered if he had become a member of the Spice Girls. Top row from left was Baby Spice and Sporty Spice. Bottom row from left was Posh Spice, Ginger Spice, and Baldy Spice.
During the night’s first game of jenga, Mr. Plumber tried to jinx Tornado Tony.
“Well, we have a light breeze out of the southwest and under clear skies; which means I can remove this piece without the fear of fall setting in.”
“This is as easy as removing a stubborn turd from a clogged drain.”
Cindy and Heidi watched the Plumber’s balancing act with jenga while Umper wondered whether or not Donald Trump had Tweeted him.
Two plumber’s crack jenga’s secret to success.
The Storm-Chasing Dew Point Tony was missing a digit for his horns.
Tony was stunned as he thought his finger caused the collapse.
Keen Gene the Jenga Machine!
The Currier’s know how to throw a party and everyone in attendance had a great time – even though they didn’t get a chance to meet me. But from what I heard from my photographer the next day, it would be hard to find more friendly, good-hearted, genuine people anywhere on this planet. As I stood on the shelf throughout the night, I quickly forgot about my disappointment of not meeting Tony, Ron, Heidi, Sam, Molly, Gene, Cindy, Pam, Jeff, or Yvonne. The next day, however, Mr. Plumber had arranged for me to finally meet someone. And not just any someone, mind you. I was going to stand toe to toe with George Washington – and I couldn’t wait!
My name is Thomas Watson and I've been a U.S. history fanatic since I was 9 years old. In 2013, I decided to take my passion to the next level when I purchased a Thomas Jefferson bobble head with the sole intention of photographing that bobble head at Presidential sites. From that first day on July 10, 2013 at Spiegel Grove in Fremont, Ohio, this journey has taken on a life of its own. Now, nearly 40,000 miles later, I thought it was time to share the experiences, stories, and photos of Jefferson's travels. Keep in mind, this entire venture has been done with the deepest respect for the men who held the office as our President; no matter what their political affiliations, personal ambitions, or public scandals may have been. This blog is intended to be a true tribute to the Presidents of the United States and this story will be told Through the Eyes of Jefferson. I hope you enjoy the ride!
One thought on “85: PLUMBER CRACKED OPEN A COLD ONE WITHOUT ME”
Fuck’n awesome job
Great memories from a great day
Thx Tom AKA Grumpy ?
Fuck’n awesome job
Great memories from a great day
Thx Tom AKA Grumpy ?