Fun day in St. Louis

I ran Bea up to the big town today and met the mob, all good folks. Gary's piston pin clip didn't come out, it broke a little 3/16" piece off one end and it wedged into the land just above the oil ring groove. Wierd, I've never seen anything like it and don't think it's likely that anyone would have noticed anything wrong during instalation. Of course there were a lot of neat cars, but the one thing I saw that I never had before was a totally original, unrestored, well worn, but solid old TC. It was the only T-model there, otherwise a swarm of Bs and a few A-cars thrown in with a handfull of Sunbeams for good measure. Beautiful day, humidity about half normal for this time of year and a satisfying top down run both ways. Looks like the East side gang will have perfect top down weather for their rides home too.

John, sorry I missed you there. It was a beautiful day, I got to meet a few of the folks from the board here (not many, but a few) and all and all, it was very nice. Had to leave early as the family wished to go to the zoo, which was a complete madhouse. Nice zoo, but I've never seen it so busy.

Sorry I didn't get much time to spend with everyone. I seemed to keep getting pulled every which way!

But it's good to have friends. My jaw about hit the floor tonight at the awards dinner when they announced my car had won third place. (It's a nice daily driver, but it's not nearly as nice as many of the other cars shown in its class!) Thanks, though, all you buddies who must have voted for me.

Tom Warren also won a third place for his green B. Way to go, Tom! Somehow I missed the announcement of that. I think I was still stunned from having won a plaque myself!

I just said goodbye to Gary and Alida. Wonderful folks! Gary's going to try to get back to Boise tomorrow, then get his car back on the road Monday, taking it easy on the way back to Chris's place in Oregon. He said he only has a couple more hours of work to put it all back together.

Had a great time in St. Louis. As John said, the weather could not have been better. Bright, sunny, breezy, no humidity. Perfect!

Now, tomorrow morning we head back east, into the Land of Perpetual Rain!

Great weather here in Tennessee today...after the funeral, I asked the sheriff deputies if they would take the funeral procession a bit out of its way so we could drive by Mrs. Owens' farm on the way to her church...seemed appropriate...we had started cutting hay Wednesday & today as they stopped the hearse by the fields, they were just finishing rolling it...knowing how she loved her farm & how in tune with it she was, it just seemed important to me that she give her final approval to the beginning of summer before we went on to the cemetary....her children were surprised & pleased & thanked the deputies for their thoughtfulness....
...&, Scott was able to make it from Walter reed & held up his corner of the casket, artificial leg & all....he's a trooper & he went above the line of duty to show his love & respect for this piece of living history that the world lost this week....

...I'm glad you guys had a great weekend...now, would Gary & I get along or would I have to kill him?

Is Gary planning on being here Monday or Tuesday?

Kind of a bittersweet day for you. Loosing her but also getting to see Scott out and getting on with his life with strength and dignity. Real nice touch being able to take her home first. Sorry it has been such a tough year on you two. It has to get better now. I know from my kids though how important the JROTC program is for so many kids on the edge. Keep it up and keep planning for Alaska. It will still be there.

I had my detail kit with me and should have spent 30 minutes each on you and Tom's cars and gotten you second places.

Tony, you'd love Gary, I had a blast

Oh sure, NOW you say that, John! (Just kidding. I never intend to win anything, or I would do more to detail it myself!)

Tony, you would love Gary. How could you not?

Chris, I think we was intending to get the car back on the road Monday and be at your place Monday night. But I'm sure he'll call!

I saw some things on your car that don't amount to anything on a daily driver, but show judges hate to see. I figured you had entered just as a lark so I never said anything. Besides, a surprise third beats the crap out of a bust your butt second place.

Carl....Saturday morning beffore the funeral I was walking around looking at all the flowers...there was a large standing one of yellow & white flowers with a blue bow....from Buckhonr JROTC the card said...blue & gold are school colors....those kids came up with $150 or so overnight, in the summer, to pay respect to my wife (they really get a hoot out of her when she comes by the school on her business & she treats each one like they are special to her)...that's why I love 'em so much!!!

John, I was just there for the fun of it and to meet you guys and gals. I had not even swept out the car after arriving at St. Louis. I overslept and didn't have time. (Sounds like a pretty good excuse doesn't it) :o) :o) There were so many cars that I thought were a lot better than mine.

Take the nod and go with it! Enjoy the ride.

Geez, John, do you maybe mean like the paint flaking off in the engine compartment, or the many incorrect connectors? I just figure these "popular vote" shows are just a chance to support the marque, show off your car a little bit and have a good time. I'm not a competitor.