It's snowing.....again. The second major snow event in as many weeks, but this time I don't have anywhere I absolutely need to go, so I won't venture out beyond the ranch boundaries for a day or two. After all, there's plenty of work to do right here.
It's bitterly cold, with wind chills below zero which reminds me of a football game we played in Fairbury, Nebraska. The weather was much the same except for the snow. There was a little snow on the ground, but what I remember most is the field. It had evidently been wet when another game had been played, and the field looked as though a herd of cattle had tromped over it. It was treacherous footing at best, and now that the field was frozen solid, it was downright dangerous. What a miserable venue....but we played the game....and it hurt.....a lot.
In junior college I played running back, and was also the team's punter. There were times when, like the Fairbury game, I would get really beat up as a running back, then have to punt the ball into a driving, gale force wind. To me, punting was a sideline.....I made my living as a running back.
Sometimes my punts weren't very pretty.
We were playing a home game, and it was a beautiful fall night. There were coaches visiting from the University of Miami to scout a few of us and we were pumped. Miami had a long history of recruiting players from our little community college, so it was not unusual for them to make a visit or two. The year before, Kurt Schottenheimer and a couple of our receivers had signed with the team and they were doing well.
That night I had a good night running the ball, and two of my punts were boomers. After the game, a couple of us were greeted by the Miami coaches and asked to stick around to watch some Miami film and talk about the opportunity for a scholarship. It was an exciting time.
"Jack, we were really impressed with your punts tonight and think you're the guy we'd like to have punting for us next year. We believe that if we get you to a warmer climate, and concentrate on just punting, you'll probably add 5-7 yards to your average."
"What do you mean, concentrate on just punting? I'm a running back."
"We have a stable full of good running backs, what we need is a good punter."
"Not interested. I want to go to a school where I can run the ball."
Days like today get me to thinking about that conversation.....Do you know that the University of Miami used to have a picture of its Olympic sized swimming pool on the cover of its brochure? What was I thinking?
You think it's too late for a "do-over"?
Evidently, this whole "What do I know" goes way back.....
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Friday, February 4, 2011
It's okay, I'll blaze the trail for us......oops!
Well, that was fun!
The wind blew, the snow flew, and my FJ Cruiser went in the ditch......how embarrassing.
Miss Elizabeth's Yukon was left sitting in the garage as we loaded up the cars. I insisted we take my FJ since it's the "go anywhere" vehicle, and we sure don't want to get stranded. After all, this was the blizzard of 2011, and it was nothing to mess around with. The wind was howling 40 miles per hour and the snow was falling at the rate of 1-2 inches per hour......Wait a minute, why are we even thinking of getting out in this mess?
Unfortunately, we had a family funeral to attend and there was no turning back. Here we go. Just in case the unthinkable might happen, I threw in some boots, coveralls, coat, hat and gloves. "Better to be safe than sorry" I said....it's the old boy scout in me. Never really expected to have to use those things.....purely precautionary. Did I mention that we live on a ranch.....way out in the country....off the beaten path....well, we do.
My eldest son was here from Wisconsin, and even he was concerned about the way the snow was piling up. He was driving his own SUV, but he would be following me as I blazed the trail. Fortunately, the service was a mid-morning event, and the brunt of the storm was yet to arrive. We were sure that we would be safely back home before things became totally impassable....In retrospect, that may have been wishful thinking.
We arrived at the church with plenty of time to spare, and no significant issues with the roads. We did, however, decide to postpone the graveside services. A quick glance outside confirmed that the decision was the right one, so we were back on the road home before noon.
It was a delightful drive.....
Drifting snow can be deceptive. Especially when the snow and ice on the windshield, combined with blowing snow, reduce the visibility to basically the front of the hood. Regardless, we made it nearly all the way home without incident, then a large snowdrift appeared.....a really large snowdrift....right in the middle of the road......no problem. I'm invincible in this here FJ Cruiser, and we'll plow right through it. Blaze the trail, if you will....Oops.
This car is equipped with a skid plate to protect the undercarriage from rock damage, and it does a great job. It also (much to my chagrin) creates a wonderful bobsled effect when the car is launched into the appropriate amount of snow, which is evidently about the size of the snowdrift we encountered. Suddenly we were on top of the snowdrift, sliding right along in my newly converted FJ bobsled....right into the very large ditch alongside this desolate, untraveled stretch of rural road....Oops, again.
Thank goodness for Rural Mail Carriers, who will not let a "paralyzing blizzard" keep them from their appointed rounds. Neither rain, snow, etc, etc....and all that stuff. It was great to see that little red jeep bouncing down the road. "Need some help?". "Yes........ma'am".
A short time later the red-faced FJ, and its owner, were headed for home....rescued by a jeep, and the mail lady! That's something that may be hard to live down, but then, what do I know?
The wind blew, the snow flew, and my FJ Cruiser went in the ditch......how embarrassing.
Miss Elizabeth's Yukon was left sitting in the garage as we loaded up the cars. I insisted we take my FJ since it's the "go anywhere" vehicle, and we sure don't want to get stranded. After all, this was the blizzard of 2011, and it was nothing to mess around with. The wind was howling 40 miles per hour and the snow was falling at the rate of 1-2 inches per hour......Wait a minute, why are we even thinking of getting out in this mess?
Unfortunately, we had a family funeral to attend and there was no turning back. Here we go. Just in case the unthinkable might happen, I threw in some boots, coveralls, coat, hat and gloves. "Better to be safe than sorry" I said....it's the old boy scout in me. Never really expected to have to use those things.....purely precautionary. Did I mention that we live on a ranch.....way out in the country....off the beaten path....well, we do.
My eldest son was here from Wisconsin, and even he was concerned about the way the snow was piling up. He was driving his own SUV, but he would be following me as I blazed the trail. Fortunately, the service was a mid-morning event, and the brunt of the storm was yet to arrive. We were sure that we would be safely back home before things became totally impassable....In retrospect, that may have been wishful thinking.
We arrived at the church with plenty of time to spare, and no significant issues with the roads. We did, however, decide to postpone the graveside services. A quick glance outside confirmed that the decision was the right one, so we were back on the road home before noon.
It was a delightful drive.....
Drifting snow can be deceptive. Especially when the snow and ice on the windshield, combined with blowing snow, reduce the visibility to basically the front of the hood. Regardless, we made it nearly all the way home without incident, then a large snowdrift appeared.....a really large snowdrift....right in the middle of the road......no problem. I'm invincible in this here FJ Cruiser, and we'll plow right through it. Blaze the trail, if you will....Oops.
This car is equipped with a skid plate to protect the undercarriage from rock damage, and it does a great job. It also (much to my chagrin) creates a wonderful bobsled effect when the car is launched into the appropriate amount of snow, which is evidently about the size of the snowdrift we encountered. Suddenly we were on top of the snowdrift, sliding right along in my newly converted FJ bobsled....right into the very large ditch alongside this desolate, untraveled stretch of rural road....Oops, again.
Thank goodness for Rural Mail Carriers, who will not let a "paralyzing blizzard" keep them from their appointed rounds. Neither rain, snow, etc, etc....and all that stuff. It was great to see that little red jeep bouncing down the road. "Need some help?". "Yes........ma'am".
A short time later the red-faced FJ, and its owner, were headed for home....rescued by a jeep, and the mail lady! That's something that may be hard to live down, but then, what do I know?
Thursday, January 27, 2011
The circle of life....
Earlier today a life well lived came to an end. After 94 years, 3 months, and a few days a man whom I've admired for over forty years quietly took his last breath and ascended to the glorious hereafter. Surrounded by family, it was a peaceful transition and his place in heaven is assured.
He was a man cut from the same cloth as many from his generation, honest, hard-working, and caring. If there was a job to be done, he willingly did it. If there was a problem to be solved, he found a way to solve it. And, if there was a friend in need, he was the friend who answered the call. When his country called him to war he readily served his duty, but on his return rarely made the time to talk of the experience.
He was an intelligent man with a quick wit, a ready smile, and a kind word for all he met. He was active in his church and true to his God. He worked hard at the same job for over thirty years, never complained, lived frugally, and provided a comfortable living for his wife and two daughters. In the early fifties he built a modest house on an acre of land, and there he lived until his death. It was a good house and he saw no reason to live anywhere else. He bought used cars, took good care of them, and replaced them when needed. Nothing flashy, just dependable transportation, for he was a survivor of the great depression and the impact was evident. He paid cash and didn't spend money on frivolous things. He appreciated things of quality and good value.
If anything he was organized to a fault, and a stroll through his garage or shop was truly an experience. Every tool and implement was in its place and most had been labeled as to when they were purchased. I used to think it was quirkiness on his part, but it's amazing how often we would look at the label to see how long ago he had purchased an item and what he had paid for it. Now that he's gone, those little handwritten labels will have new meaning.
His legacy has been written by the indelible marks he left on his family and his friends. There are no sons to carry forward the family name, but he will not soon be forgotten by those who knew him. I learned much from this man and will miss him dearly. My father-in-law was as good of man as I've ever known.
The Husband of Doris, the Father of Elizabeth and Donna, the Grandfather to Jerod, Grant, and Sam, and the Great Grandfather to Jaxson, Elleigh, Lilah, and Wesley. The void in our family cannot be filled.
God bless him and may he now rest in peace.
He was a man cut from the same cloth as many from his generation, honest, hard-working, and caring. If there was a job to be done, he willingly did it. If there was a problem to be solved, he found a way to solve it. And, if there was a friend in need, he was the friend who answered the call. When his country called him to war he readily served his duty, but on his return rarely made the time to talk of the experience.
He was an intelligent man with a quick wit, a ready smile, and a kind word for all he met. He was active in his church and true to his God. He worked hard at the same job for over thirty years, never complained, lived frugally, and provided a comfortable living for his wife and two daughters. In the early fifties he built a modest house on an acre of land, and there he lived until his death. It was a good house and he saw no reason to live anywhere else. He bought used cars, took good care of them, and replaced them when needed. Nothing flashy, just dependable transportation, for he was a survivor of the great depression and the impact was evident. He paid cash and didn't spend money on frivolous things. He appreciated things of quality and good value.
If anything he was organized to a fault, and a stroll through his garage or shop was truly an experience. Every tool and implement was in its place and most had been labeled as to when they were purchased. I used to think it was quirkiness on his part, but it's amazing how often we would look at the label to see how long ago he had purchased an item and what he had paid for it. Now that he's gone, those little handwritten labels will have new meaning.
His legacy has been written by the indelible marks he left on his family and his friends. There are no sons to carry forward the family name, but he will not soon be forgotten by those who knew him. I learned much from this man and will miss him dearly. My father-in-law was as good of man as I've ever known.
The Husband of Doris, the Father of Elizabeth and Donna, the Grandfather to Jerod, Grant, and Sam, and the Great Grandfather to Jaxson, Elleigh, Lilah, and Wesley. The void in our family cannot be filled.
God bless him and may he now rest in peace.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
You boys looking for work....
I graduated from high school in 1969 and received a large suitcase from my parents as a graduation gift....what's that supposed to mean? See ya! Get the heck outta here and get a job! No, I don't think that was their intention, but it certainly sent that message. Remember that if you're considering luggage as a graduation gift. Didn't matter, suitcase or no suitcase I had plans....big plans.
My cousin, Charles, who is a year older than me, had a friend who had talked to a friend, who knew a fellow working on a pipeline job in Texas.....and they're looking for summer help. Sure they are, and we're just the guys for the job(s).
Charles came to town for my graduation, and after the obligatory graduation parties were over, I packed my over sized suitcase with an ample supply of work clothes, work gloves, new Red Wing work boots, and of course.....clean underwear. Ready to go!
You ever hear of a place called Jacksboro, Texas? Me neither, but that's where we headed in his bright red 1965 SS Chevelle.....a true "work vehicle" if you ever saw one. Like many of my early road trips, the ride to Texas is kind of foggy, but we made it in time to check into the Green Frog Motel where we asked where we might find the pipeline office. "It's a couple of miles outside of town, but you'll find most of guys across the road at the Green Frog Restaurant. Time for dinner, I guess.
We met a couple of "regular" guys who assured us that if we were at the warehouse in the morning at 6:00am, ready to work, we would be hired. So far so good. Next morning, armed with new boots, new gloves, freshly packed lunch sacks (courtesy of the nice ladies at the Green Frog Restaurant) we were at the office when it opened......"You boys looking for work?" Duh, what was your first clue? "You boys both 18?".....Uh oh, this might be a problem. My birthday isn't until August...do I dare tell a little white lie.....I do, and we're hired.
"You, Jack you're going to be swamping for the set-up tractor so when we get out to the job site, ask for Howard" "Yes Sir" what the heck is "swamping", and what the heck is a "set-up tractor"
Without going into excruciating detail about the job, it consisted of stringing long joints of 12" pipe along side a deep trench. Suffice it to say it was physically demanding, mentally numbing, and just a tad bit more dangerous than I've ever let anyone know. Six days each week, twelve hours each day, all summer long...
There were of course some benefits....number one, I made a lot of money for a seventeen year old kid, and number two, seeing the look on my football coaches' face when I checked in for fall practice. He was literally astounded when I weighed in packing an extra 25 pounds of solid muscle... developed one day at a time, six days each week, twelve hours each day......
My cousin, Charles, who is a year older than me, had a friend who had talked to a friend, who knew a fellow working on a pipeline job in Texas.....and they're looking for summer help. Sure they are, and we're just the guys for the job(s).
Charles came to town for my graduation, and after the obligatory graduation parties were over, I packed my over sized suitcase with an ample supply of work clothes, work gloves, new Red Wing work boots, and of course.....clean underwear. Ready to go!
You ever hear of a place called Jacksboro, Texas? Me neither, but that's where we headed in his bright red 1965 SS Chevelle.....a true "work vehicle" if you ever saw one. Like many of my early road trips, the ride to Texas is kind of foggy, but we made it in time to check into the Green Frog Motel where we asked where we might find the pipeline office. "It's a couple of miles outside of town, but you'll find most of guys across the road at the Green Frog Restaurant. Time for dinner, I guess.
We met a couple of "regular" guys who assured us that if we were at the warehouse in the morning at 6:00am, ready to work, we would be hired. So far so good. Next morning, armed with new boots, new gloves, freshly packed lunch sacks (courtesy of the nice ladies at the Green Frog Restaurant) we were at the office when it opened......"You boys looking for work?" Duh, what was your first clue? "You boys both 18?".....Uh oh, this might be a problem. My birthday isn't until August...do I dare tell a little white lie.....I do, and we're hired.
"You, Jack you're going to be swamping for the set-up tractor so when we get out to the job site, ask for Howard" "Yes Sir" what the heck is "swamping", and what the heck is a "set-up tractor"
Without going into excruciating detail about the job, it consisted of stringing long joints of 12" pipe along side a deep trench. Suffice it to say it was physically demanding, mentally numbing, and just a tad bit more dangerous than I've ever let anyone know. Six days each week, twelve hours each day, all summer long...
There were of course some benefits....number one, I made a lot of money for a seventeen year old kid, and number two, seeing the look on my football coaches' face when I checked in for fall practice. He was literally astounded when I weighed in packing an extra 25 pounds of solid muscle... developed one day at a time, six days each week, twelve hours each day......
Monday, January 3, 2011
Great idea, Jack....
This year we waited to celebrate our family Christmas until the week after. As our family has grown with the marriage of the boys we need to be flexible in sharing the special times around the Holidays. So at times Christmas gets celebrated on New Years Day....not always a bad thing as it gives us an additional week to prepare for the festivities. And, for those procrastinators among us, it provides an extra week to get the shopping done, and we can even take advantage of those "after Christmas" sales to save some money.
All that being said, I was confident that things would proceed without a hitch....and they did.....to a degree.
I've been told that I'm well past the age of sending letters to Santa, and that putting together a Christmas wish list is something that is frowned upon after about age ten. What's that all about? How the heck is Santa going to know what to leave under the tree if I don't give him a few hints? Those of you who have read this blog since the beginning know that I have a history of holding out for that special Christmas present....regardless of the sacrifice.....what to do, what to do?
Facebook! Everyone reads the posts and loves to keep up with the trials, tribulations, joys, sorrows, and perhaps the Christmas wants of their Friends.....great idea, Jack.
A few weeks ago I floated a trial balloon to judge the response. Outstanding response to my "need" for a new pair of boots. Now that several of my Friends were aware of my request, and even though Santa is not on my Friend list, surely he would get the word. Just in case, however, I devised a back-up plan.
At my house we share the computers, and Miss Elizabeth and I both do a fair amount of on-line shopping. My back-up plan was executed without a flaw. I found the boots at a popular western outfitter, available in my size and color, just click here.....simple enough to leave the web browser open to the appropriate page, and wait for "Santa" to discover just how easy it would be to make the purchase with delivery in time for Christmas.
Today is Monday, January 3rd and our family Christmas was a resounding success. Kids and Grand kids ripped through their presents as we enjoyed the excitement of the moment. Four generations gathered together at the ranch, and it was a blessing.
Anticipation ran high as I awaited the delivery of those boots......I knew they were there somewhere....maybe not.....maybe next year.....or not. After all, 'tis the season of giving, not receiving, and I truly enjoy doing that.
Just in case you're reading this, Santa.....Tony Lama, Lizard skin boots, size 11 1/2 medium width......I've been a real good boy......part of the time....I'm sure it was an oversight, but what do I know.
All that being said, I was confident that things would proceed without a hitch....and they did.....to a degree.
I've been told that I'm well past the age of sending letters to Santa, and that putting together a Christmas wish list is something that is frowned upon after about age ten. What's that all about? How the heck is Santa going to know what to leave under the tree if I don't give him a few hints? Those of you who have read this blog since the beginning know that I have a history of holding out for that special Christmas present....regardless of the sacrifice.....what to do, what to do?
Facebook! Everyone reads the posts and loves to keep up with the trials, tribulations, joys, sorrows, and perhaps the Christmas wants of their Friends.....great idea, Jack.
A few weeks ago I floated a trial balloon to judge the response. Outstanding response to my "need" for a new pair of boots. Now that several of my Friends were aware of my request, and even though Santa is not on my Friend list, surely he would get the word. Just in case, however, I devised a back-up plan.
At my house we share the computers, and Miss Elizabeth and I both do a fair amount of on-line shopping. My back-up plan was executed without a flaw. I found the boots at a popular western outfitter, available in my size and color, just click here.....simple enough to leave the web browser open to the appropriate page, and wait for "Santa" to discover just how easy it would be to make the purchase with delivery in time for Christmas.
Today is Monday, January 3rd and our family Christmas was a resounding success. Kids and Grand kids ripped through their presents as we enjoyed the excitement of the moment. Four generations gathered together at the ranch, and it was a blessing.
Anticipation ran high as I awaited the delivery of those boots......I knew they were there somewhere....maybe not.....maybe next year.....or not. After all, 'tis the season of giving, not receiving, and I truly enjoy doing that.
Just in case you're reading this, Santa.....Tony Lama, Lizard skin boots, size 11 1/2 medium width......I've been a real good boy......part of the time....I'm sure it was an oversight, but what do I know.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Where do we go from here...
It's 10:30 pm on Christmas night and I'm sitting upstairs, alone with my thoughts. Miss Elizabeth has gone downstairs for a well deserved bath and bed as she is exhausted from the events of the past few weeks. Not from the anticipation of the arrival of our family for the holidays, and not from the hustle and bustle of shopping, wrapping presents, and decorating the house. No, this year the Holiday preparation has taken a backseat to more pressing needs.
When the parents' health begins to fail it changes everything, and it hits especially hard around the Holidays.
Everywhere you look there is joy and laughter, children anxiously anticipating Christmas morning, and all that goes with this festive time of the year. But, when your own heart is laden with sadness, the festivities seem to ring hollow.
This year the concerns for Elizabeth and her sister, Donna, have been with her parents, both elderly, and both with the difficulties that often come with advancing years. They are still in their own home, but recent events have impacted their ability to do the basic things needed to continue living there without assistance. The two daughters are both nurses and well qualified to deal with the medical decisions that are necessary, but they are also both daughters....who love their parents. Where do we go from here?
Tough decisions await, and I've been there before.
My mom passed away earlier this year after a long bout with Alzheimer's.....it was heartbreaking.
I've known my in-laws for nearly 45 years and they're like a second set of parents to me. Selfishly, I don't want to go through this experience again, but I know God is in control and will guide us through what is to come. On this day when we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, I pray to him for the strength to be there for Elizabeth and Donna.
The greatest pain one can experience is the pain of a loved one.
When the parents' health begins to fail it changes everything, and it hits especially hard around the Holidays.
Everywhere you look there is joy and laughter, children anxiously anticipating Christmas morning, and all that goes with this festive time of the year. But, when your own heart is laden with sadness, the festivities seem to ring hollow.
This year the concerns for Elizabeth and her sister, Donna, have been with her parents, both elderly, and both with the difficulties that often come with advancing years. They are still in their own home, but recent events have impacted their ability to do the basic things needed to continue living there without assistance. The two daughters are both nurses and well qualified to deal with the medical decisions that are necessary, but they are also both daughters....who love their parents. Where do we go from here?
Tough decisions await, and I've been there before.
My mom passed away earlier this year after a long bout with Alzheimer's.....it was heartbreaking.
I've known my in-laws for nearly 45 years and they're like a second set of parents to me. Selfishly, I don't want to go through this experience again, but I know God is in control and will guide us through what is to come. On this day when we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, I pray to him for the strength to be there for Elizabeth and Donna.
The greatest pain one can experience is the pain of a loved one.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
A sickness or a passion...you decide.
About twelve years ago I bought a 1969 Camaro for a Father/Son restoration project. It was something my oldest son and I thought would be fun, and we dived right in. Soon parts were strewn around the garage, old parts replaced with new parts, lots of modifications to the engine and drive train, and of course lots of canceled checks.
The car has been an on-again, off-again project for many years, with my son finally taking the reins to get it finished. And, now after three engines, completely new sheet metal, new paint, and new interior, it is nearing completion as a "brand new" 1969 Camaro.
But as they say, this wasn't my first rodeo, and I've owned many cars over the years. Just the other day I was talking to a friend about our first cars, and he asked me how many vehicles I had owned in my lifetime.....Don't know, never really thought about it.
Let's see if I can remember them all.
The first car I bought at age fifteen in 1967 was a 1957 Chevy Belair, and that's where the madness started.
1963 Chevy Impala SS 409CI, 4-Speed; 1964 Chevy Chevelle SS; 1967 Olds Cutlass Supreme; 1968 Triumph 650 Bonneville Motorcycle; 1971 Yamaha 250MX Motorcycle (yes, motorcycles count); 1972 Pontiac Ventura II; 1974 VW Super Beetle (first new car and first gas shortage); 1977 Chevy Scottsdale PU; 1978 Buick Regal Sport Turbo; 1967 Chevy Custom PU; 1981 Ford 4WD PU; 1982 Camaro Berlinetta; 1984 Buick Riviera; 1985 Jeep Cherokee; 1990 Nissan Maxima; 1992 Nissan Sentra SER; 1993 GMC 4WD PU; 1997 Toyota 4-Runner; 1969 Camaro; 2003 GMC 2500HD 4WD PU; 2007 GMC 4WDYukon; 2008 Polaris Ranger; and a 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser!
Of course there were a few others during the time the boys started driving, a 1995 Jeep Wrangler, 1999 Mustang, then a replacement 1999 Mustang for the one that was wrecked.....all with my name on the title, but without my butt in the drivers seat.
As I look back at the list, each car or motorcycle elicits a memory about a different time or place in my life. The vehicles each had unique personality traits and quirks....and I suppose I do as well. But, as I'm approaching the age of sixty, I think I've just about outgrown my passion for cars and motorcycles, but then again....I've had my eye on this really cool Porsche car.....you know like the Jerry Lee Lewis song Middle Age Crazy.
It may be a tough acquisition though as Miss Elizabeth has emphatically told me NO, something about it not being good on the gravel roads at the ranch.....but what does SHE know.
The car has been an on-again, off-again project for many years, with my son finally taking the reins to get it finished. And, now after three engines, completely new sheet metal, new paint, and new interior, it is nearing completion as a "brand new" 1969 Camaro.
But as they say, this wasn't my first rodeo, and I've owned many cars over the years. Just the other day I was talking to a friend about our first cars, and he asked me how many vehicles I had owned in my lifetime.....Don't know, never really thought about it.
Let's see if I can remember them all.
The first car I bought at age fifteen in 1967 was a 1957 Chevy Belair, and that's where the madness started.
1963 Chevy Impala SS 409CI, 4-Speed; 1964 Chevy Chevelle SS; 1967 Olds Cutlass Supreme; 1968 Triumph 650 Bonneville Motorcycle; 1971 Yamaha 250MX Motorcycle (yes, motorcycles count); 1972 Pontiac Ventura II; 1974 VW Super Beetle (first new car and first gas shortage); 1977 Chevy Scottsdale PU; 1978 Buick Regal Sport Turbo; 1967 Chevy Custom PU; 1981 Ford 4WD PU; 1982 Camaro Berlinetta; 1984 Buick Riviera; 1985 Jeep Cherokee; 1990 Nissan Maxima; 1992 Nissan Sentra SER; 1993 GMC 4WD PU; 1997 Toyota 4-Runner; 1969 Camaro; 2003 GMC 2500HD 4WD PU; 2007 GMC 4WDYukon; 2008 Polaris Ranger; and a 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser!
Of course there were a few others during the time the boys started driving, a 1995 Jeep Wrangler, 1999 Mustang, then a replacement 1999 Mustang for the one that was wrecked.....all with my name on the title, but without my butt in the drivers seat.
As I look back at the list, each car or motorcycle elicits a memory about a different time or place in my life. The vehicles each had unique personality traits and quirks....and I suppose I do as well. But, as I'm approaching the age of sixty, I think I've just about outgrown my passion for cars and motorcycles, but then again....I've had my eye on this really cool Porsche car.....you know like the Jerry Lee Lewis song Middle Age Crazy.
It may be a tough acquisition though as Miss Elizabeth has emphatically told me NO, something about it not being good on the gravel roads at the ranch.....but what does SHE know.
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