The New Porsche

Well, everybody and their brother over on FB wanted to see photos of my new Porsche 914, I guess I should post one on the blog, too. So, here it is, my brand new car:

What can I say? It was on sale at Target for all of 89 cents - how can one pass up a deal like that on a Porsche??

'Twas a great gag, because I never said that it wasn't a real one, but that's what everyone thought I'd bought! Some folk even wanted to go for a ride!

Don't you just love a good joke??

Now What?

Well, here it is, the tail end of July, and 2010 is more than half over. Somehow or another, the first decade of the new millennium has flown by, and it won't be long before the second one begins.

A lot's happened in my corner of the world over the last year, and it leaves me with the feeling of "what now?" Nothing bad, mind you, just life happening. Some of these feelings were brought on by helping Bev to move a bunch of materials home from the State Diagnostic Center, where she's stepping down after 30 years of service. Certainly puts a little different perspective on things.

Considering the overall state of the US economy, my little business is actually doing quite well. Lose one, gain two, lose two, gain one, as life takes different directions for my customers. A few major repairs have helped defray the increased cost of chemicals, but how long can one continue to charge 2005 rates with 2010 costs and still maintain a stable customer base - let alone pay for Obamacare?

Somebody asked me this last week about "really growing your business", which he defined as having 8 - 10 employees out making the rounds. I asked him if he wanted to babysit, which brought about a rather weird expression on his face. I waited until it finally "clicked" in his head what I meant, and then explained to him that if I was 35 years younger, I'd seriously consider the challenge. But I'm at the opposite end of the spectrum at this point, and having employees is not on my agenda. Sub-contractors now and then for oddball work that I don't/won't do, but that's about it.

I'd like to go see my son, his wife and their little boy while they're still stationed in Germany. We'd tentatively made some plans, but then the USAF told him he's got to go play in the sandbox for awhile, however they haven't given him any further details. That leaves him not knowing if he's coming or going, let alone when. I was hoping to make it over before the winter weather really sets in so he and I could enjoy a day at the 'Ring playing, They're scheduled to return to the Sates in February, so the window is rapidly closing, sadly.

I also want to make a trip up to see my daughter and her family in Kelowna, again before the winter weather really sets in. With the onset of home-schooling this year, there's somewhat more flexibility, just the challenge of working it in around the possible European jaunt and the fall trade show seminars. Be nice to spend some time with the grandkids, who are all growing up way too fast!

Have had a lot of fun over on FB with the announcement of the latest addition to my fleet, a green 914 Porsche. Everybody's dying to see pics, so I guess I'd better go buy some batteries for the digital camera. . . LOL!

Was going thru my storage unit late today, looking for cables to hook up a printer, and realized that I've got a ton of work to do to clear out all the "stuff". Everything from old car club newsletters to antique car parts makes for a huge chore, to say the least. And since I don't want the kids to have to sort thru it all someday by themselves, I'd better get started while I still can remember what everything is! Of course, it may end up sending me to the funny farm. . .

Ah, well, droopy eyelids tell me it's time to close this Miscellaneous Mumblings entry for now. More to come when the next batch of thoughts strike me - or my daughter nudges me, whichever comes first!

Cheers!

Whew!

What a whirlwind month April has been.

So glad it's over, now to get back on schedule and caught up with all my customers.

Of course, you get started, and then the rain comes - heavily too, no less. A corollary to Murphy's law?

Murphy was an optimist, wasn't he??

Hard to Believe

My oldest granddaughter, Mikayla, celebrated her 10th birthday today.

My goodness how time flies, I remember getting the phone call in the hospital's waiting room from her dad, telling me about the arrival of my first grandchild.

What a joy it's been being a grandparent, seeing her and her sibling's growth from a different perspective.

Happy Birthday, my dear Mikayla!

Lots of love from Grandpa. . .

Interesting Times

Haven't been to the blog in awhile, 'twas a "long hot summer."

Fall's upon Fresburg, the leaves are beginning to turn, we've had our first rainfall - light and steady all day, like a soaker hose on the lawn.

The winds of change, too, are beginning to blow.

As winter approaches, so does the cold.

Hunker down, things may get rough for CA.

But Spring will return. . . April showers bring May flowers.

Still.

Here they come!

Daughter Colleen, husband Mike and the kids are headed this way for their annual summer vacation in CA.

Lots on the calendar, with so many friends & family here, plus all the places they want to share with their kids.

Got the pool all cleaned up and ready, hard to keep kids out.

New project isn't ready, but tours will be given. Next year!

Mike has to be gone for some of the duration, but Father's Day with Grandpa should be enjoyable.

Watch out, Mouse House - the Banman's will be invading you too!

Ah, summertime!

Number Six has arrived. . .

Well, grandchild number six has arrived.

Son and his bride had baby Jakob in March, their first. For the time being at least, Jakob is the fifth-generation "only son" in our family tree. Will the spell be broken? We'll see what God's plan is for Eric & Sarah's new family. . .

Daughter & hubby had baby Caitlyn the end of April, their fifth. She's got three big sisters to help her deal with their only brother. OTOH, Caleb's gotta deal with four sisters! Interesting family dynamics, for sure.

Babies sure give us older folk a new perspective on life.

Time marches on. . .