Really!?

Over $300,000 for a photo shoot of Air Force One in New York. Really!? Really!? The money is one thing, but the issues/scares it cause the New Yorkers is a on a completely level. The president says he did not know that this would be happening. That's fine. If he did, I hope that he would have sense enough to say no to it. My feeling is that someone thought this would be a great idea so someone could say, "Mr. President, look at this cool pic we got of your plane." WTFE! The lack of communication and the failure to own up to decisions that were made does not give me a warm fuzzy. I have one word to the person(s) responsible for this... Photoshop.

I've decided to buy a new car. I'm getting a Toyota Prius. Nevermind that 95% of my commute is on the freeway where the car get worse mpg than in the city. At least I'll be making a statement that I'm going to scream to the world. That statement? "Someone help me get out of this small ugly-ass car!"

Today is my Friday. I'm headed north for the annual guys trip. If I locate Mr. Jon Stream at the Citgo in Crystal Falls, I'll be sure to send him down Flagstaff way.

Oil Bong?

What do you do if you if you don't have a syringe to quickly put lube in your transmission or if you don't have the patience to squeeze 80W90 weight through the tube? You hafta improvise. As soon as you're able, cut the bottom of the first bottle off to make a funnel while taking care not to pull the other end of the tube out of the tranny fill hole. Tape your new "funnel" to the fender. Tape the hose to the frame to help keep it in place. (Duct tape always helps.) Check periodically to see progress and add more gear lube as necessary. It's handy to know the fluid capacity of the transmission before hand or you'll run the risk of having a large mess on the floor.

Well, Fish,

if it somehow helps them to get even one win, that's better than last season.

Dang Work

There is a series of classes that all leaders in my company have to go through. The first time I was to attend was right around when Sam was to be born. I was able to bow out as I was going to miss at least two of five sessions.

It's been a year and a half and they have cycled back around to me. Five sessions, once a week every other week meaning they'll be done ten weeks from now.

THEY'RE ON TUESDAYS! I normally try to escape work between 3 and 3:30 on Tuesdays so that I can meet up with the group at the Beech. Now I'll be stuck inside until 5:00 every other week. Going to be mighty hard to concentrate on the subject material.

Things I Learned This Weekend

An ill child and a wife that works every other Saturday can really change your Saturday morning plans.

Although the top of a utility knife blade isn't sharpened, it can still cut a finger.

Oxygen-rich blood shows up very well on a rusty hub... and the garage floor.

Simple and/or easy installation does not necessarily coincide with quick installation.

A 32" tire on a 15" aluminum rim is a helluva lot lighter than a 34" tire on a 16" steel rim.

All of this learning made me tired.

Happy Monday.

Bits and Pieces

Julie's grandmother passed. She did a lot in 95 years and I only hope to have the same outlook that she always had. Beth's eulogy was outstanding. I don't know how she was able to get through some parts of it. Line of the weekend came from my six-year-old nephew Keanen. "Mom, when you were up there reading about Great-grandma and pretended to cry, I pretended to cry, too." Maybe someday he'll actually be able to tell when his mom is truly upset or angry or happy.

And, yes, now you know the real reason I found time to get my hair cut. I figured that if I was going to be in front of church reading and one-sixth of those carrying the casket I should clean up a little. It's all good though. I was getting very close to having to make a very difficult decision: Squirrel Pelt or Kentucky Waterfall?

My parents stayed for a few days over Easter. Sam even got to play hooky on Monday and spend the day getting spoiled. I think he was pretty okay with it.

Ordered a few necessary parts for the Toy that I can hopefully get installed before the annual trip to Iron River at the end of this month. Tried to give our local Toyota dealer some business. But, at the end of the day, the parts counter needs a deeper talent pool.

Sam and I will be putting on some miles this weekend. Crackin' the 70 degree barrier tomorrow. I hope all y'all can enjoy the weather.

The answer is 128

The question? How many days between haircuts was it for me? Yeah, I guess it was time.

The $480.00 Skinny Tire

Full 105. The drivetrain may be a bit on the old side, but very, very few miles. One year old Norco CRD 1 frame from a guy in Quebec. A few new parts, a few from the stock shelves in my basement and my bro-in-law has a nice little training rocket. He has yet to decide on pedals, thus the mtn clips for now. He's also thinking a new wheelset and maybe crankset/bb in the near future. This turned out much better than I thought and it really makes me want to scour the web for some finds for myself. Already have my eye on a frameset that nearly my entire ultegra grouppo would fit very well.

So, the hoo koo e koo has been rebuilt. The Norco has been built up. Sam's trailer is assembled and has been put to use. That project list is slowly shrinking. I may have found a few more customers though. Would be nice to have that bit of income to help support my habit. We'll see how it goes. Need to buy some brakes and shifters and build a wheelset and the Rocky will be ready to roll. Should be happening soon.

I've made a decision...

After reviewing Granny Gear Productions fee schedule, I have committed to help support Mr. Bosselmann's 24-hour adventure.

While I understand what Kevin is doing, and, I give huge props to him for what he was able to grow, I hope that this doesn't change the feel of what 24-9 has become.

A word to any of you out there that plan on participating in this event. Register early. The first deadline is rapidly approaching.