Memories!

We're in it now! The heat and the "wet" season. We can expect clouds to "bubble up" each afternoon and the chance of thunderstorms to be the "order of the day."
Pat got slammed with shifts next week as Wide World of Sports commences its busy summer activities. I'm pressing on with my routine three shifts per week with occasional training shifts sprinkled into my schedule to give me a change of pace.
Yesterday, we were both on the same page for lunch. We headed to the Wave for, guess what!

Does that bring any memories to mind?

Our awesome Hostess, Betty, sends along a vibrant "Hi" to everyone. Betty misses all of you and looks forward to seeing everyone in the fall. In the photo below, Betty just couldn't resist a photo op with "Flat Stanley."

Some of you may recall, Pat and I considered trading in our 34' Journey motorhome for a pre-owned Itasca Navion IQ. This past week we came as close as you can to closing a deal on a 2010 Navion IQ with 9500 miles on it. We've been conversing with a sales person at LazyDays for a number of months but this time we even put some $$$$ to hold the unit until we can see it. the salesman sent us pictures and we began the negotiations. This past Monday we started up the Journey to bring it to LazyDays to "barter."

As we drove the 56 mile ride, both of us sensed our "old friend" knew something was different about this trip. The Journey rode untypically smooth and was a joy to drive. Her 54K plus miles belied her age, comfort, exploration and outstanding times she provided us with since May 1, 2003.

You could tell neither Pat nor I were comfortable with what could be "her" second last ride with us.

Christian, our salesman, sensed we were not at ease with what might transpire.

He took us to see the Navion.

Call it fate or whatever, the Navion was being detailed. There were two cleaning ladies inside and their cleaning materials seemed to make the Navion "unappealing" and claustrophobic. We looked at the measly 19 cubic feet of storage and all we think is that our HHR  would become "cabinet" space for even the simple stuff we would need to travel with.

Pat and I sat in the front seats and tried to find reasons for abandoning our "Old Friend."

I swear our Journey was talking to us. This newer, smaller, fuel efficient "glorified van" couldn't hold a candle to our nine year old traveling companion.

We walked to the nearby Cracker Barrel for lunch confident we made the right decision.

Our Journey rode "a little taller" on the way home.

"She" even backed into her RV port without making any corrections and hit the painted marks as if she was telling us, "aaahhhhhh, it's good to be home!"

Clouds UGH!!!

The clouds just wouldn't cooperate. Like many central Floridians I was relegated to the Internet to "see" the once in a life time event.

All in all, I'm glad I could, at least, get to watch the transit. I followed Venus as it entered the Sun's limb. Once the dot of Venus "broke free" of the edge of the sun and began its slow march across the sun's surface I was satisfied that I can say I saw it.

I set my telescope up in hopes that the clouds may offer a window of opportunity... but, to no avail.

Here's the objective lens without the solar filter.

...... and here it is with the white light solar filter in place.

This is a 110mm (4.25 inches) William Optics refractor.

I enjoy using this scope while on the road. It's relatively easy to set up and it's very good for planetary and double star observation. It's a "short-tube" which provides a very wide field of view.

I set it up just around 1815 hours only to break it down about thirty minutes later. You guessed it, I saw a tiny "window" in the sky and set it back up. That's when the solid gray clouds settled in. To add insult to injury, just after I set the optical tube in its case, it began to rain.

 And, that's astronomy, besides learning about the celestial dome surrounding Earth, it teaches humility and patience,

I hope many of you got to see the Venus Transit of 2012.

Now we can wait for the Transit of Mercury in 2016!

Car Masters DownTown Disney June 2012

Over 120 of the finest automobiles set up "camp" in DownTown Disney's West Side as well as Lot "K" (in front of DisneyQuest) of the vast parking lot. They came from near and far and what a collection. There is a car to suite every one's vehicular dreams.

I worked yesterday and only got a glimpse of the beauty of these classics. Today, was a different story. I set out in the heat of the early afternoon with camera in hand to photograph a fair number of these beauties.

Out of this eclectic mix of dream machines, there's gotta be a ride for everyone.

A Mustang with a Falcon roof!

A "sterling" Cadillac.

The Camaro is nearly every one's favorite! Pat owned a 1967 convertible.

Let's get serious for a minute or two!

I thought I purchased big tires for our motor home...

... and from the side....

I'm going to tease you with one of my favorites!

The Ford GT-40

'Ya Baby!

....and I thought it was the heat was getting to me!

You just cannot have a car show without the "General!" ........ Lee, that is!

Here's a crowd pleaser...

Sprinkle in a few "oldies but goodies."

A few "muscle" cars. (I know, this one doesn't fit the definition of a "muscle" car but it sure looks the part!)

Ya gotta have a few "Hot Rods!"

Something with a really BIG foot!

A real "Sleeper" (this may look familiar to all of you)!

Here's a few for the kids!

... "Herbie" was wired to "greet" children. He can get their attention with the windsheld washers, give a "tip" of the hood, blink his lights and honk his horn when a boy or girl talks to him!

They set up the "Richard Petty Experience Go-Cart Track.

The show included a great variety of vehicles.

Yep! Above is a PT Cruiser. Our first towed vehicle was a PT.

(But without the special effects!)

I blitzed through the show and took pictures of the ones that caught my eye.

I'd have to say, this one is my favorite.....

Have you guessed it yet? The engine certainly isn't the one Rambler had in mind for this adorable car.

Everyone together....

it's the

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Nash/Rambler.....

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Metropolitan!

Now think back, wouldn't you love to have your Mom drop you off at High School in any one of these?