Before and During (not quite after)

Sten is the 4th owner of this truck and Susie's dad, Chuck, was the 2nd owner of this truck back a few years ago . . .

Sten has the mistaken notion that some have been anxiously awaiting an updated picture of his rig. He has removed the winch bumper, the running boards (this is so his vertically challenged mother cannot ride with him), the mudflaps, the canopy, the bug guard, the nasty carpet and the first layer of grime that covered the entire truck. His immediate plans include: installing a 4 bbl intake and carburetor and some headers. He has other grand schemes including a paint job and eventually swapping the chassis for a diesel. These, of course, will have to wait until he makes the "big bucks" haying this Summer. At our local NAPA store, he has quickly learned the phrase, "Charge it". I think we might have him start hitting those Radiator Boy's account instead!

Is it December?

We woke to a blizzard this morning. We must be right at snow level because just down the hill it's raining. Maren was pondering why we should have snow and our neighbors have rain. "I know", she said excitedly, her face brightening with revelation - "It's because we really wanted snow!" Also, she added, "It isn't too fun at school when it snows, they won't let us throw snowballs at people." Big Bummer!

Looks like perfect weather for track and golf practice, don't you agree?

Oops!

Well it all started when I decided that I would hide just around a corner and leap out when Scott came close . . .

I heard the footsteps, I was in position near the elevators, and I made my spookiest attack. However, imagine my surprise (or should I say, horror) when the gentleman that I scared to death was NOT my Dear husband of 20 years but a complete stranger! Also imagine the difficulty of a sincere apology as you're shaking with laughter.

I don't think I'll try that again . . .

Sunny Seattle

Scott and I celebrated our 20th (Wow, 20th!) anniversary with a trip to Seattle. Seattle has never been a dream destination as it is typically pouring and miserable. However, the weather was awesome and it was beautiful . . .

We loaded our little Jeepney in a ferry headed for Bainbridge Island and then went onto Port Angeles. Apparently the 3rd weekend in July is the Lavender Festival in Sequim, and it is on my "to do" list. There are lavender farms dotting the countryside and I'm sure it's impressive (and scenty) when they are in bloom.

What trip to Seattle is complete without strolling through Pikes Place? The ultimate Farmer's Market.

We met up with this character for an evening in West Seattle. Dellas has started his own business, installing blinds and roller shades, most of his work is in Downtown Seattle. He showed us the sights and we enjoyed "catching up" with him

Scott met with several former co-workers and potential customers on this trip. I dropped him off and then quickly explored the area. My mini explorations led me to a few Goodwills, and near the Port of Tacoma, I enjoyed watching this cargo ship being unloaded.

Slick's first Gig . . .

We are heading to a trade show this weekend and have been busy putting together pamphlets, brochures, (general propoganda) and this tabletop display. Susie is a whiz on photoshop and has been doing most of the work while I spit out ideas and make her change everything she's just completed. We will place pictures in the middle section of the trucks that are for sale. It's exciting to see everything coming together.

Scott may be headed to Wisconsin to do a retrofit on a truck. Brrrrr.

A Must Read

Dad came to spend the night and it just so happened that this particular book (that we've been anxiously awaiting) arrived in the mail. It is a story of a girl who is minding the family antique store while her Grandpa naps on the couch. A customer enters and begins a buying spree, she refuses to leave without bargaining for the one antique that's not for sale . . . Grandpa!

As the woman bids higher and higher amounts (as much as 50K) to purchase Grandpa, Lizzie cannot help imagining the fabulous things she could buy with all that money. But after consideration she realizes there are some things money just can't buy. Aaaaah.

This video is for the Swiss nephews!

FuN??????

One of the biggest events in our sophisticated town is a mud festival which brings redneck thrill seekers. This was the first year that Sten went - a rite of passage around these parts. It was a beautiful day and there was plenty of mud . . .

This old rig apparently broke in two

UPS delivery special

A few months back, Scott delivered this load to Chowchilla CA. Imagine it, he had a few odd stares along the way.

They're all Grown Up

Cody and Sten have been friends since 1st grade and used to love playing in the mud together. I had to send Cody home wrapped in a garbage bag many times because he was so filthy. They are now on the golf team together - hope the ball doesn't land in the mud, they'll be at it again.

A friendly door greeter

A friend was the high bidder on this log carving and thought that it would look good at our house. (Wow, thanks!) So, don't be frightened away when you knock on the door. Grrrrrr . . .

What Hamster?

Do you spy a hamster? Yeah, we can't seem to locate her either. Precious litte "Sassy" was delivered to us for safe keeping until her owner's return in April. Sassy is a marathon runner and saves her intense training for the early morning hours. But, it seems that Sassy has turned up missing, and she could be miles from home by now. We are highly suspect that some tiny hands loosened a side door and Sassy just strolled out in the middle of the night. I think this means we've bombed petsitting 101.

UPDATE! Sassy was discovered in the basement last night looking a little gaunt and startled. We're not sure how Sassy made it down there but it's possible that it was a wild ride and she probably suffered a headache at the very least. She nestled down in her pine bedding where she will probably sleep for days.

Other pet related news: Danner seems to have tangled with one of those black creatures that have a white stripe running down their backs. Pew Wee - he stinks!!

New Wheels . . .

Dad and Mom have been searching for a new car as they are down to one car when Dad is not working. Always the bargain hunter (a polite way to say he's a tightwad), Dad found a lady that was desperate to wiggle out from under her lease, and made him a deal that he couldn't refuse. I offered to trade him two of our old beaters for their sweet ride but he didn't budge. They are going to need to take a college course on how to operate all the on board systems. One things for sure, I'll keep that baby warmed up while they're gone to Switzerland - I heard that it's simply not good for those cars to sit for too long.