Tricks that old racers get up to after retirement

Funny sort of day--------mid July means the summers half over, never got even half the things I meant to do done.
Purple mitt has some wonderful rainbow colours-------getting better by the day------swelling going down nicely--------( bloody well should be, it's into the third week)-------all the finished concepts should be picked up by UPS in the morning. Over 150lbs of concepts comprising of twenty odd pieces winging their way west to the USA. Some of these are due to go to India, but Somedays sh-t happens and the fat lady sings and the bear eats you?
There are just three pieces left to finish,one of these is the Mystic tunnel with the four sterndrives then I'm done once I've finished the number eight drives. To all my friends out there who have one or more of my concepts--------make the most of them because there's no more.
Last one of all is the Mystic with the twin surface drives! After that I'll sharpen all the tools, put new blades in the saw and planer, oil up the lathes, then shut the shop. I'm done messing.

Attachment 380704Attachment 380705

Lizzie just a bit gobsmacked by "Finding Dory"

Put a new blade in the bandsaw-------cleaned off the South bend------uncovered three already honed planer blades. Mitts need a little more time to heal before I attempt to change the planer blades, you have to be deadly accurate to make the cutting block sing!
UPS collected all the concepts this morning just before noon------be interested to see how long it takes them to deliver that little lot.
Shop looks quite empty now that lot have been shipped out.
We have picked a vase full of sweet peas for 44 consecutive days-------they are usually all through after about a month---------still no sign of a let up, there's an abundance of blooms to be picked.
Looked at the last two lonely Mystics on the bench--------ones bound for Mark's desk, Maybe Gary might like the other---------but Gieco got shed loads of those perfectly formed plastic R.C,s built to scale with total accuracy------you can buy one for the price of the props on mine-----why the hell would anyone want one of mine ?
Sam bought me the second edition of "SHEENE"-------says in there he first got interested in helicopters and bought a Hughie because he was impressed with the air/ambulance rescue services ? Now that's not quite right!
I had just dropped into the garage at Southwater on my first ever solo run------in the Enstrom. Barry had dropped in to have his Mercury engined Shakespeare serviced. He demanded I take him up for a spin-------told him I didn't even have a licence yet and if I took him up I never would get one. Made no difference , he refused to get out until he'd been up.
Just one week later he'd got his licence and bought a Hughes 500 -------he landed it at the farm in Shipley and took all the kids up for a ride. He loved choppers for the rest of his life-------think his last one was a "Gazelle". Just thought I'd put the record straight

There was a 250 Royal Enfield of around 1955 vintage up for grabs at the car boot sale------asking price was £1200 ----------told him, Sex and Travel! --------when I walked away, it was down to £800, still far too expensive. A restored to mint example of a 250 Enfield is around £12/1500 with all the provinance intact.
Trouble is these days----all you have to do is stick a "Barnfind" sign on it, and all sense of value goes out of the window !
When I look back at all the cars and bikes I've owned over the years I shudder to think of the present day values.
Vincent HRD Black Shadow-------Inter Norton------- '51 Triiumph Thunderbird-------'37 Scott Squirrel-----' 35 JAP Morgan-------and many more--------
On the car side, first car ever was an MG TC of 1939------swopped that for a J2 Allard----- then came a 12 cylinder Lagonda, then a 1932 Alfa Romeo Zagato, (never did get that thing running right, paid £230 for it from Tanfield Garage in horsham) At one time, I had a 911 S Porsche, A Ferrari Dino and an Aston Martin Vantage.
I could retire for life if I still had the Dino!
I owned many more cars, some run of the mill, some exotic, but never mundane------- don't do "Ordinaire " Have to tell you, the Trusty Lexus IS as good as it gets.
Been looking at Ten year old Bentley Continentals And eight year old V8 Astons---------they're down to around £25/30,000 these days
I have no doubt that any red blooded person over 85 could tell the same tale------so if you know one , take time out and ask them about the machines they once owned.

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Originally Posted by jackiewilson

There was a 250 Royal Enfield of around 1955 vintage up for grabs at the car boot sale------asking price was £1200 ----------told him, Sex and Travel! --------when I walked away, it was down to £800, still far too expensive. A restored to mint example of a 250 Enfield is around £12/1500 with all the provinance intact.
Trouble is these days----all you have to do is stick a "Barnfind" sign on it, and all sense of value goes out of the window !
When I look back at all the cars and bikes I've owned over the years I shudder to think of the present day values.
Vincent HRD Black Shadow-------Inter Norton------- '51 Triiumph Thunderbird-------'37 Scott Squirrel-----' 35 JAP Morgan-------and many more--------
On the car side, first car ever was an MG TC of 1939------swopped that for a J2 Allard----- then came a 12 cylinder Lagonda, then a 1932 Alfa Romeo Zagato, (never did get that thing running right, paid £230 for it from Tanfield Garage in horsham) At one time, I had a 911 S Porsche, A Ferrari Dino and an Aston Martin Vantage.
I could retire for life if I still had the Dino!
I owned many more cars, some run of the mill, some exotic, but never mundane------- don't do "Ordinaire " Have to tell you, the Trusty Lexus IS as good as it gets.
Been looking at Ten year old Bentley Continentals And eight year old V8 Astons---------they're down to around £25/30,000 these days
I have no doubt that any red blooded person over 85 could tell the same tale------so if you know one , take time out and ask them about the machines they once owned.

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The bloke that did wood and fibreglass repairs in the marina I worked in Melbourne, who taught me something new everyday I ever saw him, in late 60's, had a slow sterndrive fishing boat.

Had been around since outboards were invented so knew all the players in Australia as he was one of the early guys in glass boats.
never thought him of a racing guy as he never mentioned it.
One day he came in with the newspaper article of him winning the Australian Unlimited Outboard title ( super bp merc) in a wooden boat he built.

Attachment 381040

Both Scotti and Molinari were doing this in the early 70/s------more psychological than practical, they were very good at mind games.
Mercury then did it on all boats------they found out it was cheaper than development.

Attachment 381058
Couple of my grandkids----Carly does the vocals and Deano does guitar------one day they'll eat bear!

http://www.screamandfly.com/attachme...8&d=1500471252...and your GRANDKIDS are reproducing. Congradulations Jocko.

http://www.screamandfly.com/attachme...0&d=1500444800

One day Fujimo I'll get the hang of all this modern technology--------was born a little too early to comprehend the complexities of the Internet although I did invest in a computer in the 70/s-------it was a punched card disk computer and took up half the office. It cost me £15,000 and was state of the art back then!
Bit disappointed with the progress of the poorlie Paw---------it's far too slow for my liking------I can't afford the time to sit back,wait and do bugger all.
We have a bunch of people over here called "The Ospreys" they are a group of guys similar to your". " "Allstars" ( only better) who risk life and limb at most power boat meetings keeping drivers safe.
Well they're having a 50th anniversary dinner sometime in August. Things must be bad------I even got invited?p

Was Thursday all day today and most folk know exactly what I do on a Thursday.
Had no intention of buying any thing-------but one of the first things I spied was an almost new bench press. It had no on off switch, but it did have everything else I wanted in a bench drill.
Got it for half the asking price because of the broken switch---------not rocket science to make a new switch.
My youngest sister Jan wanted to take me out for lunch, she arrived at10:30 and we headed out to the yacht club. We both opted for Scampi and fries which turned out to be excellent

Had to go to the surgery this morning-------three weeks on and the poorlie Paw is pissing me right off.
Doc did a thorough check, poking and squeezing before telling me all the tendons have been well stretched and it's likely to be another month before it's anything like normal.
Whoopee FECKIN doo--------just what I needed---------more grizzlearse time !

Saturday morning and forage time at the scrapyard --------July is on its way out and this is the first weekend of the great British getaway.
Must be over three weeks since I did any thing constructive in the workshop----getting withdrawal symptoms in huge quantities. Dislike idleitus intensely-----wasn't born to sit on my arse and do nothing. There's only so many books you can read before all writers begin to be the same. I've reached the stage where I can't remember which books I've read !

Bought a rake of high quality aluminium extrusion-------perfect for mounting some of the old "Concepts.
Sometimes there's as much work making the mount as there is in the model, very difficult to find a piece that suits what I'm up to.
My friend Chris is back from the Mille Miglia ------he had a faultless 2000 km run------the Moto Guzzi performed faultlesssly over the six days .
Have to say, I'm glad that I didn't have to do it-------he's only seventy and it's taking him a long time to get over the trip. I just let the old body tick over these days, don't like to be "Druv" -----it has a nasty way of telling me to bugger off and stop treating me like that!
Weve had a helluva lot of rain the last couple days--------floods in the West Country ------Tsunami and earthquake in Turkey --------half the people in England have gone on vacation --------should get a bit of peace and quiet for the next six weeks.
Poorlie Paw is still a pest, going down in size a bit, but the bugger still aches and throbs.
I got more pills and potions than you can shake a stick at, I rattle when I walk and can fart for the foreign office.
Lady gardener has just come in soaked to the skin demanding I tie the Dahlias up------all this juice is making the blooms top heavy!

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Originally Posted by jackiewilson

Put a new blade in the bandsaw-------cleaned off the South bend------uncovered three already honed planer blades. Mitts need a little more time to heal before I attempt to change the planer blades, you have to be deadly accurate to make the cutting block sing!
UPS collected all the concepts this morning just before noon------be interested to see how long it takes them to deliver that little lot.
Shop looks quite empty now that lot have been shipped out.
We have picked a vase full of sweet peas for 44 consecutive days-------they are usually all through after about a month---------still no sign of a let up, there's an abundance of blooms to be picked.
Looked at the last two lonely Mystics on the bench--------ones bound for Mark's desk, Maybe Gary might like the other---------but Gieco got shed loads of those perfectly formed plastic R.C,s built to scale with total accuracy------you can buy one for the price of the props on mine-----why the hell would anyone want one of mine ?
Sam bought me the second edition of "SHEENE"-------says in there he first got interested in helicopters and bought a Hughie because he was impressed with the air/ambulance rescue services ? Now that's not quite right!
I had just dropped into the garage at Southwater on my first ever solo run------in the Enstrom. Barry had dropped in to have his Mercury engined Shakespeare serviced. He demanded I take him up for a spin-------told him I didn't even have a licence yet and if I took him up I never would get one. Made no difference , he refused to get out until he'd been up.
Just one week later he'd got his licence and bought a Hughes 500 -------he landed it at the farm in Shipley and took all the kids up for a ride. He loved choppers for the rest of his life-------think his last one was a "Gazelle". Just thought I'd put the record straight

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With all the in helicopter, live to tape narration I did over 20+ years I only rode in one Gazelle...and it was the fastest most nimble SOB of them all. it was very tight in cockpit space , but the acceleration and high " G" turning made it perfect to chase the old Superboats at flank speed...all the way around the St Pete Race course.... The second best aero performer was an ex military Hughes that actually burst some blood vessels in my eyes going up, over and right back down at the Baltimore Harbor Bridge....

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Originally Posted by T2x

With all the in helicopter, live to tape narration I did over 20+ years I only rode in one Gazelle...and it was the fastest most nimble SOB of them all. it was very tight in cockpit space , but the acceleration and high " G" turning made it perfect to chase the old Superboats at flank speed...all the way around the St Pete Race course.... The second best aero performer was an ex military Hughes that actually burst some blood vessels in my eyes going up, over and right back down at the Baltimore Harbor Bridge....

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T2X,
Well, that was Barry all over-------he did things because he could------or because he wanted to. There wasn't a hurtful bone in his body------his greatest adversaries became his best friends.
When he moved out to Australia, he bought two plots of land on the Nenang river at Surfers Paradise. Neighbors were Greg Norman, Jack Brabham and the like. He became Australia's answer to Murray Walker-------except he was on double the salary.
I only ever saw planes and chase choppers at USA races------mostly offshore. Watched Pruett pilot a couple of races-------was then I knew ALL pilots who went following boats were just plane "Nuts".
Pruett was a larger than life character that I loved to pieces-------great guy to have on your side-----but mad as a March hare ?
Ive got a rake of stories of both Barry SHEENE and Billy Don Pruett-----as I get older and dafter I'll try and put some of them down------I know that a bunch of old racers, both bikes and boats will relate to lots of the incidents.
Another of my friends who had a Hughes 500 was Keith Duckworth------when we first met, he had a Brantley which his wife Jill kept for many years, in fact, it's not long since it was put up for sale.
Ah! So many people, with each one having so many stories,from SHEENE to SIROIS and some I haven't even mentioned yet-----what does it say------ALL PART OF LIFES RICH TAPESTRY !

No one mentioned Gentry and Copeland?

Showed up at the races with nice equipment:)

Gentry had a Long Ranger--we spent a few weeks in the Baja with two fixed wings and the Ranger transported in a trailer--

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Originally Posted by GENE LANHAM

No one mentioned Gentry and Copeland?

Showed up at the races with nice equipment:)

Gentry had a Long Ranger--we spent a few weeks in the Baja with two fixed wings and the Ranger transported in a trailer--

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Gene, I only met Al Copeland a couple of times, once when he was with Sirois in Lugano, and again sometime after the fall out .
Think the last time was when he took his whole circus to either St. Louis or New Orleans !
He threw a Bar-B -Que on the dock------was with Billy and Lynne at that time-------was actually invited to dine on board his yacht with the Seebold's . We actually turned him down, damned if know why..
He had a tiny fixed wing towards the back end , squeezed in amongst eight V8 motorcycles, a couple of forty foot offshore race boats and a rake of other toys.

Gentry, I can't recall ever meeting him--------always seems to be a cloud over the accident that claimed his life------when that incident is mentioned, every racer I ever met picks up his beer and walks away. I never pushed it!
The Long Ranger was always a nice piece of kit, bus load of passengers and easy to fly----afraid they were way out of my league.
That was in the days of the old offshore racers------when men were men and the women sure glad of them !
Remember those people--------they made films out of them------LEGENDS-----wrote books about them. Most of them never made old bones, lived life in the fast lane and went to that 500 in the sky with smile on their faces!

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Originally Posted by jackiewilson

The Long Ranger was always a nice piece of kit, bus load of passengers and easy to fly----afraid they were way out of my league.
That was in the days of the old offshore racers------when men were men and the women sure glad of them !
Remember those people--------they made films out of them------LEGENDS-----wrote books about them. Most of them never made old bones, lived life in the fast lane and went to that 500 in the sky with smile on their faces!

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2 blades??

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Originally Posted by powerabout

2 blades??

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Yes--That is the only configuration that it would fit in a trailer and be transported all over two counties--

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Originally Posted by GENE LANHAM

No one mentioned Gentry and Copeland?

Showed up at the races with nice equipment:)

Gentry had a Long Ranger--we spent a few weeks in the Baja with two fixed wings and the Ranger transported in a trailer--

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Gene, did you carry all three on one trailer ? Or just the long ranger?
I never heard of the Bells being anything other than twin rotors.
Must have been a bit of "De Luxe" camping-------just toddling orf down the Baja for a spot of fun DONTCHA know-------jolly hockey sticks !
Did you ride down there on the Harley, or sail down in the Ferretti Gene?
Those were the days when boys had toys for real!

I did a few miles in h500 and then squirels heliskiing.
First time i got in a bell for a joyride i couldnt believe how much it shook
I know why boats have 3 blade props

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Originally Posted by powerabout

I did a few miles in h500 and then squirels heliskiing.
First time i got in a bell for a joyride i couldnt believe how much it shook
I know why boats have 3 blade props

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One of the smoothest riding choppers I ever went in was the old "MASH" Hughes's-------a six year old could fly it---------smooth as silk-------top speed 75/80 but handled like a dream.

Jesus wept, but I find myself spending more and more time on that memory lane coach tour. Reason for that is her indoors has locked the workshop front and back and thrown away the keys.
Was warned off doing anything that might put the poorlie Paw under pressure, seems like if I even pick up an empty paper bag, blasted mitt blows up like a balloon. Sunday , thought I might just do an hour in there to while away the hours------result was a fistful of pain .
Even went out for an hour traipsing round the shops with her who shall be obeyed at all times-----not one of my favourite pastimes -------wheeling a trolley round Tesco's is not my idea of a perfect mornings outing .
Somebody has to put up with my moaning and groaning-------might as well be you!
Its gotten so I'm scanning the E Bay pages----just for the sake of looking.
Has to be somebody out there who'll talk to me, just to save me from dropping off the edge.

Jackie....any more tales telling the world that you walk round Tesco pushing a wire basket on wheels is liable to send you right to the bottom of the street cred league, some things a man leaves out of his daily conversations.

Toilet habits and shopping with the bride being 2.

Tell us your memories of Trevor Fox if you can cast your mind back that far.....Phill.

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Originally Posted by ron54

Jackie....any more tales telling the world that you walk round Tesco pushing a wire basket on wheels is liable to send you right to the bottom of the street cred league, some things a man leaves out of his daily conversations.

Toilet habits and shopping with the bride being 2.

Tell us your memories of Trevor Fox if you can cast your mind back that far.....Phill.

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Shakey Bill was a good friend of Trevor Fox he told me a story about Trevor he new a blue film star called Monique Deveraux who did blue movies in the sixties I was told he had her over to visit she used to strip off and his friends used watch her run round naked.

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Originally Posted by jackiewilson

Jesus wept, but I find myself spending more and more time on that memory lane coach tour.
Has to be somebody out there who'll talk to me, just to save me from dropping off the edge.

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Jackie--I just celebrated the '86'--probably wasting too many existing brain cells on 'memory lane'--but---

The 80's --a decade of 'Setting Records'

With Tom Gentry's help--my trusty STOL equipped Cessna Centurion became a communication center in the sky.

Tom's ambitious project was to set records: Sea of Cortez; Mississippi River; Miami/Nassau/Miami; Miami to New York; New York to England--

---And there seemed to be no 'cap' on the budget--

My little Cessna could: Stay aloft for 12 hours: Communicate to any place in the world (SSB, VHF, UHF, Ship to Shore etc): Navigate with state of the art systems (80's it was LORAN!!)

A benefit of having all this equipment and mods--I never had to file a flight plan!! The Drug Enforcement Agency and US Customs were watching me all the time!!

Usually the UIM Observer was aboard with his equipment--

MEMORY LANE--takes me from the Atlantic to the Pacific; From Mexico to the Bahamas; Landing on a beach in Mexico to pick up Tom when the boat broke down--

And often I would run into our friend--Billy Don---flying his 182---
It was never boring---

Many congratulations Gene---------you're still a lot older than me------a whole six months !

Knew you did a lot of flying, including following offshore racers-----so you must have come across Pruett a few times ------
He is still the only person in the world to scare the crap out of me in a fixed wing. Who was the damn fool that ever gave him a pilots licence ( or a powerboat drivers licence).

The best pic I have of the 'Centurion'--happens to include a young Fred K---

http://i66.tinypic.com/1444ufo.jpg

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Originally Posted by STEVERINO

Shakey Bill was a good friend of Trevor Fox he told me a story about Trevor he new a blue film star called Monique Deveraux who did blue movies in the sixties I was told he had her over to visit she used to strip off and his friends used watch her run round naked.

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Trevor had garages around Birmingham-------raced inboards mainly, then bought a 16' Levi with a 100 Mercury. He was getting on a bit by now but was still a steady Paris back up driver.
There was a bunch of "old" drivers-------like Bob May, Graham Musson, Trevor Fox, Tony Weems, Ron Liechen, Joe Mamo-----these were first generation boat racers after the war.
I believe " Monique Devereaux" was born in West Bromwich and was one of the first "Blue Movie" stars. Most race meetings somebody had an 8mm black and white set up. That was living dangerously-------right on the ragged edge------.
I never met the lady in question, but don't doubt for a minute that the tale is gospel .

Love it! From boats to Hellies to Airplanes to a naked girl in less than 10 postings......

Now if we had someone with a bad hand we would have the full set.............ooh hang on:rolleyes:

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Originally Posted by jackiewilson

Trevor had garages around Birmingham-------raced inboards mainly, then bought a 16' Levi with a 100 Mercury. He was getting on a bit by now but was still a steady Paris back up driver.
There was a bunch of "old" drivers-------like Bob May, Graham Musson, Trevor Fox, Tony Weems, Ron Liechen, Joe Mamo-----these were first generation boat racers after the war.
I believe " Monique Devereaux" was born in West Bromwich and was one of the first "Blue Movie" stars. Most race meetings somebody had an 8mm black and white set up. That was living dangerously-------right on the ragged edge------.
I never met the lady in question, but don't doubt for a minute that the tale is gospel .

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Trevor Fox raced in the 1967 Chasewater 24hr race with Brian Hunt in a Levi I thought you were the third driver Jackie in that team I know you were in that race not sure who you were teamed up with` he entered under the Spanish flag and called his boat Ka Pable Shakey Bill was leading the race up to 22hrs but his Merc 110 gave up.

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Originally Posted by STEVERINO

Trevor Fox raced in the 1967 Chasewater 24hr race with Brian Hunt in a Levi I thought you were the third driver Jackie in that team I know you were in that race not sure who you were teamed up with` he entered under the Spanish flag and called his boat Ka Pable Shakey Bill was leading the race up to 22hrs but his Merc 110 gave up.

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No Steve, it wasn't me--------will have to ask Mark who I was racing with. My memory's shot..
Trevor spent a lot of time in Spain-------Paddy Manton was another Brummie garage owner, ( hot Albatross inboard called "Puddle Jumper" ) who had a villa in Spain also!
That was the event that went down in the annals when JULIE yelled "Jeff Edwards------give me my FECKIN knickers back---------it was 4:00am Sunday morning, seems like last summer.

Poorlie Paw went down a bit last night------not a lot-----now looks like a sugared donut instead of a balloon. May wander into the workshop this morning------just for a cursory glance you understand. I do have withdrawal symptoms. Hope the key for the door still works-------four weeks tomorrow since the damn fool accident.
Did the HALLETT concept ever reach you John ?
I sent a shed load to Mark at the same time and have no idea where they've got to .
More rain forecast for the day, suppose we might get a few more days sunshine before the end of summer.
Most of the clan are gathered in San Francisco for grandson George's wedding to Justine.
After a few years teaching in China, he moved out to California and has something to do with prosthetics. I know he loves his job.
But , I digress------will see if I can't get back into boats again------it's the butterfly mind I have I'm afraid! Still, I can't ever be accused of being boring can I ?

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Originally Posted by jackiewilson

Poorlie Paw went down a bit last night------not a lot-----now looks like a sugared donut instead of a balloon. May wander into the workshop this morning------just for a cursory glance you understand. I do have withdrawal symptoms. Hope the key for the door still works-------four weeks tomorrow since the damn fool accident.
Did the HALLETT concept ever reach you John ?
I sent a shed load to Mark at the same time and have no idea where they've got to .
More rain forecast for the day, suppose we might get a few more days sunshine before the end of summer.
Most of the clan are gathered in San Francisco for grandson George's wedding to Justine.
After a few years teaching in China, he moved out to California and has something to do with prosthetics. I know he loves his job.
But , I digress------will see if I can't get back into boats again------it's the butterfly mind I have I'm afraid! Still, I can't ever be accused of being boring can I ?

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Hallett hasn't arrived but according to tracking it was in York, PA on the 24th & scheduled for delivery tomorrow.

Guess UPS is back to using pony express------it's two weeks since I posted them John!

Tried to do a bit in the shop this morning but it didn't work------a FECKIN hook would work better than a donut.
Reflecting on my working life I can say with hand on heart, I never , not even for one day in my life, have I ever claimed "Benefit" or sick

You didn't work----you didn't get paid, I've been both employer and employee, and I still think that's the fairest system all round. Only way to keep the economy balanced .you wouldn't pay a gardener that never turned up or a painter that never painted your fence. Somewhere along the way things got a bit off kilter.

Bloody Thursday again tomorrow------swear to god, time is out of control, the life slide just got a whole lot steeper------somebody let the brakes off!

A little improvement in the Poorlie Paw-----was beginning to think it was never going to improve.
Shan't be rushing into gainful employment just yet. Slowly slowly catchee monkey------I've learned the hard way. Get well before you leave the sick bed. Accept the fact I am not God------only J C.
Can I help it if I was born in a hurry------I don't have enough time left to waste it being Incapacitated.
Cant lie here all day cogitating------things to do, places to go, people to see and a song to be sung, car boot to visit, and maybe some hard bargaining------if I get lucky !
Have a nice day peeps.

Attachment 381841

Picked up up a mint copy of Mechanix Illustrated dated August 1951a------cost me a whole Quid ?