When I Win The Lottery

It was spritzing lightly as we started out for our morning drive, so only Rudy had his top down. When we stopped at the Crossroads of Time for a couple of folks to gas up, everyone else put their tops down for the run through the gap. If you have ever owned a convertible, you know that in a light rain as long as you can keep moving you stay dry, we used this principle throughout the day. The tops did go up a couple times during extended stops. With the roads mostly wet it kept our speed down through the gap, which in a way was a good thing, as I got to study the turns instead of just reacting to them. About 3/4 way through the Honda S2000s started passing by in the opposite direction. There was a group of 50 or so from all over the country in town to do what we were doing, drive the gap. When we got to the gravel lot at the end there were still a few of them there. We chatted a bit with a couple. Saw one that I’m going to get when I win the lottery, light blue metallic exterior with a dark blue leather interior….sweet.

Started up, went down, went up, went down, went up, went down, went up, still up.
Top Transitions since 02/02/02: 242

Hotel Curtains

Why is it that hotel/motel curtains don’t close all the way? There is always an annoying gap between the left and right sides. To make matters worse there is usually a nighttime security light just outside that paints a bright streak of light across the bed. Donna & I always carry our own Speakman showerhead with us because of the notoriously light mist available from the water-saver showerheads that everyone is using. We should start to carry a couple of those giant spring clips for curtain securing too.

Be Careful

We missed any rain on the drive up, although the clouds looked like we might get a downpour, it never materialized. We put it up when we got to the hotel, as everyone wanted a driving break after the 6-hour trip up. But the break didn’t last long, as the siren’s call of 318 turns just up the road, had us back in our cars in about an hour. We managed to get one complete spirited run through out of both passes. On the north run we came up behind a small car at about 2 miles in that didn’t take the hint to pull over until about 5 miles later. On the way back south we had to chill until halfway through and we passed Sheriff’s car #2. We knew there were 2 Sheriff’s cars in the gap, because they passed by us as we took a break in the big gravel lot at the Tennessee end. One stopped and chatted with us a bit and asked if we were enjoying ourselves and told us to be careful, we were. At dinner that evening I balked at putting the top up, but Donna insisted, so up it went. As usual, Donna was right, as it had started to sprinkle before we were done eating.

Started down, went up, went down, went up, still up.
Top Transitions since 02/02/02: 236

Damn, It Happened Again!

Had the perfect rant this morning. Told myself I should write it down so I wouldn’t forget. Another faction of my rapidly dwindling grey matter said, “Nah, this one’s so good you will remember it.” Wrong.

Off for a weekend of fun and frolic in the twisties of western NC. See you Sunday.

9/11

Enough already. Yeah what happened was terrible, but more than 17,000 people died in car wrecks involving alcohol last year. Forget terrorists, I’m worried about drunk drivers! More interesting stats here: MADD’s General Statistics.

Going To The Gap

Our little Miata Club is going to the Gap this weekend and according to the Tail of the Dragon we won’t be alone, there are a couple of biker groups and about 60 Honda S2000s coming. Plus we know the Windy City Miata Club will be there as well.

After work I finished most of the preparation for the trip. New plug wires. Fresh oil & filter. Rotated the tires. Bottle of Techron. Tomorrow, if I have time, I’ll wash the car.

While I was at it I took off the Alley Gator Teeth. (That is my picture at the bottom of the page.) Saw a picture of my car from a couple of years ago with out the teeth and thought I might go with just the gums showing for a while….

Started down, still down.
Top Transitions since 02/02/02: 233

Bellsouth

Got home yesterday from work and the “line” was blinking meaning I was disconnected from the net. Happens. I rebooted and it was still blinking. Checked the phone and there was no dial tone. I walked across the street to use a neighbor’s phone to call it in. (I know I am the last man in America without a cell phone.) the woman informs me that the service techs only work from 8 AM until 6 PM (it is 6:30.) I guess the phone isn’t considered essential anymore (cell phones?) My mother-in-law lets in the tech today and he spends an hour and a half solving the problem and as he leaves he says, “The charges will be on your next bill.” Does he tell her what he did? Nope. Does he leave a copy of the work order? Nope. I tried to call the help line again this evening and got tired of waiting. I never signed anything agreeing to any work being performed, neither did she. I may just refuse to pay anything.