A Chilly Start

I will never forget the look on Jo-Ann Turner's face today as she heard that she and Ron had won "Best of Show" at the New Gloucester Fair car show. Her expression was absolutely priceless. But their 1950 Willys was deserving, as it is a nearly perfect example of a "points" car. A vehicle to be proud of.

The day had started out quite chilly, as predicted, but contrary to what the weatherman had predicted, the sun came out and it was almost quite pleasant. A record number of vehicles showed up, folks from almost every corner of Maine.

I had the opportunity to meet with Joe Murray, the primary organizer of the show. A very pleasant and amiable man. He did express concern about a greater need for better classes, but most particularly the need for better policing of the classes. He is considering using a more effective method next year, assigning classes at the gate by the club. By providing better class structure and stricter assigning of classes at the gate, this neat little end-of-the-season Lions show will only get better for all.

This show gave us the opportunity to say "good-bye for the season" to many good friends. But many expressed a desire to get together at Two Trails Diner in Standish once each month over the winter. It was good to hear that they expect to swing by at least once or twice - these folks are so special that it is good to keep in touch.

I'm still collecting and resizing of contributed pix of the Fryeburg Fair Grand Parade. Hope to get them posted soon. Keep an eye out for them.

Later!

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New Gloucester

Saturday will find us at the New Gloucester Fairgrounds for their car show, weather permitting. We are currently getting prepared.

In the case of this show, held this time of year, "getting prepared" includes digging out the long underwear, mittens and overcoats. A little de-icer doesn't hurt, either.

Seriously though, the weatherman currently shows the possibility of snow, with temps reaching the lower 40's. That could change by Saturday - and I hope it does. A warm, sunny day would be change that even I can believe in!

Looks like we're in for a long, cold season. According to the National Weather Service, the Earth's temperature has not increased in any of the last 11 years, and may actually have decreased. Us Maine folks have been telling them that for a long time. With all due respect to those who hype the global warming thing, I'm old fashioned - I believe in what I see and feel. And these last seasons have been miserable, and even the springs and summers have been less than favorable.

In any case, let's hope for fair skies on Saturday - and an easy heating season this winter. Our pocketbooks could use a break. But don't plan on it...

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The Diner Part Deux

As you may know from reading the last post, we went to Two Trails Diner this evening. A dozen or so folks turned up and we had a fun time, complete with free donuts & coffee, courtesy of Gib.

It was decided that, beginning next month, the gathering will be on the second Saturday of the month, from 1:00pm until whenever, for "brunch". This makes it easier for Gib, as he is not normally open on Wednesday evenings, so the grill is not on. By switching to Saturday, we may be able to get some eats.

It is also planned to have door prizes or some such, so if you are car folk, with nothin' better to do on November 14, we would be happy to have y'all come to the Diner for a good time.

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The Diner

Two Trails Fabulous 50's Diner in Standish is supposed to be hosting a bi-weekly gathering of the car folks who attended the season's cruises. From what I understand, the gathering will be on the second Wednesday of each month throughout the "off-season", so we can keep in touch with each other.

I have been told the first gathering is supposed to be tomorrow (Wednesday), from 6-8pm. I'll be checking it out. If planning to go, you may want to call ahead to check, as this is the first, and Gib might have forgotten :o)

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Super Garage #6

HotKarz now features yet another Super Garage - a superb example of what can be accomplished with good planning and $5.84 to cover the costs.

Seriously, Gav Ruotolo's garage (#6 in the series) is a piece of art, and I am sure you will enjoy checking it out.

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Sweet!

We have a new Feature Vehicle of the Week - this is a really sweet vehicle from 1910, and the last one known of its kind. Check it out here.

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Fryeburg

Had a wonderful day at the Fryeburg Fair. A record 90 vehicles showed up this year for the Grand Parade (which lasted for an hour and 45 minutes). Early on the weather was fine, but gave way to heavy clouds, resulting in a real chill in the air - a portent of things to come!

Gotta tell ya, I had my first "Smoked Turkey Leg" and it was rather good - but it was easy to confuse it with smoked ham.

I was a bit taken aback at the exhorbitant prices of the simple, inexpensive foods like fried dough. Can you believe $6.00 for something that costs 30 cents to make? And if you wanted syrup or a glaze, add another buck. If you ask me, that is highway robbery.

All in all, however, it was a good day, with a lot of fun, and friendly car folks. And we ran into some friends we had not seen in years.

Hope to hear from those of you who ventured up to Maine Oxy, or even Winterport.

Tomorrow, I'm headed to Scarborough to do a photo shoot of yet another Super Garage. With any luck, I'll have those pix up by Monday (because the owner is headed to Florida for the winter on Tuesday).

And Bob Hatch says he will try to get some pix to me of the annual 50 car cruise the MWVOCC put on last spring.

So, keep an eye out for those...

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