It wasn't as cold as last night, in fact today the
Sun was out and made it above 70 degrees. A Northerly wind made it seem a lot
colder for those of us that are used to 90 degree temperatures.
Our caravan of 3 Rancheros arrived at Old Town just about 1:45,
the Christmas decorations were complete. Today is the "Toys For Kids" drive in
conjunction with the Osceola Council on Aging. After Ron greeted us at the Gate
we made our way down to the big tree, the "Elves" were there to collect the
unwrapped toys. By the time we arrived the tree was almost full, Friday nite
Cruisers must have been very giving. Then down to be registered, Bratt was in
her usual spot taking care of this task in her regular fashion. As we turned
onto "Trophy Row" there were several spots "coned off" for VIP convertibles. The
Realtors were having their Christmas Party over in Suite 150 and as usual helped
"Marshall" the parade.
After we parked the vintage Fords in our "Regular" spot behind
Black Hills Minerals we awaited the arrival of others that would join us. Ed &
Evelyn in the Corvair Convertible made it to Block 4 about 3:00. Linda & I
waited until just before going to dinner to make our way up to deliver
Newsletters. Bill & Doris stopped by, they cleared up the concerns about Bill's
health, he was just in for some tests. All is well. Almost all of the "Regulars"
were in place on the way up to the top of Block 1. Bob, the Old Parrot Head, was
out in his "Drop Your Top Special" along with 9 others from the "Vintage
Vehicles Car Club" from Indian River County. Connie Staggs
brought out
Tom's beloved '69 442 Olds convertible. Always good to see that bunch come
out on a Saturday Nite. We ran into Ralph & Shirley, they haven't been out for a
few weeks, Ralph had been feeling poorly. They were both looking good today.
On our way back from a bite to eat, we of course visited with
many Cruisers and spectators on the way back down to our cars. Tony & Marianne
were close to the stage, Clint & Lynn, they had their Yellow '49 Ford F-1 parked
across from the "Rat Pack" and the Redline Rodders. It sure is nice seeing all
of our friends out. After we got back, Ron & Renee had rolled that '61 Caddy in
and parked across from us. Block 4 was filling fast. We didn't have room to get
"Doc" & Cara in the "Tater Truck" or Chuck & Cindy in the T-Bucket. Then John in
his Mustang, Bob in the '36 Humpback and Bo in his Corvair came in. This would
be the last Saturday Nite for the 3 of them together until John comes back from
Guernsey in the spring. Cara came down to join Linda, Sharon & Evelyn in the
knitting circle. She wanted to finish learning how to knit, her grandmother
started teaching her, Christmas presents for grandchildren for the rest of the
ladies. I have just about run out of space so I will close it up here, I try to
mention everyone I see and talk with but I am old.
Just before 8:15, Nikki brought the "Flag Winners" list to me.
Then Bratt and Bobby led Doug, in his '68 Bronco, December Cruiser of the Month,
to the staging area that Block 4 becomes at this time. Mike Singer, who had been
playing an interesting mix of our favorite tunes with the seasonal ones, gave
the safety announcements, played the National Anthem, "Wolfman Jack" proclaimed
"It's the Saturday Nite Cruise". 8:30 and the cars made that turn onto the
bricks of "Deac Hundley Blvd." to a cheering crowd of spectators. Several of us
had an added show as we left the Cruise, as we pulled onto Highway 192 at 8:47,
the final 10 seconds of the countdown for ST116 The Space Shuttle Discovery, it
then lifted off from Pad 39b at the Space Center for it's 33rd mission into
space and it's 20th trip to the International Space Station. The sight was
amazing, lighting the sky to the Northeast to almost a sunrise glow. We could
then see it hurtling along it's trek for nearly 20 minutes as a great ball of
fire. This was the first night launch in more than 4 years. Tie it together with
a night at Old Town. All I can say is WOW. I am sure those lined along the
Boulevards at Old Town also had an extra treat.
Thank you to our fellow Cruisers for another great day in "Town".
Thank You to Old Town for inviting us, the Cruisers of the "Stars" that come out
every Saturday Nite, to the Sponsors that keep this tradition going, to the
Cruise Staff for keeping us safe and orderly and all of the spectators that come
out for this great show.
Tonight's random drawing winners that and received the coveted "Old Town
Checkered Flag" along with $25 cash, A Case of Oil from NAPA and a drink from the
Tropical Breeze.
Congratulations to the Checkered Flag Winners!
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