We were on our way to the Cruise-In by 3:30, earlier in the day I picked
up a radiator from Saint Cloud NAPA from Bob, N4RDS and I fiddled with
it a bit in the Ranchero, I would like to get it back on the road soon.
Anyway, "Mustang Mike" arrived to the parking lot at the same time we
did, he had to go over to the bank and have some one move a car that was
parked in the center of the area where he sets up. Bill, N2WFU and the
boys, Trevor & Mr. Lucky backed the NYPD Radio Car into their favorite
spot. Ginnie, W2VEJ would be coming out later. Bill has to pickup his
son Marc, N2XEZ, daughter in-law Michelle, her sister Madeline and
granddaughter Olivia, visiting for the Holiday's, from New Jersey, at
the airport after the Cruise-In.
Besides our normal cornucopia of regulars that come out every week,
Brian and son Quintino were out in the daily driver, Mom, Lisa was
working so the vintage Chevelle stayed home but they both had to come
out to see the "Radio Car" and visit with all. I spotted Brian & Missy
along with 1 month old Anthony, their latest "Cruiser". It was sure a
night for the little ones, 6 Month old Caden was being proudly shown off
by his Grandfather Bob, who left the '36 Ford at home tonight, he still
managed to help out in the trailer relieving Coy. T Rod, KI4GJS and
contributing photographer for this publication, came to the event for
the first time, he took some photos from a different angle, Laura,
KI4ZJX, friend to the Cruise and hopeful Cruiser, from Lakeland, came
out with at plate of goodies for the already full table of deserts. Tony
& Marianne were back from New York. Mark was out in his "Scott Rod"
sporting it's new 4 barrel carb, those 3 deuces were just too hard to
keep tuned. Ron R had his '68 Mustang Fastback out with it's new engine
and 5 Speed tranny, it's transition to "Eleanor" has started. The under
hood area was already sporting the color scheme. Dave & Arlene made a
surprise visit, I think it may have been to cheer Jean on. She debuted
her '36 Ford Coupe tonight after it's 3 year restoration. She has had
this car for more than 44 years! Tonight it looked like a brand new
shiny penny, what a beautiful restoration! It sure was the talk of the
night. Doc had instructions to have the dress rehearsal of the Christmas
decorations on the old "Tater Truck" set up before Suzanne got to the
Cruise. He did have it all in place and it looked great. Graham, G4HFG,
from Oldham England came in over the radio to get his color report and
give his Holiday wishes to the Cruisers.
Proof that Charity begins at home, this Cruising Family of ours came to
the aide of one of our own tonight, Anna, a regular to the "Cruising
Scene" in central Florida, not as some one with a car but some one who
has been supporting us by coming out and participating with us, at many
of our venues. Mike, Dana, Coy, Pat, Marianne and many others came up
with this plan that was kept a secret from her. She has come upon some
bad times, still managing to come out to be with us, and we thought we
should show her we all care. We certainly did. "Mustang Mike's" pickup
was loaded with supplies and a collection of over $155 plus a Wal-Mart
gift card from "Lucky Louie" were given to her at the onset of the
closing ceremonies.
Tonight, instead of me giving Mike 3 cars to choose from for "Cruiser of
the Week", he said it was all taken care of and handed me a note to read
when it was time to give the award out. Just before the gifts were given
to Anna I read the note. "Tonight's Cruiser of the Week goes to a couple
that has been to more Thursday Nite Cruise-In's than I even have in the
last 4 years, she takes care of the registration, he has brought our
Cruising Community to the world with the newsletter and the websites
that he keeps up to date on nearly a daily basis. They donate the first
dash card to every new Cruiser. They even provided the Newsletter free
of charge for the first 100 plus issues. Now they only ask $1, from
registered Cruisers, for each issue of this publication. So tonight the
"Cruiser of the Week" goes to Cruiser #16 Steve & Linda Butler". Linda &
I would like to thank all of the friends we have made at the Cruise-In's
and we hope to keep on Cruising.
Allan was our shopper and his wife Grandma Patty had the winning ticket
for the $125 50/50, she donated $10 to this newsletter, Thank You.
Our "Cruise-A-Matic" rolls up to $75 for January 3rd. Cruiser #147, Dan
Kirk was not out tonight to claim the $50.
Remember NO CRUISE IN ON the
20th and 27th of December. Wednesday Nite Cruise will only take the 26th
of December off.
As always a Big Thank You! To:
The BOA (Bank) Staff for using the spots along 13th Street -
AutoZone - Beef O’Brady’s -
Sonic - Saint Cloud NAPA - Whistle Junction
and all those that continue to
support our Cruise-In with Prizes. To “Mustang Mike” for entertaining us
every week.
Here are the photos
T Rod's view the Cruise-In tonight.
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