February 7th, 2008
As we enter the autumn of the first decade
of this new millennium that started, what seemed like just yesterday,
not 7 years ago. I realize that it has been nearly 40 years since
mankind walked on the moon. I figured by the close of the last century,
mankind would have been colonizing nearby planets. Just before Linda & I
headed out to the Cruise tonight we, the United States of America in
conjunction with other countries of the Free World sent another space
shuttle safely into space, fulfilling just a part of dreams of the youth
of the "Space Age". All of the technological advances that we enjoy and
rely on in every day life came as the results from the efforts of the
early space program pioneers. Walter Cronkite, the most trusted and
revered newsman, KB2GSD, yes he is a HAM radio operator too, presented
us continuous coverage of pioneers of the "New Frontier" in our living
rooms back when these cars we love so much were the latest and greatest
that Automotive engineering had to offer. The influence on
Transportation Engineering, Medical Science and everyday life
technologies have advanced much further with these early results than
we, as a nation, have allowed "Space Exploration" to do so. I think that
we must continue to develop these programs to further advance our world
as a whole, not since the time of the Renaissance have we leaped forward
allowing mankind to better understand themselves as well as the Universe
we live in.
This is part of the excitement that I
personally feel when ever I see a car that was on the streets, in my
home town when I was a kid. I don't like to call that the "Good Old
Days". For the most part we are living in the "Good Old Days" right now.
I think it is the fond memories of days gone by that we all like to hold
on to, to make fond new memories with the friends we make every time we
park these cars for others to share their stories with us and our cars.
Then we all realize that it is our past that makes us who we are and
that it is participating in today we will all have a future. Tonight
with a few of our regular's this time of the year. They come from all
over, John from New Jersey that always surprises us with a different car
every year, he has many more at home. Larry from Canada that always
stays in contact with us using new technologies brings his '40 Ford
coupe that he has had something to do with ever since he was in high
school more back near the middle of the last century. It even has a
flathead engine in it but it has modern creature comforts as well. John
from the Channel Islands, Cruises with our group, who has always liked
the looks of the American cars, only seen in movies during his youth,
owns and Cruises a '65 Mustang convertible when he is in the States. Now
I know I usually make a list of the cars and every one that was out
tonight, so I ask you all to humor me by reading my report this week. I
observed not only the great cars that came out tonight, I also couldn't
help but watch the family dynamic that has grown over the years with
these "Cruisers" that come to these events, with their latest car, or
with one they have owned since they bought it new in '63 as in the case
of Dave's Avanti, a new member of our group or Ron who bought his Monte
Carlo back in 1970, it even has the original paint on it's body. Dave &
Arlene who come out to see us when they can always with a smile on their
faces and warmth in their hearts for everyone the meet. Family members
of the Cruisers that come out to be with them, like Larry & Barbra and a
few of their children and grandchildren. Linda & I even had
grandchildren out as spectators tonight. Billy, who needed to research
for a school project actually interviewed several people for some ideas
to research on for his report. He knew that he could find a very diverse
group of people on a Thursday night. Besides that he just loves the
cars. One day he would like to work customizing cars. Generational
Cruisers like "Big George" and "Little George" that were out in "Little
George's" Chevy powered Oldsmobile. Doc left his house in the Mustang,
even though it was raining "Buckets" at his house and spent a great
night with his friends and Suzanne that joined in later.
Thank you for reading this, once and a
while I do like to brag about the people that I call my friends. The
people that even make it out when the cars they drive are in the shop or
between cruisers, they just come out for the people and the car talk.
Isn't that great? I think so, so do the spectators that come out on a
regular basis like Coy, Pat & Alan, Dana and other family members that
come to see their Dad, Brother, Uncle, Grandfather and their cars. The
HAM radio operators that are "Closet Cruisers" and hear about the Cruise
In's over the radio. Spouses that come out for a while like Shirley who
spends a bit of time with Jim and the Cruisers or Renee, who donates the
T-Shirts and Caps that we award, comes out to visit with Ron and even
has been shopping for the prizes. Spouses that bring out their own
Cruisers and spend the whole evening like Francine who brought out the
Camaro.
Nearly 70 cars ended up parked in the rows
that Wal-Mart graciously allows us to use . I think the threat of rain
and the fact that it was raining just a few blocks away kept our numbers
from growing but the "Die Hards" were out.
Tonight's 50/50 grew to $118, Nick
Cortese, Cruiser #414 had the winning ticket. He donated $5 to the
Cruise-In and $5 to this newsletter. Thank You.
Jim Pittsley, Cruiser #772 wasn't out
tonight to claim the $125 "Cruise-A-Matic", AWWWW. Next week there is
$150 in the offering.
"Cruiser of the Week" went home with Mike
Stukonis, Cruiser #409, in his '69 Mustang.
Here are a few photos.
Congratulations to the winners and a big Thank You to all
that came out tonight.
See you all "Out There"
_small.jpg)
_small.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
(100).jpg)
