Tough Weekend

Well now, sometimes you just can't win!

For weeks we have been deluged with wet, miserable weather. Suddenly, we have an absolutely fabulous weekend, albeit more like fall than summer. Officially the coldest June on record. Is it me, or do others recall when "summer" meant temperatures ABOVE 70, and you could actually get through July without your furnace coming on?

But at least it was dry and sunny (which ain't gonna last).

So, you'd think I would be rejoicing.

But a coupla things:

1) There were no car shows in the area, to take advantage of the weather, and
2) The internet's largest payment gateway - AuthorizeNet - went down

At first glance, you might say "So what!" But not me.

It was not the simple fact that over 30 million dollars worth of sales were lost over the weekend - do we really need that in this economy? But the real slam is that my own business relies on AuthorizeNet - when they are down, my business is closed, and no income comes in. And that hurts.

And I suspect that is true for many of the 270,000 merchants that use AuthorizeNet.

I have spent over 36 hours trying to work with them to get things right again. And orders are still not getting processed.

Sometimes it just doesn't pay to get outta bed. Literally.

Well, at least I was finally able to get some yard work done - work that was not getting done in the rain. And all of this year's cordwood is finally in and stacked in the shed. Now I gotta cut a bunch to season for next year. And, yes, I am being very watchful concerning my knees and chainsaw chains.

Had a chance to finally check out the garden, too - what's left of it. Much of it drowned, just like last year. And all the tops to all the peas, and all the lettuce, and all the cukes got eaten by a woodchuck that decided to take up residence under the shed.

Tried trapping him with a Havahart trap. He wanted no part of that. So, I decided to pop him with the .22. But I guess he is psychic, because he immediately packed his bags and headed for parts unknown. But not soon enough to save the garden.

So I won't be bringing free corn, cukes, tomatoes or peas to the cruises this year, as I usually do. But if I get half a chance, I may bring a woodchuck pelt!

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Houlton Car Show

Thanks to Dale Chasse (LOWBIRD) we have pix of the Houlton Fairgrounds Car Show this weekend.

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Manchester NH

Received a request to post the following:

"The Manchester Wolves (a sports team in Manchester, I assume - Ed.) are hosting a Bike and Car show Night at our game on Friday July 17th at 7:30. Prior to the game we will be hosting a classic car and bike show in front of the arena as well as a male and female tattoo contest. If any vehicles would be interested in registering for this event or if you would like to purchase game tickets feel free to contact our office at (603) 627-9653."

Sorry - that's all I know about it.

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Have You Been Keeping Up?

If you have not read http://bill-is-watching.blogspot.com/ lately, you really should. Congress is voting on a bill that, if passed, will LITERALLY put an end to the American way of life, cost you $3,000 each year, and all for a bogus reason.

And the government's own EPA put out a 98 page report today stating that the Earth's temperatures are DECLINING, not increasing, and that this info has been withheld by the government.

You really do have a need to understand how this is going to affect you and your loved ones.

I apologize for bringing politics into HotKarz, but this particular issue is extremely important to us all, and the mainstream media is not even mentioning any of it, because the media has already stated it wants socialism.

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More on Harrison

The Harrison show seems to have built a base of fans for their first show, in spite of the weather. This from Dale Chasse:

"Bill & Robin, Missing your presence at the latest waterlogged shows. Be needing your surfboard soon to stay afloat!!! I thought the Harrison show was great considering the weather. Quite a few cars showed and the staff was very pleasant and helpful with parking. Nice area with the lake nearby and such. Facilities were the real kind with flushes and everything. Wonderful variety of food at reasonable prices. Even had a personal "thanks for coming" on our way out. (always a nice gesture). Plan on attending again next year.

Headed to Fort Kent next weekend for my 30th High school reunion. Where has the time gone. Coming home on Sunday the 5th after a stop in Houlton for the show at the fair. Planning to take pics and share. Take care, stay dry. Dale."

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Sanford...

Thanks to Chris & Judy A. for this comment on the Sanford show...

"Went to the Sanford show on Saturday. The weather was great. They did manage to park cars by class this year which was a great improvement. We arrived at 8:45 with the understanding that registration was from 7 to 10 with trophies at 1:30. We were told that voting ended at 10:00 and trophies would be awarded at 11:30. People were still trying to clean their cars at 10:00. They should of had voting go at least an hour after registration closed. We were told to look for more changes next year. Other than that it was a great day. Peoples Choice award went to Peter Roberge for his "Fine 39" Pontiac."

Congrats to you, Peter!

Sounds like Sanford may have a ways to go yet. I cannot imagine the voting closing the same time registration closes. But it does appear they are working on changes. Placing cars in classes is, as Chris & Judy so aptly put it, a great improvement.

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Harrison Lion's Show

Although I did not get to go to the Harrison show, I did receive this email from someone who did:

"Went to the Harrison Lions Car show in Harrison in the rain . For their first show they had about 85 cars . We spent alot of time mingling with friends and that is what it is all about . Peoples Choice winner is Mr. Peacock. It was a good time for their first time and we will go back again next year . Cheryl and Stan Page "

Thanx, Cheryl & Stan, for sharing your day.

Did anyone get to the Sanford show on Saturday? Any comments on it?

Bill

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