This coming week, ballots for the HotKarz Super Cruise Trophies will take place in two locations (because we have to get to 16 more in 9 weeks). The first will be at C.H.O.P. (Cumberland House of Pizza), Cumberland ME on Tuesday, June 3rd. The second will be held at Buffalo Wings n' Things in Westbrook on Thursday, June 5th.
As a clue, the following week we will be hitting cruises farther north - although in Maine, almost everything is "farther north" :o)
For those of you planning to attend the Sacopee Valley show tomorrow (June 1), we'll see ya there.
Now for a revelation - or should I say, a confession. I have to do this because "loose lips" Ralph is telling everyone, anyway (^.^) So here goes.
Last week, I went to the cruise at C.H.O.P. in Cumberland. Now, for the benefit of those of you who do not check HotKarz before going to a cruise or show, the C.H.O.P. cruise does not start until June 3rd. So, I was a little early. If only I had checked my own damned website...
So, let that be a lesson - always check with HotKarz.com to see if there are changes or cancellations before wasting precious $4/gallon petrol.
And for those who may not have heard, I got this from Dave (TT Cruisers), and again from "GT" Charles:
INFO FROM A STATE TROOPER....PLEASE READ!!!!!
A woman said her son found his license plate missing so he called the police
to file a report. They told him people were stealing the plates to get free
gas. Given the rise in gas prices, people have taken to stealing license
plates, putting them on their car, then getting gas and running. The gas
station will have "your" license plate # and you could be in trouble for
"pump and run." Check your car periodically to be sure you still have a
plate. If you should find it missing, file a report immediately!!! Keep an
eye on your license plate! Make sure you always know it's there! When the
license plate is reported as the "drive off vehicle", it's YOU they contact!
Be aware!!!! Be aware of your license plates, most of us never look to see
if the plates are there or not.
Later!
BJ
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Maine Coastal Cruisers at TJ's
Earlier this evening I spent a very enjoyable time at the cruise in Biddeford, at TJ's Pizza. The wife could not attend - she had to take our daughter, Christi, to her first Driver's Ed class. That scares the Hell outta me! I'm sure she will be a good, responsible driver - what scares me is that she is growing up - and maybe she won't be "Daddy's Little Girl" anymore.
There was a good crowd at TJ's - even that pirate, Jim Peacock, came down all the way from Dresden. Good seein' you and the little woman, Bubba!
Some "new" cars arrived - a great '39 Caddy, and a Bricklin, from "across the pond". Thanks for sharing your pride and joy with us.
Well, it seems that Mac won all the prizes again - actually, he won the TJ's coupons and the 50/50. Congrats, Mac - we know how much you need all that food! You're just wasting away to nuthin".
S'pose I'll be at Blast From The Past (Waterboro) tomorrow, if the weather holds. Gotta go watch Al and Tommy win all the money!
There was a good crowd at TJ's - even that pirate, Jim Peacock, came down all the way from Dresden. Good seein' you and the little woman, Bubba!
Some "new" cars arrived - a great '39 Caddy, and a Bricklin, from "across the pond". Thanks for sharing your pride and joy with us.
Well, it seems that Mac won all the prizes again - actually, he won the TJ's coupons and the 50/50. Congrats, Mac - we know how much you need all that food! You're just wasting away to nuthin".
S'pose I'll be at Blast From The Past (Waterboro) tomorrow, if the weather holds. Gotta go watch Al and Tommy win all the money!
Monday, May 26, 2008
Naples
We went to the show in Naples, ME on Sunday. And I really don't know where to begin this post.
When we arrived, there was no one to show us in, or point us in the right direction. For the rest of the day, finding anyone on "staff" would be difficult. They just didn't seem all that interested.
In fact, Ralph Stowell tried several times to pay his entry fee, and the lady kept saying she'd be right back, but never returned. I think she thought that Ralph was so old, maybe he was GOD, so she was afraid to charge him.
No classes were set up, so the first 20 (of 35) cars just parked together. Later, they would put up signs for classes, expecting everyone to move. They didn't. Once the lawn chairs are out, that's it!
Well, come to find out, they did not need any classes, anyway, because there was only one trophy, for Best of Show. That's fine - but why the fuss about classes, or where to park? Without trophies for classes, classes are not relevant.
We never saw the person selling 50/50's until it was time for the drawing. Again, it really seemed like the people putting on the show were not all that interested.
Now, for the good part - the weather was super for a change. The cars were really sweet (the trucks, too). And, as usual, the folks were great - some we have not seen since last year. Since the American Legion pretty much stayed away, leaving us to our own devices, we managed to mingle and have a good time.
I was just getting ready to make our picnic lunches at 12:30 when a staff person asked us all to go to the lounge for the award and prizes. So, we didn't get lunch. I though this was a strange time for awards, but that's OK - it allowed me to get home in time to do some planting.
To summarize: rather than a show, it was more like a small, pleasant, informal gathering. Really nice, as long as the weather is nice and there are no expectations of anything organized. But it would have been better if the organizers actually organized it, and put at least a little effort into it, but they did not. We went to the trouble and expense of attending their show - the least they could do is organize it, and make us feel welcome.
And I really think if an organization is going to charge participants a $5.00 entry fee, they really need to offer something more than a place to park. After all, we are spending $4.00 a gallon to get there, then $5.00 entry fee. For that, there should be some expectation of making it a worthwhile trip.
Next year, if there is nothing else going on when this show is held, and if the weather is really nice, I may go. But if there is anything else on the calendar, or the weather is anything less than stellar, I won't, because it's would not be worth the trip.
Next Sunday: Sacopee Valley, at Hiram Elementary School.
And for all you cruise-goers out there, don't forget that Super Cruise balloting will be taking place at TJ's Pizza, in Biddeford on Thursday.
And please check out the T-Shirt design for HotKarz, then vote on whether you might like one and whether we should offer them as a means to support this website.
Later!
Bill
When we arrived, there was no one to show us in, or point us in the right direction. For the rest of the day, finding anyone on "staff" would be difficult. They just didn't seem all that interested.
In fact, Ralph Stowell tried several times to pay his entry fee, and the lady kept saying she'd be right back, but never returned. I think she thought that Ralph was so old, maybe he was GOD, so she was afraid to charge him.
No classes were set up, so the first 20 (of 35) cars just parked together. Later, they would put up signs for classes, expecting everyone to move. They didn't. Once the lawn chairs are out, that's it!
Well, come to find out, they did not need any classes, anyway, because there was only one trophy, for Best of Show. That's fine - but why the fuss about classes, or where to park? Without trophies for classes, classes are not relevant.
We never saw the person selling 50/50's until it was time for the drawing. Again, it really seemed like the people putting on the show were not all that interested.
Now, for the good part - the weather was super for a change. The cars were really sweet (the trucks, too). And, as usual, the folks were great - some we have not seen since last year. Since the American Legion pretty much stayed away, leaving us to our own devices, we managed to mingle and have a good time.
I was just getting ready to make our picnic lunches at 12:30 when a staff person asked us all to go to the lounge for the award and prizes. So, we didn't get lunch. I though this was a strange time for awards, but that's OK - it allowed me to get home in time to do some planting.
To summarize: rather than a show, it was more like a small, pleasant, informal gathering. Really nice, as long as the weather is nice and there are no expectations of anything organized. But it would have been better if the organizers actually organized it, and put at least a little effort into it, but they did not. We went to the trouble and expense of attending their show - the least they could do is organize it, and make us feel welcome.
And I really think if an organization is going to charge participants a $5.00 entry fee, they really need to offer something more than a place to park. After all, we are spending $4.00 a gallon to get there, then $5.00 entry fee. For that, there should be some expectation of making it a worthwhile trip.
Next year, if there is nothing else going on when this show is held, and if the weather is really nice, I may go. But if there is anything else on the calendar, or the weather is anything less than stellar, I won't, because it's would not be worth the trip.
Next Sunday: Sacopee Valley, at Hiram Elementary School.
And for all you cruise-goers out there, don't forget that Super Cruise balloting will be taking place at TJ's Pizza, in Biddeford on Thursday.
And please check out the T-Shirt design for HotKarz, then vote on whether you might like one and whether we should offer them as a means to support this website.
Later!
Bill
Saturday, May 24, 2008
First Super Cruise Balloting
SUPER CRUISE BALLOTING, WEEK OF 5/25-5/31: This week HotKarz will be passing out Super Cruise Ballots at TJ's (Biddeford) on Thursday, 5/29. If you want to have your vehicle in the running, or if you want to vote for someone else, please be there. The more cruises you attend when balloting takes place, the more often you can vote, and the better your chances of winning.
Please remember: our PT Woody is not eligible for the Super Cruise Awards. Any other vehicle capable of making it to cruises under its own power is eligible. (But by all means, please feel free to vote for us at car shows :o)
By the way, that was a nice original '57 Ford you picked up and brought to the cruise at Buffalo Wings 'n Things (Westbrook), Seldon. There's just something about simple, clean lines.
Bill
Please remember: our PT Woody is not eligible for the Super Cruise Awards. Any other vehicle capable of making it to cruises under its own power is eligible. (But by all means, please feel free to vote for us at car shows :o)
By the way, that was a nice original '57 Ford you picked up and brought to the cruise at Buffalo Wings 'n Things (Westbrook), Seldon. There's just something about simple, clean lines.
Bill
Friday, May 23, 2008
Ice Age
So much for Global Warming. This weather has been absolutely crazy. Here it is just three weeks from summer and it feels more like three weeks from winter.
The cruise at Sonny's on Monday was a dud because of cold weather - really cold! Same weather on Tuesday. Went to Two Trails Fabulous 50's cruise on Wednesday, and it was both cold and wet. Thursday we went to Buffalo Wings in Westbrook, and the weather was cold. Same thing on Friday, at Blast From The Past.
Needless to say, this has dramatically reduced cruise participation - at $4.00 a gallon for gas, many folks just don't want to take the chance that a cruise will be rained out for a wasted trip.
And the wind! It has been howling almost constantly for the last 5 days.
I have never been a believer in the global warming farce, though I do not doubt the Earth may experience periods of warming. But the Chicken Little Al Gore scenario, which blames me for my carbon footprint, is a bit far-fetched. And just the other day, over 21,000 meteorologists and scientists signed a petition that debunks global warming, claiming it is based on junk science.
But undoubtedly, something unusual is going on. All the earthquakes, in places where they are not normal, and with high magnitudes. The preponderance of tornadoes. The huge cyclone that hit Myanmar.
I can't help but wonder if Mother Earth (also known as Gaia) has grown a bit tired with the infestation of the parasite known as Mankind. Perhaps she is fighting back, much as we would when we get fleas, or mites.
I suspect that if we had been intelligent enough to find ways to live quality lives while still respecting the planet, things might be far different. Ask yourself: of the tens of thousands of pounds of resources you use in your life, how much have you actually put back? I never used to think about it. But I am beginning to.
Perhaps all of us should. Of course, we live in Maine, so we can't expect it to have any positive effect on the weather. But it seems to be the right thing to do - putting a little something back. Plant a few trees. Grow some of our own food. Recycle more. Combine trips to conserve gas.
Many years ago, a dear friend used to say, "If you are not part of the solution, then you are part of the problem."
I've been part of the problem far too long. So, as soon as I fire up the grass trimmer, then mow the yard with the tractor, cut the brush with the chain saw, drive the ATV out to check the back lots, then sweep the driveway with the leaf blower, I think I'll sit down and try to figure a way to conserve energy.
Are ya happy now, Charles? (^.^)
Bill
The cruise at Sonny's on Monday was a dud because of cold weather - really cold! Same weather on Tuesday. Went to Two Trails Fabulous 50's cruise on Wednesday, and it was both cold and wet. Thursday we went to Buffalo Wings in Westbrook, and the weather was cold. Same thing on Friday, at Blast From The Past.
Needless to say, this has dramatically reduced cruise participation - at $4.00 a gallon for gas, many folks just don't want to take the chance that a cruise will be rained out for a wasted trip.
And the wind! It has been howling almost constantly for the last 5 days.
I have never been a believer in the global warming farce, though I do not doubt the Earth may experience periods of warming. But the Chicken Little Al Gore scenario, which blames me for my carbon footprint, is a bit far-fetched. And just the other day, over 21,000 meteorologists and scientists signed a petition that debunks global warming, claiming it is based on junk science.
But undoubtedly, something unusual is going on. All the earthquakes, in places where they are not normal, and with high magnitudes. The preponderance of tornadoes. The huge cyclone that hit Myanmar.
I can't help but wonder if Mother Earth (also known as Gaia) has grown a bit tired with the infestation of the parasite known as Mankind. Perhaps she is fighting back, much as we would when we get fleas, or mites.
I suspect that if we had been intelligent enough to find ways to live quality lives while still respecting the planet, things might be far different. Ask yourself: of the tens of thousands of pounds of resources you use in your life, how much have you actually put back? I never used to think about it. But I am beginning to.
Perhaps all of us should. Of course, we live in Maine, so we can't expect it to have any positive effect on the weather. But it seems to be the right thing to do - putting a little something back. Plant a few trees. Grow some of our own food. Recycle more. Combine trips to conserve gas.
Many years ago, a dear friend used to say, "If you are not part of the solution, then you are part of the problem."
I've been part of the problem far too long. So, as soon as I fire up the grass trimmer, then mow the yard with the tractor, cut the brush with the chain saw, drive the ATV out to check the back lots, then sweep the driveway with the leaf blower, I think I'll sit down and try to figure a way to conserve energy.
Are ya happy now, Charles? (^.^)
Bill
Monday, May 19, 2008
This-n-That
Did anyone else notice the wind today? The weatherman said 10 mph. It seemed like he was off by at least another 25.
You know it's windy when you step out your front door into your back yard.
You know it's windy when you cannot breathe because the wind sucks the air out of your house.
You know it's windy when your speedometer says 50 and you are not moving.
And this one is true: you know it's windy when your 120 pound Vermont BBQ grill flies more than 20 feet without touching the ground. Yep, it happened. And our screenhouse ended up in the woods down back - about 250 feet.
Let me see if I understand this - we are 4 weeks from the first day of summer (after experiencing the 2nd coldest winter in 20 years) , and the weather is like November. And this is what is referred to as "global warming."
Outside the house today, a car hit his brakes, left a streak of rubber for 80 feet! He went headlong through a stonewall, and stopped about 5 feet from my neighbors living room. He then backed up, his engine smoking, and took off without so much as a "howdy-do". That entails property damage and leaving the scene of an accident. The sheriff's department took notes, but did not seem particularly interested.
Although Maine has the highest taxes per capita of any state, Portland city council has decided to lay off about 100 city workers. Our schools are overcrowded, roads do not get plowed well, and many of the roads are almost impassable with all the potholes. Makes you wonder where all that tax revenue is going. But never fear - Maine politicians are a resourceful bunch - just tax soda.
Ralph was telling me he took a Viagra and it got stuck in his throat. He had a stiff neck for days.
I was reading in the paper that every seven seconds, somewhere in this country a woman has a baby. I think they ought to find that woman and give her a new hobby.
Walking through the park, I came upon an elderly man crying. I asked what was wrong. He said he was 97 years old, and four years ago he lost his wife of 60 years. I said, "I see now why you are crying."
"No", he said. "Two years ago I met a 24 year old Swedish Bombshell, and it has been nothing but sex all day long."
"Wow", I said. "Is that anything to cry about?"
"You don't understand", he said. "I'm 97 years old, and I FORGOT WHERE I LIVE!"
My daughter, Christi, wants to thank all of you who voted for her PT Woody at Bonny Eagle on Sunday. She was tickled that she took Third Place, and recognizes that it was you who helped make it possible.
Until the next gathering...
Bill
You know it's windy when you step out your front door into your back yard.
You know it's windy when you cannot breathe because the wind sucks the air out of your house.
You know it's windy when your speedometer says 50 and you are not moving.
And this one is true: you know it's windy when your 120 pound Vermont BBQ grill flies more than 20 feet without touching the ground. Yep, it happened. And our screenhouse ended up in the woods down back - about 250 feet.
Let me see if I understand this - we are 4 weeks from the first day of summer (after experiencing the 2nd coldest winter in 20 years) , and the weather is like November. And this is what is referred to as "global warming."
Outside the house today, a car hit his brakes, left a streak of rubber for 80 feet! He went headlong through a stonewall, and stopped about 5 feet from my neighbors living room. He then backed up, his engine smoking, and took off without so much as a "howdy-do". That entails property damage and leaving the scene of an accident. The sheriff's department took notes, but did not seem particularly interested.
Although Maine has the highest taxes per capita of any state, Portland city council has decided to lay off about 100 city workers. Our schools are overcrowded, roads do not get plowed well, and many of the roads are almost impassable with all the potholes. Makes you wonder where all that tax revenue is going. But never fear - Maine politicians are a resourceful bunch - just tax soda.
Ralph was telling me he took a Viagra and it got stuck in his throat. He had a stiff neck for days.
I was reading in the paper that every seven seconds, somewhere in this country a woman has a baby. I think they ought to find that woman and give her a new hobby.
Walking through the park, I came upon an elderly man crying. I asked what was wrong. He said he was 97 years old, and four years ago he lost his wife of 60 years. I said, "I see now why you are crying."
"No", he said. "Two years ago I met a 24 year old Swedish Bombshell, and it has been nothing but sex all day long."
"Wow", I said. "Is that anything to cry about?"
"You don't understand", he said. "I'm 97 years old, and I FORGOT WHERE I LIVE!"
My daughter, Christi, wants to thank all of you who voted for her PT Woody at Bonny Eagle on Sunday. She was tickled that she took Third Place, and recognizes that it was you who helped make it possible.
Until the next gathering...
Bill
The Day After
Sonny's Convenience Store (Lyman, ME) held their first cruise of the '08 season tonight. It was a short cruise - the wind was wicked, the weather was November-cold, so not a whole lot of folks showed up, and many who did, left early.
But the hot dogs were good!
As for the title of this post, even now, at Sonny's, we heard a few grumblings about the class-confusion and disarray of the Bonny Eagle show. Everyone agreed the show was good, generally, but the shortcomings, though few, were serious. I hope the organizers of the show will listen, and work to overcome these problems for next year.
I'll be taking a break from cruises tomorrow, but plan to be at Two Trails Fabulous '50's Diner on Wednesday (and Low's in Buxton, next Wednesday), and Buffalo Wings-n-Things on Thursday. And I cannot find anyone who knows anything about Big Daddy's in Acton, so I may check that out on Friday.
Don't forget, folks - this coming Sunday HotKarz will reveal at which cruise(s) we will hold balloting next week for the Super Cruise trophies. These awards are really nice, so think about putting your car in the running by attending the cruises where and when ballots are passed out.
As a late note, it appears the West Paris Old Home Days (June6-8) will not be including a car show, and Telstar (Bethel) has not scheduled a show for this year. But this coming Sunday there is a new show at the American Legion in Naples - weather permitting, I think we'll scoot on up to check it out. Hope to see many of you there.
Bill
But the hot dogs were good!
As for the title of this post, even now, at Sonny's, we heard a few grumblings about the class-confusion and disarray of the Bonny Eagle show. Everyone agreed the show was good, generally, but the shortcomings, though few, were serious. I hope the organizers of the show will listen, and work to overcome these problems for next year.
I'll be taking a break from cruises tomorrow, but plan to be at Two Trails Fabulous '50's Diner on Wednesday (and Low's in Buxton, next Wednesday), and Buffalo Wings-n-Things on Thursday. And I cannot find anyone who knows anything about Big Daddy's in Acton, so I may check that out on Friday.
Don't forget, folks - this coming Sunday HotKarz will reveal at which cruise(s) we will hold balloting next week for the Super Cruise trophies. These awards are really nice, so think about putting your car in the running by attending the cruises where and when ballots are passed out.
As a late note, it appears the West Paris Old Home Days (June6-8) will not be including a car show, and Telstar (Bethel) has not scheduled a show for this year. But this coming Sunday there is a new show at the American Legion in Naples - weather permitting, I think we'll scoot on up to check it out. Hope to see many of you there.
Bill
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