In spite of me showing up a week early, Cumberland House of Pizza finally had their first cruise of the season. The threat of rain kept some folks at home, but those who did venture out were treated to the friendly fun that we have come to associate with the good folks who put on this cruise.
It did rain, near the end, but that did nothing to dampen spirits. And balloting for the Super Cruise went off without a hitch. A lot of votes were cast, and we thank everyone for their participation.
The Preacher showed up, with his famous "Betty Lou", the sweetest '51 Ford I've ever seen. Unfortunately, he is scheduled for surgery tomorrow, so let's all take a moment and pray for him.
Is it my imagination, or does it seem like every year at least one of the "50/50 Girls" at C.H.O.P. is on crutches? They sure must play rough over there in Cumberland :o)
Remember, folks - weather permitting, there will be balloting at Buffalo Wings n' Things on Thursday. And just so you know, the owner of BW n' T also gives a trophy at each cruise, as does the Fabulous '50's Diner every Wednesday (which is where I'll be tomorrow, if'n it don't rain).
Well, I gotta go and tally the votes, and put them on the chart. So far, it looks to be a real contest.
Bill
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Sacopee Valley Show
OK, so I had about a dozen folks harping on how fast I would get this up, and whether or not I would be kind.
If you were at the Sacopee Valley show, you already should know pretty much what this post is going to say, since there seemed to be a consensus among the participants. But for those of you who, for whatever reason, missed this show, please allow me to opine (that's a Bill O'Reilly word).
We could not have asked for better weather, so it started out with a big plus. And, as is expected, the car folks were their own, wonderful selves. In fact, it has been awhile since I laughed so much - everyone just seemed in such a great mood.
The youngun's that were selling 50/50 tickets really got on my nerves - it was OK that they took nearly 15 minutes trying to figure out how to unroll a car-length of tickets. But when I found the young man's Coolatta Cup on the hood of my car, leaving a water ring, I calmly (well, almost calmly) advised him that some folks would shoot him for that. But being the sweetheart that I am, I told him I would only taser him with 5 million volts (^.^)
I have to admit that I found the organization seriously lacking (but not as bad as the Naples Show last week). I think there were only 8 or 10 classes, with but two small trophies per class. And one of those classes - tractors - had no participants. Motorcycles had one. Imagine - classes for motorcycles and tractors, but not for Custom Cars or Trucks!
Now, I know it's not really about trophies, so that is not the issue. The issue rests in the fact that if an organization is going to charge the same entrance fee as other shows, then they should make it just as worthwhile as the other shows - an adequate number of classes, three trophies per class, and trophies big enough so they don't get confused with a '64 Lincoln hood ornament.
There was no class for CUSTOMS, and the only truck class was for 2 wheel drive stock. What happened? Well, because there were so many classes missing, the biggest class turned out to be Special Interest - and most of the vehicles in Special Interest were not suited for it. There was an old, stock Ford Falcon, a Ford Bronco, a Camaro, a custom '51 Ford etc. Each of those should have had a suitable class to be in, but such classes did not exist, so they ended up in SI.
If I were to give the organizers any advice, it would be to read this post. There should be a minimum of 18 classes. Vehicles should be assigned to the appropriate class. Don't buy the "penny apiece" trophies that come from Cracker Jacks. And three trophies per class is the norm. If they do not want to follow the norm, they have no business charging a $5.00 entry fee. And forget the car-length 50/50. It does not matter if everyone gets 50, 0r 5. The ratio and the odds are the same. But it is a pain in the butt to have to get out 100 tickets every time they call a number.
So much for the good points...
I think, all in all, everyone had a good time. I know our little group did. And it was unfortunate that the pizza truck got started so late - by the time the pizza was ready, the show was almost over. But we survived that, too, with laughter and happy hearts.
The best part of any show, of course, is something that we, the car folk, control - sharing ourselves with each other in camaraderie. And we do that oh, so well! And for that, I thank you all.
Bill
If you were at the Sacopee Valley show, you already should know pretty much what this post is going to say, since there seemed to be a consensus among the participants. But for those of you who, for whatever reason, missed this show, please allow me to opine (that's a Bill O'Reilly word).
We could not have asked for better weather, so it started out with a big plus. And, as is expected, the car folks were their own, wonderful selves. In fact, it has been awhile since I laughed so much - everyone just seemed in such a great mood.
The youngun's that were selling 50/50 tickets really got on my nerves - it was OK that they took nearly 15 minutes trying to figure out how to unroll a car-length of tickets. But when I found the young man's Coolatta Cup on the hood of my car, leaving a water ring, I calmly (well, almost calmly) advised him that some folks would shoot him for that. But being the sweetheart that I am, I told him I would only taser him with 5 million volts (^.^)
I have to admit that I found the organization seriously lacking (but not as bad as the Naples Show last week). I think there were only 8 or 10 classes, with but two small trophies per class. And one of those classes - tractors - had no participants. Motorcycles had one. Imagine - classes for motorcycles and tractors, but not for Custom Cars or Trucks!
Now, I know it's not really about trophies, so that is not the issue. The issue rests in the fact that if an organization is going to charge the same entrance fee as other shows, then they should make it just as worthwhile as the other shows - an adequate number of classes, three trophies per class, and trophies big enough so they don't get confused with a '64 Lincoln hood ornament.
There was no class for CUSTOMS, and the only truck class was for 2 wheel drive stock. What happened? Well, because there were so many classes missing, the biggest class turned out to be Special Interest - and most of the vehicles in Special Interest were not suited for it. There was an old, stock Ford Falcon, a Ford Bronco, a Camaro, a custom '51 Ford etc. Each of those should have had a suitable class to be in, but such classes did not exist, so they ended up in SI.
If I were to give the organizers any advice, it would be to read this post. There should be a minimum of 18 classes. Vehicles should be assigned to the appropriate class. Don't buy the "penny apiece" trophies that come from Cracker Jacks. And three trophies per class is the norm. If they do not want to follow the norm, they have no business charging a $5.00 entry fee. And forget the car-length 50/50. It does not matter if everyone gets 50, 0r 5. The ratio and the odds are the same. But it is a pain in the butt to have to get out 100 tickets every time they call a number.
So much for the good points...
I think, all in all, everyone had a good time. I know our little group did. And it was unfortunate that the pizza truck got started so late - by the time the pizza was ready, the show was almost over. But we survived that, too, with laughter and happy hearts.
The best part of any show, of course, is something that we, the car folk, control - sharing ourselves with each other in camaraderie. And we do that oh, so well! And for that, I thank you all.
Bill
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Super Cruise
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
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
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
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