I'm baaaaaack!!!!!!!!

Okay, it's Ticonderoga not Tonawanda. I'm about 80 miles north of Albany and 25 miles off the interstate. It's hovering around zero and expected to get colder tonight so running the truck, at least the next 6-7 hours while I sleep. Gonna pick up in the morning (drop/hook) and I have til Sunday to deliver but was told to send empty call Saturday night so I can get paid for it. Nice.

The plan is to wake at 0530, freeze-walk to McDonald's (hands in pockets, shoulders hunched, head down, quick small steps) for breakfast, back to truck and moving when 10 is up around 0630, pick up, and get outta Dodge before the snow starts.

The goat is curled up on the bunk at my feet, per PETA request.

 

Got the Hot Chick an Asus T100 hybrid tablet/notebook for her anniversary present. It's a screaming deal at $375 because it comes with the detachable keyboard and includes Office 365 and One Note (both of which will make her book project much easier). She made lots of high pitched squealing noises when she opened it.

Guess I did good. This should buy me a little time on her birthday present. We've always had sports cars of one kind or another (I'm an old SCCA dog), a habit which went bye bye with the arrival of our daughter. It's time to find another one. (I can say that here because she doesn't read this forum -- too busy with her own blog and the novel). Will be on the prowl this spring for an older liquid cooled Porsche (944, 928 even a 924 if it's a GTS or turbo), or an older VW GTi, or maybe an old Z-car. She wants a 1st gen RX-7 like we used to have but that little beer keg of an engine is too hard to repair myself and specialists are way expensive. She also wants a late model X-1/9 but they're getting scarce (read: expensive). I don't think I'll be able to convince her to learn to love C4 Corvettes like I do but she'll be the primary driver anyway since it will (ostensibly) be her birthday present.

Not a word about Mustangs or Camaros or Challengers as those are GT's not true sports cars. Actually the C4 Corvette is a full blown exotic so she's probably right about not really wanting one. Those criteria also rule out a 928 or GTi, but it's gonna be her car so what she says goes. Wonder if I can talk her into a DeLorean...?

I like the hunt for a car almost as much as owning it. Looking forward to it, but other business to take care of first.

Like sleeping. G'nite.

 

The first gen Mister Two is something she really likes but they're getting hard to find in unmolested condition and only the supercharged version interests me. I've seen a few '88 Fiero Formulas for a reasonable price; they have the power and make all the right growlly noises, a good look, properly communicative (unboosted) steering, and the rear suspension is fixed (no snap oversteer).

She only likes the first gen RX-7, even though the 2nd and 3rd gens are vastly superior. She has a point as that first car is much simpler and more elemental. Not nearly as quick as the later versions but plenty of fun at very sane speeds.

Not really wanting a 2+2 unless we find a really nice Porsche. She would really enjoy a 911 but the liquid cooled ones mentioned above are much more affordable in good condition.

I also have to consider the classic sports car (MGB, Alfa Romeo Spider, Fiat Spider, et al). I don't want a Miata just because I see them everywhere. She's never even driven one. They're great cars but we're both a little contrarian. A while back we checked out a kit car, something called a Sterling. Rear engine shortened hot rodded Beetle chassis/running gear with a unique and stunning body. Drove like an old 911--150 horses but the whole thing weighed less than 1600 pounds wet. I wish I'd bought it; it was a blast and perfect for us. But we had a little girl and three Great Danes so no dice.

Ok, you got me in a monologue about cars. I'm stopping now; it's time to go to work.

 

Idled last night. I hate idling. Now I'm grumpy.

 

Breakfast... done. Time to go play in the snow. It isn't often I'm grateful for a heavy paper load.