We recently came home from a two week trip to four European countries. Landing in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, then to Germany, next was Luxembourg, and then Belgium and finally leaving from Schiphol airport near Amsterdam. The weather was cold, wet and windy, but we still enjoyed the adventure. We traveled via the Euro Rail, with buses and boats mixed in. Of course, our shoes took a beating on the cobblestone streets which are everywhere, even in the big cities. Our biggest huddle was reading menus and signs on streets. The language was not bad to cope with. I do know a little Dutch and Germany, but we did a lot of finger pointing at words, and most people spoke some English for us to get by. Our trip was not just a revisit for me and new sights for Nancy, but to celebrate our 35th anniversary. The photos are: Keukenhof, a massive garden/park of tulips and other flowers outside of Amsterdam. The Rhine River valley where most of the German wine is produced and quaint villages and castles are. A Fire Station of volunteers we visited, great folks. The ATOMIUM built in 1958 for the World's Fair in Brussels Belgium.

Grady Anthony

He is 7 months old now. Unbelievable! Born on July 4th (Yes, a firecracker baby) is probably the last of our growing family of three children and SEVEN grandchildren. A knot/s will possibly be tied in the baby producing processes.
Grady has grown so fast. It so much enjoyment to see them develop day by day. But heck, I am just a proud Papa.

Do your homework folk!

For those of you who love to smash bang the President (whether its this one or past), I suggest you read the Constitution of the United States and see for yourself what his duties are. He DOES NOT make the laws, he can only submit PROPOSED laws or actions. The Congress and Senate approve and reform them into law. And at the present, the Republicans rule BOTH houses. So it's pretty much whatever the Republicans want, they get. So blame the right people, DO YOUR HOMEWORK!
If this explanation is not enough, read the following excerpt from the Constitution.

United States Constitution: Article 2, Sections 2-4 excerpt (Duties of the President)

Before he enter on the execution of his office, he shall take the following oath or affirmation: “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.”

SECTION 2. The President shall be commander in chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and of the militia of the several states, when called into the actual service of the United States; he may require the opinion, in writing, of the principal officer in each of the executive departments, upon any subject relating to the duties of their respective offices, and he shall have power to grant reprieves and pardons for offenses against the United States, except in cases of impeachment.

He shall have power, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to make treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur, and he shall nominate, and by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, shall appoint ambassadors, other public ministers and consuls, judges of the Supreme Court, and all other officers of the United States, whose appointments are not herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be established by law, but the Congress may by law vest the appointment of such inferior officers, as they think proper, in the President alone, in the courts of law, or in the heads of departments.

The President shall have power to fill up all vacancies that may happen during the recess of the Senate, by granting commissions which shall expire at the end of their next session

SECTION 3. He shall from time to time give to the Congress information of the state of the union, and recommend to their consideration such measures as he s hall judge necessary and expedient; he may, on extraordinary occasions, convene both Houses, or either of them, and in case of disagreement between them, with respect to the time of adjournment, he may adjourn them to such time as he shall think proper; he shall receive ambassadors and other public ministers; he shall take care that the laws be faithfully executed, and shall commission all the officers of the United States.

SECTION 4. The President, Vice President and all civil officers of the United States, shall be removed from office on impeachment for, and conviction of, treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors.

Slow progress

I typically spend 5 to 7 hours nearly every week day wiring my latest hot rod build. Laying under the car, laying inside looking under the dash, leaning over the fenders into the engine compartment, lacing wires through tiny holes and bundling wires so they are out of the way and look semi-neat/organized. And that is to run one wire. My fingers hurt.
EZ Wiring is NOT easy. It starts easy but there are things they don't put in their EZ instructions. I called their tech support to clarify some wiring labels and the guy spit out four papers of technical jibberish in about 5 seconds. I had to stop him and tell him I was old, talk slowly. He started over.
Now just two days before Christmas, I have decided to stop and let my aches and pains heal. My hands look like an ad for BAND-AID.
The next few days will be busy with parties, family dinners and riping gifts open. No to mention the most important, celebrating the reason for Christmas.
I always take time to say thanks for all I have and the pray for others who are not as fortunate. We have been VERY blessed in life. Yes we worked hard for what we have and done. But I have so many to thank for their help too. Love ones, family, friends, co-workers and mostly Jesus. THANK YOU!!!
And Merry Christmas to all that visit this... and VERY Happy New Year to you all.

Great weekend!

It's always a little hassle going ready to show off your wheels. The wiping and waxing, and sweeping. More than just cleaning the family car, because this car is special. This weekend was the 14th Annual Southwest National Good-Guys Car Show in Scottsdale. Big show. They thought there would be a little over 2000 entries, and there was...on Friday. BUT, on Saturday, there was nearly 3000 entries and even more attendees. It was jammed and a little cramped. With that many vehicles, it's hard to see them all, plus hundreds of vendors too.
Mine 36 it the dark blue one in the center of the photo, taken on Friday. On Saturday, they parked in the drive, in front of the parking spots.

Just out of the paint shop

After being in paint and body shops for several months, my 51 Chevy finally came home. It's not nearly finished, but at least I can start doing some work myself. Insulation, sound deadening, wiring, chrome, just to mention a few things. That's OK...I love to see my progress and watch it evolve into my vision. Like all of my cars, it will be subtle. It will look sort of like the original, but different.
This is also the first time I named a car a female name. It's name is "SUGAR PLUM", which I think captures the color. Don't you? Come back and see the finished product in a few months.
Tell me what you think.

Koch brothers are killing the US workers!

If you don't believe me, watch this video.