March / April 2012
I had hoped to be writing about the joy and hope of a new rod season. The only problem was: on the morning of our first swap meet, we woke up to the remains of a pretty severe snow storm. There were a lot of empty spaces, and I’m sure those were the sellers who had the things I needed / wanted. With parking and admission, I bought a very expensive grinder bit. All is not lost, as I probably don’t need another project and work goes on doing the regular Spring maintenance to get the car ready for Summer.
The big news is the upcoming Convention. The Northwest Chapters are putting together an exciting and varied program.
One of my other interests is railroading, so I am looking forward to the train excursion. I probably will come back with my hair full of cinders and smelling of coal smoke.
Be sure to look into one of the Caravans. It can be a lot of fun going across the country, especially in a group of Inliners with their unique cars. I speak from experience that you cause quite a stir whenever you stop for fuel.
On a different note, I came across notice of the passing of Don Canepa #154 in the Bench Racing section of the Web Site. I didn’t know him, but he had to be a long time member. When I clicked on a link, I was treated to an adventure in treasure hunting as his daughters displayed only a portion of his parts and car accumulation. It is truly an historic and valuable collection.
Unfortunately, they also were having to deal with valuing the “assets” for tax purposes and the local Abatement Office was harassing them to get it cleared out.
This got me to thinking about my own stash. I don’t have near as much as many of you, but I find myself trying to catch up and save just one more thing from the “hoarders”. Someday, someone will have to clear it out and liquidate it. They may not have the interest or knowledge to do it in an orderly or profitable manner.
Maybe I can find it in my heart to pass some of these “projects” on to someone who will actually do something with them.
My thoughts go out to Don’s daughters and – Thanks for making me think.
Will Willis