Merlot's Great Adventure

Merlot arrived Tuesday evening just in time to make the trip to Carlisle. My co-pilot did not receive permission for the time off from work until Wednesday morning around 1000 hrs. So our get-away was delayed for about an hour or so. Loaded and departed all the way to Christiansburg via US 221 and VA 8. So, we arrived just in time to accompany the SE group to dinner at the Cracker Barrel. Here, Cushy But was introduced to good ol

Somehow this all comes out as a beautiful adventure. All in a weekend's work in the wonderful world of Speedsters. I like that name 'Merlot' but was just wondering how the story would have turned out if the car were named 'Cabernet Sauvignon'. That leads us to a future fantasy ....

Glad you made it. We weren't sure of your return plans Sunday, but you were nowhere to be found, so Hoss, Nolan, and I left without you from the showfield about 10:30.

Re my assistance: Did the car not stay running when we got it restarted? I expected to see you pull out behind me, but didn't. Were you still stranded?

if i remember VA doesnt allow radar detectors, not that anyone would try to use one illegaly

Lane,

She fired and then quite again. The switch had been left in the "off" position. This has happened before and will restart after it cools.

We went back to the show field for one one adjustment by Carey.

Bill,

That was several years ago. Once on I-81 just outside Bristol, Tennessee I saw a Sears Roebuck size mailbox on the roadside of the guard rail. I slowed to 55. Damned if there was a group of VHP waiting for speeders. The radar unit was in the mailbox! That was back when Virgina had a 55MPH limit on all their roads.

Aaron--great pleasure meeting you & glad you made the trip safe. If I'd have known Cory was going to the Autozone on your behalf on Saturday ayem I'd have pitched in to help . . . and then you'd have been in big trouble.

Just look at the mess I made of Greg's car. And he was almost done!

Did you get that hood straightened out from stuffing the trunk and closing the hood closed ?

Allen,

Stupidity on my part, Allen. Just a slight push to the side opened her up. The locking cone had gotten pushed to one side and was hung up on the latch's frame via the locking groove. I felt like an idiot! Too much stuff in the trunk space! The lid is fine now. Just went a little ballistic at all the small things. I was just plain disappointed with the car performance on the way up. Windscreen wiper flying off, fuel pump switch acting up and the valve cover leaking.
The great news of course was that Carey and Cory got her right! Had zero problems or incidents on the way home.

The trip home was GREAT!

Looks like the Carlisle trip may have been too much for the left knee! I'll be returning to the orthopedic unit at Pardee Hospital. The knee cap is tracking incorrectly and scar tissue has now become a problem and object of removable. I'm on stand by so to speak, waiting for the surgeon to call and say "come on up".

We'll all chip in and send you some pickeled ramps and canned possum. Take care of yourself man and hope you are back to Speedster'n soon.
Hoss

Damned Aaron---I hope the knee turns out to be a small issue not requiring any surgery.

Good to meet you and we enjoyed your company.

Now, if we can do something to get you out of your shell.

Glad Merlot ran great going home and sorry for the issues you had on the way up 81. We are very disappointed to hear that your engine blew but elated when it turned out to be just some " bum scoop".

We will look forward to seeing you at Ashville before too long.

Aaron, I'm pretty sure whatever's up with your knee, you'll recover just fine.
Hoping for the best, nonetheless!

Rub in 'possum grease, pee on a beaver pelt and bury it in a nearby cemetery during a full moon. Drink a full pint of good Carolina moonshine and sleep next to a naked 18 year old girl. Maybe not help your knee but sure will keep you busy and end up making you feel better.

Gents,

I've tried all of the above!!! However, the 18 year old Damned near killed me! Photo below. You pick which one!

The stitches that were put into the knee cap upper ligament may have been torn out when I fell down the stairs, Slide down with the left leg under me acting as a sled! This was done 3 weeks after the implant. I thought that all was OK...but now! Scar tissue buildup and a knee cap tracking to the inside. Waiting now or the surgical scheduler phone call.

Aaron told me when he lost his virginity back in the woods, he looked up and her mother was standing there watching them. When I asked Aaron what did she say, he replied "Baaaaaa"

Aaron, good luck on your next surgery!

The only thing that is discouraging the waiting for the surgical schedule to set. Can't plan a thing! My orthopedic surgeon is very skilled and I have a lot of faith in his ability. We'll get her done!

The after effects of the anesthesia is worse than the surgery and its aftermath. I'll attempt to keep all informed. Send all beverages to the house!

Aaron : .......anesthesia is worse than the surgery.

Tell your Doctor you had lasting problems with the " last gassing" there are a variety available, been there and done that.

Alan,

For some reason, the "stuff" literally kills my appetite for a couple of weeks. The taste buds are also effected...no taste at all! I prefer a nerve block that numbs only the knee area. Works great for me! But the last go, was a drug injected into the spine and numbed the entire lower portion of my body. then you get a multiple-drug cocktail injected into the I.V.! The knee implant surgery is a 3 1/2 hours procedure.

I don't know all that is planed to get the knee back to where it should be. I do know that the scar tissue will be removed (scraping and grinding);~) I'm suspect the knee cap realignment will require modification of the upper attaching ligament. Doc is suspecting that I tore out the stitches when I fell down the stairs. We won't know until the knee is scoped.

Better believe the anesthesiologist and I are going to have a pretty good discussion!