June 10, 2011
Naked Bike or Not Naked Bike?

Whether tis nobler, yeah, that's about all I can remember from Shakespeare. So this is how the bike would look without the fairing and side bags, the top bag is already forgotten, no way is that going back on. What do you think?

With any luck she will be road-ready tomorrow, about time huh? Still haven't figured out how to sync the carburetors yet, might have to play that one by ear. Sorry, that pun was intended. Vote today: naked or not?
Spent two days in Boston this week; the NEFI show was pretty good for about 5 hours on the first day, after that was a bit dismal. Had some good distributor contacts though, so definitely worth our while.
On Sunday night the ISS will be overhead for 6 minutes if you would like to watch. Hope it is clear; contact me if you would like to know the exact time and location in your area.
In town ALL of next week, getting ready for a big Father's Day. Hope I get a frozen lasagna!

June 3, 2011
Happy New Year!

Well it's happy new year if you are a Skuttle employee. Up is good and we ended the previous year up, and in this economy and manufacturing sector that is a good thing. (Turn doom and gloom music on here). Up is up, I'll take it.
Always wanted to know what it was like to take a walk on the sun, or was that a walk in the sun? Either way it is hot; we're not used to seeing 90+ until August but this year is going to be hot. And to think I couldn't wait until summer............... but I have to force myself to remember that our population's discomfort is good for our business, so bring it on!
How hot is it you ask? It's so hot that a friend told me that he cooked some steaks the other day on the deck. No grill needed, just the deck.
Went to West Carteret Wednesday night to judge some senior projects, saw some interesting projects presented by exceptional students. They would have thrown me out by middle school nowadays. These kids are smart, talented, and have so many resources at their fingertips. Its changed a lot even since Jay came through, and with the information technology evolving at speeds faster than we can comprehend. The future looks very bright. Hang on a second,,,,,,,, on the phone.......yes, here is my social security number, I'll just think about what it is, see if you can get it.
Caught a few fish with TAR last Monday afternoon, maybe we can go one day this weekend. Jackson wants to get back up to Swift Creek and tackle some bream; we'll see. If I get some parts in Saturday should be a motorcycle day.
And looky here who is sitting in the White House with the Big O himself: Butch Hoell, Rocky Mount boy doing quite well. Butch is the second person to the left of the guy who really wanted to make sure everyone in Bugtussle saw him by wearing his favorite yellow shirt. Governor The Joker took some help to DC to explain what NC is doing to prepare for the hurricane season. The early hot weather could be a red flag we'll see a few more than normal this year; hope that is only a coincidence. Wonder if they all flew coach or took the train?

And lastly a picture submitted by another Rocky Mount boy done good, the FO with a photograph of the grave of Leslie Nielson. Let er rip indeed; I saw him in the DC airport once; he grabbed the buttocks of the woman there to pick him up and made a funny noise. She squealed with delight, do all ladies enjoy this type of tomfoolery? Inquiring minds need to know; I'm going to do some research. In the mean time RIP, or let er rep Shirley. Off to Boston for a couple of days next week, need to lard up with massive doses of cold seafood and Samuel Adams

https://twitter.com/#!/johnriley27

May 27, 2011
That was the week that was, part 2

Left early Monday morning for Hershey, PA. That is one of my favorite destinations, fortunately business takes me up there at least once a year. It's a pretty area of the world, nice people, the rooms are a little pricey but worth it. I was there for the annual NAOHSM meeting (bunch of oil home heating guys) which is held there every other year. Managed to get 18 in Wednesday night at the Hershey CC; great old tract used for the PGA championship in the 40's but with a lot of rain the rough made the round last until 8:45. Good time with old friends regardless. I'm not sure I will be asked back; I misunderstood the message on the sand trap rakes, each one was labeled "LEAVE RAKES IN SAND TRAPS" and I thought they said "RAKE LEAVES IN SAND TRAPS" No wonder it took us so long to play 18........One of our favorite restaurants burned down over the past couple of years; I remember leaving one night and being told that each and every one of us would be welcomed back anytime, individually, not in multiples.

I'll be back in the area in late July for a BMWMOA rally and a friend's wedding, then again in August for the APR Supply Expo.

Wonder if this was started by disgruntled Dunder-Mifflin employees?

Is John Edwards going to prison? Press one to vote yes; two for no, and three for no opinion. Each call costs $9.95
SWMBO reminded me that she 4.0'd each semester in graduate school so technically she was the first Riley to make the Dean's List. Think she's just grabbing on to the Riley name, not sure; but your clue is that I used 4.0'd as a verb...........................................so, probably not. Anyway, we're really proud of you Jackson
Another observation made while contemplating life over a vodka tonic this week; is this the maid from Family Guy or Arnold's baby mama? You decide.........................

And so it is Memorial Day and the roads are filled with dingbatters. Welcome! Spend your money! Leave!
My granddaughter is walking, look out. Running will begin any day now
Happy Memorial Day weekend; go Danica, everybody but Sebastian Vettel, and everybody but Kyle Busch

May 20, 2011
What's Going On?

Ah, Marvelous Marvin Gaye.......So an eventful vacation week; some restful, some monumental, some sentimental, a lot delightful but some fretful and frightful and sad in the mix also.
Had a great week in California, got some good reps working hard for us out there. I was only disappointed that there were no hot dogs from Pink's, nor any cheeseburgers from In-N-Out consumed during my visit. That's got to be some kind of record. But when I returned I was pleased to find this in the shopping center on US 70. Helllllllo expandable jeans....................

Did I mention that Jackson is on the Dean's List? Please let me know if I didn't and I will be glad to include on the next post. He did, and we're very proud of this accomplishment.

Hey kids, I know where your Paw Paw is working!

Saw this sign in Rockingham NC, not often you see these name brand billboards being tossed about like you would a Golden Corral or something. No, not Richmond County, it was LA of course, and ironically near a Tesla dealership in Santa Something Or Another.

Ah Princess Keelyn; we celebrated your first birthday in fine style last Sunday. In town for a wedding and perfect timing for your party. She was the belle of the ball and we all had a good time. I even got up Sunday and went to the Men of the Church breakfast at our old church; good to see some familiar faces but my oh my some of those guys have gotten old! (not me of course)

This was a vacation week and Jackson and I were able to play golf Wednesday afternoon and fish in Swift Creek Thursday. Caught enough for dinner; good times.
Somehow or another I had over a thousand hits on this blog the week of the Barney/motorcycle picture. Don't know how that happened but keep it up and tell a friend; all donations appreciated.
And sad news, Tuesday night during our church's officer examination Jim Phillips, an elder candidate collapsed and died at the church. He had just finished quoting his favorite Bible verse from Proverbs (trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight). We will miss his guidance.
Off to Hershey PA next week, back in town to welcome dingbatters from near and far for the holiday weekend.

May 14, 2011

Sanford, NC

We had a good weekend at Niece Elizabeth's wedding last Saturday, then off to California and back to NC Friday night, Sanford today and tomorrow.
Elizabeth was a beautiful bride and the wedding went off without a hitch (intended pun) Back to MhC in time to worry all Saturday night about the after-prom party across the street. Unlike the wedding party everyone behaved....................
Good luck to Elizabeth and Joel

Normally when I travel I have meetings in the cheapest real estate in town, also known as the warehouse district. Every now and then if I keep my eyes open I get to see the nicer sides of town such as this long distance shot of the Golden Gate Bridge.

I worked in northern California Monday and Tuesday, southern California Wednesday and Thursday. I hired two new agencies which both worked for me at Trion, both groups are pros and I look forward to working with them.
Home Friday night, proof that Jackson is living with us again.

Can't complain about him though, he made Riley history by making the Dean's List. Attaboy Jackson!

In Sanford tomorrow for the first birthday of granddaughter Keelyn. Back home tomorrow night, and then a week of paperwork: it's called vacation because I don't plan to answer the phone. Going to try to fix the big boat, finish the motorcycle, work out each day, have a couple of industry teleconferences, get a haircut.................hmmmm, let's see, oh yeah, get some golf in with Jackson. Going to be fun

May 6, 2011
A Busy Time

First of all I was asked why I didn't appear in the family shot from Easter weekend. I tried but I can't resist, here is the shot in which I appeared. I tried for a reflective shot but it didn't work out the way I planned

Kind of like one of those Hitchcock movies where you try to find the director.
We had a good weekend; caught plenty to eat on Saturday offshore and then tried freshwater fishing from the old yellow boat (hmmmm, could that be a name, Old Yeller?) Sunday on Swift Creek above New Bern. Didn't do very well up there but had a lot of fun on some very pretty water. I'll try that again soon.
Bike update: 90% completed, having troubles synchronizing the carburetors. Getting closer, but my travel schedule will keep too much work undone until later in May.
Second classy shot of the week shows that I can laugh at myself, or that I am a bigger fool than I think I am. FO came down for our annual birthday/fishing weekend complete with a leather jacket, two American flags, a Korean War helmet painted white, and some deputy stars. Again, you do the math: I'm thinking twins separated at birth.

And our little daredevil Cooper Knievel. He likes to see how fast he can go down their driveway. Welcome to another joy of parenthood. He's funny and appears to have already nailed his NASCAR/Stepford smile. Don't forget to thank all of your sponsors, the crew, and of course the boys back at the shop

11:00 bachelor's party today, Niece Elizabeth's wedding and parties tomorrow, 12:00 flight to San Francisco Sunday. Back home Friday night in time to go to another wedding in Sanford. In my spare time I'm learning how to speak Russian fluently and macrame.....................

April 29, 2011
Happy Birthday Jackson!

We started off Easter weekend with a celebration of Jackson's twentieth birthday. He's in the middle of final exams so I'm sure he's busy all week; we're looking forward to spending time with him this summer.

Easter Sunday: Cousin Betsy was down for a week with her family and was kind enough to invite us all over for a feast. Good times...................
TAR and I took a two day vacation to Ocracoke. The weather was tolerable. Spent some time on the beach, wining and dining on some great food, and sightseeing. Good to get away for a couple of days.

Saw this at a beach parking lot. A tricycle Harley with a rack for a Rascal. If that don't beat all.

In honor of Jackson's birthday, here is a shout out to Jay Froggy

One of the few landmarks I remember on Hatteras Island, and danged if it isn't closed up and for sale. I remember eating there as a kid; saw Coach Clarance Stassavich in there one time. My one brush with a famous person?

Wonder what this is all about? Go ahead and insert your caption here
Robert Stallings and Nephew Kevin; this one is for you. Who better to prepare your fast food taco than a bunch of gringos?
After a couple of days we relaxed on the Cedar Island ferry back home. Nice vacation and a pretty view.

This is birthday weekend, so alert the Adolph Coors Brewing Company of Golden, CO to put on a second shift. We're going offshore one day and up into some black water the next. Not sure where yet, but I'm betting we'll have a little fun.
Next week will be busy; moving Jackson home, catching some PGA action in Charlotte on Thursday, marrying off Niece Elizabeth Saturday and flying to California for a week next Sunday. Oh, and with a little luck I think the bike will be on the road today!

Whew, tired just thinking about it. Maybe some more time off afterwards? Oh, and due to your reading this I'm getting over 125 hits a week. Thank you; now, how can I make some money doing this?