April 22, 2011

Easter Weekend

Coming in from yet another week on the road today, taking next week off to play with my favorite grandson, catch up on some household duties, fish, and maybe finally fire up that old gasoline powered device in my garage................yes, the lawnmower. OK, and maybe that old motorcycle too.
Next weekend is birthday weekend for the FO and me, enough said about that for the time being.
It is Easter weekend! The tomb is empty.

April 15, 2011
Tax Day

And so appropriately enough I was in Washington DC this week; traveled up early Monday morning for the AHRI spring meeting. I met Andrew High about lunchtime and got a personal tour of his stomping grounds. A highlight was to go into the House of Representatives chamber, and to stand on the floor in front of the podium. They were not in session so no one seemed to mind too much. Awesome to stand in the middle of so much history, the words "a day of infamy" seemed to ring in my ears. Really neat, thanks again Andrew.

It was a beautiful day and the city was absolutely beautiful.

Andrew pointed me towards a Metro station behind the old Smithsonian office building. I felt very old when I told him about standing in line to see John Glenn's orbit capsule in that building as a child. He asked why they didn't exhibit it in the Air and Space Museum..............(because that building hadn't been built yet............)

After Andrew went back to work I walked down the Mall. All was well until this gang of thugs gathered and began causing mayhem everywhere. Hell's Angels, or something like that.......

Tuesday night we went to the Nationals game. It was my first time in the new stadium, really nice and convenient to the Metro. The Nationals beat the Phillies in a good game. The Phillies fans worked over the Nationals RF Jason Werth, formerly of the Phils. Saw multiple "tosses" by security. Very entertaining.

Going through some old pictures this week and found a couple of the Fishin Optishin as a baby. Couldn't resist sharing them with you since the 20th is his birthday.

And Adolph Hitler's birthday too......................., this is the FO after a couple of cold beers

Working on the bike on Saturday, at the end of the day I plan to be able to roll it. That's pretty important as the grass needs cutting and at this time I can't get the mower out of the garage with all the parts in the way.
Off to Michigan and Ohio next week. Might be able to get home late Thursday night or Friday.

April 8, 2011
I Can Hear the Piano Tinkling.............

.............because this is the week of the Masters. If you're a golfer you will remember the piano music CBS uses annually to introduce my favorite golf tournament. I left Sunday to visit Augusta National for the first time in ten years. It's changed, and there were a lot of people there, but it is still the shrine of golf in North America.
Only the second time I've been to a practice round, and this year I brought my camera. Don't know why, most shots of Augusta are available as prints, photographs or postcards. We were there on a windy day, and there were not many golfers out; but the scenery speaks for itself.

From the fairway to the green at 13. A marshal placed a flag where Phil hit his iron from last year; I've made that shot many times. As a matter of fact I'd say most of my second shots are from the rough, woods, pine straw, or on our course at home, the road.

At 16 on practice days players are encouraged to "skip it" across the pond after their regular shot. When Marty Hansell and I were there in 2001 the crowd booed a Japanese player who did not understand, or at least that's what I think was happening. After all, it is Augusta, Georgia.

The 10th hole. It is always impressive how the elevation from tee box to green drops off

And parallel to 10 is the Holly Hole, 18. You're climbing a steep hill coming home on Holly Hole at Augusta National. No jokes yet?

And the menu at the snack bar. Tickets are affordable, it doesn't cost much to eat, I recommend you try this trip to Augusta in your future.

Lastly, the pro shop at Augusta National. This one is not for the patrons, only for the members. At Augusta spectators are referred to as "patrons" per Bobby Jones. This gentleman's' wear store is on the grounds but only available to the membership. I'll bet they have some very fine clothing in there; and with any luck you can also buy some fresh chitterlings.

And there is the joke; any guesses where this store is?

Off to DC early Monday morning for the spring AHRI meeting (AHRInet.org) and plan to be home late Thursday night. Oh and by the way, SWMBO is not pregnant, she wanted me to clarify that..................

April 1, 2011
TAR Is Pregnant!

SWMBO is pregnant and due in December. We're expecting triplets and think we're going to call them Larry, Moe and Curly. Or maybe Eeeeenie, Meeeeenie and Moe. Either way Moe is a given, have to figure out the rest from there.
In Dallas this week, went to a specialty motorcycle gear shop and was fitted for this custom suit. Do you think black makes my butt look big? Maybe the motorcycle is too small? They say the camera adds ten pounds, maybe someone took my picture with ten cameras. I've got to lose some weight........................

This thing is in the lobby of our hotel. Under the influence of zero alcohol, see if you think it moves. Weird................

Back home late tonight, off to Augusta GA Sunday night, guess you can figure out why; and that is no joke.

March 25, 2011
Grandma's Birthday
....or at least I think it is, my memory isn't too good either.

The motorcycle is in a thousand pieces. Most of this work will never be repeated but I will be glad to get it behind me, get some tires on this thing and start riding.

Campbell Tellman (pictured here) teaches with TAR and is the brains behind this project. I think he could put it back together blindfolded. I could take it apart blindfolded, trip over the drive shaft and step into a pan of used engine oil; but he's good and covers my tracks.

Off to Dallas next week for the annual WIT buying group meeting. Fun and games, and a meeting with a distributor every fifteen minutes. Shouldn't take very long before I talk myself silly....................and let the jokes begin.

SPECIAL EDITION: BIG NEWS IN THE RILEY CLAN
March 17, 2011
Thought you'd like to see a picture of me on my bike................

Actually that is a picture of me on Dave's bike (turn your chillllrren's heads away from the screen here) that Santa repainted for me. Dave was quick to point that out to me on Christmas Day.
NOW THE BIG NEWS!
The week started well, I was asked to portray Satan at the 11:00 service at church. During the reading from Matthew I emerged from the congregation to tempt Christ. I asked if we could cut church and play golf, go to Hooters..................no, I stuck to the Scripture. Heard a lot of whispers about "role-playing" and "that wasn't much of a stretch for him" but I'm pretty sure that 60% of the time I don't know what these snide remarks mean all of the time.
NOW THE REALLY BIG NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Then I came home and got a call, our bike was here. Got her in the garage and managed to get her started. It was a little more difficult since with its age all of the important settings are worn off. Looks good and everyone is happy.

Need to do some minor work on her before riding, a fuel valve is leaking, the valves need adjusting, and the 11 year old tires have sufficient tread but some dry-rot on the sidewalls.

Typical shop photo here with parts and pieces lying about. There are two hard side bags which I removed to get at some parts. TAR's friend Campbell has been very helpful in not only convincing her that this is a safe hobby, but also offering mechanical directions.
Also had a little issue with the DMV due to the age and short VIN. I have to have an inspector come to the house to certify before getting NC plates.
But it's fun messing with things that make noise, can't wait to ride.
NOW THE REAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLY BIG NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We welcomed a new Riley into the fold yesterday; Caroline Elizabeth Riley was born appropriately enough early on March 17, 2011. 6 pounds, 12 ounces, and 19 inches. Mother and child are doing well, although as I understand it Grandpa Dave was seen having "the vapors." Quick MeeMaw, the smelling salts!
And that news my friends, is indeed really big news. Happy birthday Caroline

March 11, 2011
Anticipation grows

Went to Raleigh with Jackson to help Lance and Kristi move; it was a lot of fun and great to spend some time with them. My favorite part of the day was a tie between the Char-Grill lunch (see Jackson, I told you we were get fed) and waving at all the neat airplanes flying over.
Up early Wednesday for a quick successful trip to Kentucky. I also hired two new reps in California I really wanted, so that helped make it a pretty good week.
In Blowing Rock NC Thursday night watching snow showers. I got up early Friday morning for a quick 45 minute side trip on the Blue Ridge Parkway but decided against it since it was still snowing.

Got home in time to walk nine holes with Jackson. We played quickly since it was our first time out; I managed four pars and Jackson got his first birdie on #6. Pretty exciting for both of us.....

And speaking of exciting, anticipation grows...........

Won't be long until we have a new Riley. Heather and Kevin are due within weeks..........
More news next week