New springs, shocks, brakes and bushings for the Big-O. 

Big-O Update

It was tough but we got all the new rear bushings, springs and shocks ready to be installed on the Big-O. That included bushings for the control arms, sway bar and mustache bar. Also put in a new differential mount.

Hot and tired is the word. Cleaned and painted the brake housings and added new brake cylinders and brake pads (the old ones were dead). All that is left is putting everything back on the car. That will be the fun part. Cleaning the grease off all those parts is grim. But the improved performance of the car will be delightful.

After the last two days I look forward to playing with plants again. So does my back. Get to see how the crape myrtles are doing tomorrow.

There is another nasty looking hurricane (Frances) out there coming our way so it will be another nervous week watching the weather channel. November can't get here soon enough.

Crape Myrtle with open flower, flower buds and fruit with seeds.

Crape Myrtle Update

So far we have made cuttings from 40 different selections of crape myrtle hybrids from a total of about 300 plants. This probaby will be the final number of seedlings chosen. There is a color range from white, light pink, dark pink, watermelon red and one that is a light pinkish lavender. A few of these plants set seed but most set only a few or none at all. Remember our goal is seedless reblooming plants. The reason for the lack of seed set is not really clear now but we will study that in more detail next year. For now we are concerned mainly with lack of seed, rebloom or not, flower color and plant form and vigor.

The cuttings are doing well and rooting does not seem to be a problem - we hope. Of course ease of propagation is critical also. This was a minor part of our breeding program but could become more significant in a few years. It is really exciting to see an idea possibly become a reality. More later.

A universal type of guy.

Blogger is letting me enter so time for a short update.

Hurricane Charley missed us by 30 miles to the south. We were lucky period. Otherwise the Z shop and the greenhouses would have been history. The Big ‘O’ would require major surgery rather than just a makeover. Unfortunately, many people will be suffering for weeks to come. One of the risks we take to live in Florida.

Many think that being 60 miles inland from the coast is protection enough. Now they know better. No storm is to be taken lightly.

Other news: I took apart the 4 universal joints in 2 half shafts over the weekend. It was very exciting for a newbie mechanic and another first. Also dissembled the rear drum brakes for cleaning and new parts. Put one back together, with mosaic mom's help, and now am an 'expert' in two new areas of Z car mechanics. Cleaning the Z shop has started in ernest with 6 cars and 6 years of junk (collectables I should say) to sort. Filled the dumpster already and have another load ready to go. There are actually aisles to walk in now - an interesting concept. No room for tile storage though. To be continued......................

Sister-in-law and Boss = Two Hurricanes

Oh Brother. We are in trouble in Florida. Two named tropical storms (possible hurricanes) look to hit the state this weekend. One is named after my brother's wife (Bonnie) and the others is named after my former boss (Charley) of 22 years .

I am not feeling real comfortable with this situation. Where is the mercy?

Do I empty the greenhouse of my most favorable hybrids or not? The madevilla hybrids at home are no sure thing either. What about the Z-shop. Grrrr. I am sorry for the Big 'O' since he is now immobile.

Unfortunately, this has to be continued.

The Big 'O' begins its makeover. 

The ‘Big O’gets a Makeover.

It has started again. The Z shop is humming as the ‘Big O’ (i.e. 1978 Datsun 280Z; persimmon orange) is getting a makeover. We took the rear control arms, shocks and springs off to be fitted with new brakes, springs, shocks and bushings. This is hard work but very satisfying. I am making a computer diary to document all the little details in case the job comes up again. There are so many little details to remember but we have Scott (the Z Car Professor) to guide us.

We successfully removed 4 spindle pins. This process ranks in the top 3 of most difficult jobs on these cars. No problem – just keep getting a bigger hammer. Of course we will also be buying new spindle pins, a new hammer and a bigger bottle of advil.

More updates and photos to follow.

Three things that annoy me – then back to plants……………..

What are these things you may ask………

“I have no idea”.

Four simple words blended together into the most overused phrase in the English language.
I used to say it all the time and did not realize it until a friend told me.
With much practice, I rarely slip up now and utter that horrible phrase.
Of course it has cut my speaking time in half – I was really bad.
How bad? I have no idea.
Now it pervades my life and attacks from all angles.
It is everywhere.
On TV (especially the news), in the paper, and everyone says it constantly.
Why???? I have no idea. But perhaps because:

1. It has a nice flow and is easy to say without moving your lips.
2. It sounds better than “Gee, I don’t know” – none of us like to appear ignorant.
3. What is the third possible reason? Again, I have no idea.

The other non-favorite is “you know’.
You know I have no idea what that means either.
If you already know – why am I telling you in the first place?
I have no idea.
There is no escaping these phrases.
All the ‘talking heads’ would die if these 2 phrases were banned.

And finally, off course, there is the classic really short phrase “uh”.
We must eliminate this phrase too.
Then what would all the world’s wordy experts fill the airways with?
Well, uh, uh, you know, I have no idea.
I would like to find out though.

~~~Tomorrow is Just Another Day~~~

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(((::::::{{::Trumpets Blaring::}}::::::)

It is “ Happy Birthday Helen Day ”

♥♥♥---Here are 21 prayers, hugs and kisses---♥♥♥

!!!!!!!!![[[…...Love ya Squeak……}]]]!!!!!!!!!

"""I always wanted to use all them funny marker things"""