Priceless!
On 4/14/2013 7:00 PM, Bob Spidell wrote:
> I have a neighbor named Mike. Although I'm on good terms with most of
> my neighbors, Mike and I have the most in common and have occasional
> long conversations but we're not what you'd call BFFs. About 12 years
> or so ago Mike's first wife died of cancer. Mike was understandably
> despondent and, at some point either me or my girlfriend at the time
> decided he needed to get out and about. I offered to take Mike on a
> day trip in my BJ8; we drove down to Pinnacles National Monument and
> spent the day hiking and returned. He seemed to enjoy the trip and the
> car but I don't recall him bringing it much, if at all, in the ensuing
> years.
>
> A few days ago, Mike came over while I was working in my garage. After
> the usual exchange of pleasantries and chit-chat Mike said he had a
> 'big favor' to ask (I noticed he seemed unusually emotional and might
> have been fighting back tears). Now, Mike isn't one to ask for
> favors--typical Midwesterner (he's originally from Michigan)--and I
> figured he just needed me to water or mow his lawn while he took a
> trip (he's semi-retired now and is making the most of it). I had
> noticed that Mike had a fresh bandage on his neck--he'd had surgery
> and radiation treatment for thyroid cancer previously and had to have
> another surgery and was facing the radiation treatment again. We
> didn't talk about it, but the prognosis is likely not great.
>
> Anyway, the 'big favor' Mike asked for? He wants to take another trip
> in the Healey. Turns out that day trip in a Healey meant a lot to
> him, and now he wants to take another during an extremely trying
> time. I've planned an overnighter down the California coast through
> Big Sur, a night in Morro Bay then back up through an inland route
> known for wildflower displays this time of year.
>
> Now, any car might do for such an occasion--certainly any British
> sports car--but for Mike the Healey is special (and he's not a 'car
> guy'). I'm getting a queue of people wanting to take trips in the
> Healey.
>
> Our route:
>
> http://www.pashnit.com/roads/cal/Hwy1BigSur.htm
>
> http://www.pashnit.com/roads/cal/Highway25.htm
>
>
> Bob
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