these are the days of our lives...

Well well well....
A couple of shout outs before  begin..Thanks Matt (from New York) for the donates!  Appreciate all your supports and kind words.  Thanks to Anna Nonomys (funny name) for the Info on the Elvira Hosted Movies, will have to check that out.  Am working late tonight because I came in late.  No not sick again ( just sick and tired) Had to Finlay force myself to clean the boys room (euchh!) Mama opened up, and I jumped from Izy duty, to housekeeper.  See I have to do it while there at school, to avoid the whole 'Daddy PLEASE don't throw that out!  I hit the ground with a box of Hefty lawn bags, broom and shovel in hand (no, sadly I'm NOT kidding!) 8 count 'em, 8! bags of garbage and about 9 loads of dirty laundry!  Sad part is...I did this last weekend! OY!  But upon re-turning to work put out 4 more bikes (OK two we're kids bikes, there easy) And Zombie-boy took up the slack on re-pairs. Noel worked at home on the Fixie,but will be back tomorrow.  I also FINALAY cleaned up the showroom, so now you can walk!  Tomorrow...the Dungeon....Maybe!  Had several nice people in to look today, which was nice and they had good things to say.  Just wish I had what they were looking for ready.  But we're pounding them out as quick as we can.  Well I must toddle off, have dinner and recline for tomorrow.  Please come on in and check us out let us know what we can do for you!

Only $25.00

sold

sold

sold

Love ya'll

enough with the thing of LOUD!

This is the downside to not being to busy on gray rainy days, the help around here gets a little crazy!  David's chasing Kaleb around with a cable housing whipping his bum, Zombie-boy is asking everyone if they want to see his piercings.  Mamma's webbing for Twilight stuff.  And I'm trying not to sleep.  Just kidding!  I've been tearing down scrap most of the day after finishing a couple more store bikes.  My parts came in for the "Disturbed" bike so I'll be starting on that tomorrow!  YAY!!!  (OH God, now there talking about Karaoke) (deliver me from the insanity!) Put out another ladies MTB today!  Body was in Gorgeous shape, but someone had left it in the elements for, like...ever.  And all the components were rusted but have no fear!  We made it pretty again!  Well I have little to report so I will bound outta heh, as I gotta go and make the doughnuts...a dinner. 

sold

sold

sold

sold

Hiding out?

Well Tuesday ain't your normal busy day.  So I guess today was normal.  Didn't help having big black clouds looming overhead.  I think everyone looks out side and just hibernates.  But we continued to tinker anyway.  Finished the bike I was working on last night, came out pretty nice, if I do say so myself!  Got to use these neat v-brake THUMB shifters I've had kicking around for some time.  They just looked right on it.  Its a sweet black and green kinda camouflage thing.  Zombie-Boy finished up one rebuild and is working on the Schwinn, and Noel's back pounded out a couple of re-pairs and is working on another re-build of an old Schwinn varsity into a fixie (brave customer).  And I've got another one on the rack half way there but i think its time I called it a night. 

! What the....!?!?!

OK In all fairness to those of you accustomed to my normal frivolity, and lighthearted fare...you may want to stop reading now.
THIS time is one consumed with a dollop of frustration if not downright sniitiness.  I'll set the stage for you.  Earlier this afternoon I sat down at my desk to fill out my order.  I order new material from two sources, one locally (who orders from Miami) and one in Chicago.  Normally I just jaunt down to my local supplier, have a gab session, and place my order, but as we have been quite busy I'd decided to just shoot him an e-mail and go on with my work.  Trouble is I forgot to write down is e-mail address. Well as he is another bike shop, I just called up Google under "Bike shops in Clearwater" to retrieve it. Whilst I was there i looked for our listing (I always get a certain amount of pride seeing our name on-line and in print...vain of me, I know)  its usually regulated to the 5th or 6th spot.  Well not today..so I scan the listings, all of them...nothing?  OK check Yahoo, we're listed there as well...at least we were.  So now I'm getting iirked (I might even go as far as to say, peeved)   I look and I look nothing!  See, I'm not what you may call computer savvy, but I can hunt and peck.  No where in those listings does it say there's an expiration date  or anything like that.  So I start to wonder.  When we first started out we were quickly the target of some nasty attacks, on craigslist and so forth, then the pressure put on the city by SOME local bike shops to close down.  And we are always getting flagged off Craigslist and have to continually re-post.  But this?  My buddy at the other bike shop has told me stories of another shop (no longer local) who had targeted him when he first opened, and somehow gained access to his on line accounts and such, wreaking havoc, but he survived (and his aggressor did not. Karma)  So perhaps I should not take any of this to personally.  Lord knows I have my fun at their expense.  But deliberately sabotaging someone.  Where exactly, do you draw the line.  Just how low will some people stoop.  Petty of me? Perhaps.  Naive? more then likely. I guess I'm just a little polyannish about the whole thing, but as I've always said "there is PLENTY of business to divy out.  I mean the customer is going to make the final decision.   It's kinda like stacking the deck, or cheating at a board game.  Where's the satisfaction of accomplishment in that?  Well not to worry, 'm not gonna go all postal, or start messing with their business flow.  in the end good service, good product and lower prices will win out.
As for product, unfortunately I've nothing new to show.  We were so slammed with special orders on Sunday, and already being four behind in the pipe, we focused on them today.  We were also down one man. Noel was out on personal reasons, and all my prayers go out to him, and we hope to see him tomorrow.  But have no fear I will be focusing most of my time on the 'morrow to putting out more store stock.  Got in a few goodies today I want to see on the floor.  As it stands we're down to three Agna.  So until a present you with a bevy of new beauties...adieu!

Daddy's Little Girl! (BOy and HOwdy!)

Yes!  He can acctually RIDE IT!

That little girl has Daddy Wrapped!  Told Rozy she could come to the shop today and play on the computer, if she'd just clean up her room.  Well she did...at 5.30pm.  Needless to say we close at 6.00 pm, and have to go to the airport to pick up mommy.  No time.  Well upon hearing this...the waterworks.  As she KNOWS Daddy can not STAND to hear his little Princess cry (and I know how it works) I had to ask "What can I bring you that will make you stop crying?"  and on cue... the waterworks end and in a clear voice emanating from the other end of the phone line...M&M's!  Yes I hear you all (and my wife) you're going to spoil her.  And you are all right.  She is spoiled and she knows it!  Sorry, can't be helped.  And if you ever met my little Angel you'd see why i do!
OK.  Shop talk.  Lord ah Go shin we was a BUSY today! 4 special orders today!  refurb on a Giant Cypress, Huffy ladies cruiser, our Chicago Schwinn ladies Collegiate Has finally found its owner and will be fully refurbed (no re-paint, she's a little scuffed up but better to keep original (no way I could match that color anyway)) and her Husband Purchased an old Huffy Beach cruiser that he said he wants me to "Just go crazy".....OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHYEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!  So inspired by my son Elijah's attachment to his Death Metal Band "Disturbed"  I will be creating another MONSTER!!!( Throw....the third switch!!!!) (take a look at the before pics on these last two!) Also today sold the ladies Huffy, and put out the XR-75 and a 24" Tarantula! (although due to the business of earlier, (and my incessant need to do my "Queer eye for the straight guy" bit) (oh yessss! its FABULOUS!)) whenever people wanted special projects (sorry but I just get excited at the prospect of being able to do the creative stuff!!) didn't get the XR done until...10 minutes ago... SORRY!  But those pics are below!
Well I gotta get my hefty keister movin' to (go tak ah SHOwah!) and be at the airport to pick up my bride!


Kaleb, proud papa of his first Freak Bike.
A To-Tall Pixie!



Only $80.00!

ONLY $50.00

This is the soon to be "Disturbed" Bike!

About Last Night...

OK...I am not a young man any more.  Lets just put that on the table!  Broke a few Dietary no-no's last night (as I said "while the wife's away...) CLEARLY she knows what she's talking about! IE; No dinner after 9 pm, DON"T recline after eating, and NO DORITOS'S...OY!  Broke all three last night! Thank heavens for my regiment of acidophiles!  Also, when exactly had I lost the ability to do an all-nighter?  Our MST3K movie marathon broke up at about 1.30 am.  Although it was the boys who Conked out first.  But I will proudly say that they have just as much the warped sense of humor as their old man.  They were in hysterics!  Also as a side note, mamma's comin' home today! YAY!!! and as a surprise bonus I was awoken this morning by the cacophonous sound of children...CLEANING?!?!?  Yea, knock me over with a feather!  But I had made it known last night (although relegating the statement to the halls of "In Vain") that the house was to be cleaned today.  They actually took me SERIOUS!
Well, as they are busy so shall I be, Have to motivate and get out more goodies!  So stay tuned....

Where Have all The Good Buys Gone...

Saturday is USUALLY a good day for buying.  Only bought 1 bike today. ONE!  Ah well.  Sweet though! A battery motorized Schwinn Stingray Chopper, the black one.  At first bought it for scrap because was told the motor was fried but the body was nice.  Just retro-grade it to pedal.  but Zombie-Boy was tinkering and realized it was just bad batteries!  SOOOO, gonna have a real sweet motorized chopper out soon (watch these pages for pics!)
And While typing my daily Whine and Cheese party one of my regular scroungers just came in with a nice XR-75 Mongoose he picked up at a yard sale.  Needs work (its a Wal-mart bike, you ALWAYS have to re-build them AFTER you buy 'em) so once we get it right (tonight, I'll stay late to make nice-nice for tomorrow) it'll be out all pretty!
Loads 'O nice folk in today!  The loving Father who needed to get another bike for his college son whom was the victim of a far to familiar crime, bike theft (A Giant no less) picked up the Huffy Savannah.  True a slight step down (not maligning Huffy mind you, they've always been fine bikes for me) from a Giant, but hes a rather tall lad (about 6'6") and needed something big framed.  And a BIG thank you to the VERY understanding young lady who had special ordered a bike for her boyfriend and upon retrieving it today fell victim to an odd epidemic we've had in the last two days...Bad Freewheels!  Don't know why but we've encountered 6 in the last two days (that's more then we see in a year!)  So after her ride left she was stranded here waiting for us to repair it, ended up having to put on a new chain and crank as well (don't ask me how they got damaged) but my son Logan kept her company as she waited telling tales of YU-GI-OH.  Yes that's right the inevitable evolution of his obsessions have gone from Pokemon to this!  Believe me we have gone the gambit with three of our other sons (I'm just waiting for them to discover Magic, so I can break out my decks to play!) sure beats the other childhood obsessions (going from Teletubbies to Barney....euch!).  Thank you to the fine gentleman whom has given me the pleasure of re-furbing his old Schwinn road bike.  A real Gem.  After three years of hanging in his garage he has chosen to taking up ridding again (a big BOOH-YAH to him!) and I'm thrilled to be part of his transition!  Oh and the OH-SO-CUTE couple whom came in to purchase her very first road bike, for a triathlon next week, she picked the sweet AMERICAN made AMF for her first time out!  Happy trails and I hope you beat the pants off all the $6000.00 bikes you are sure to encounter (wouldn't that be a HOOT!).  Oh and our Buddy Dan and his lovely wife who came in to pick up a (shared) bike for her and their son, they choose the Ultra-slick Polished aluminum Mongoose that went out yesterday!  And don't worry Dan I WON"T forget the Navigator, we start on it tomorrow!
My gosh, as I look around the shop is a MESS again!  the charity bikes FINALLY went out today so that freed up some room!  And Zombie-Boy and I hammered out a few more to the showroom.  He's working on a 24" Tarantula MTB now, should look sweet (just gotta make sure he tightens down all the nut's, cables and bolts (don't worry, he'll get the hang of it!)  And I'm happy to have helped the young lady get her trash found RM up and running but it still needs a little TLC! (freebies for the regulars) I hope I didn't forget anyone (oh yea, Chip if your listening, this makes two Sat's in a row you haven't popped in to say hello...just a gentle nudge)
OH YEA, and the most important, awe-inspiring, gut wrenching time-altering news)  As new relationships blossom in our little corner of heaven, it is inevitable if you know or work for me and my little brood you get sucked into the extended family, can't be helped, and we get to learn more about you and today I discovered a little more about Zombie-Boy not only is he an aficionado of Monty Python, and Mel  Brooks films (but he'd never seen Producers! (I remedied that))and Magic, the Gathering but he is a fan of...DUM,DUM,DAAA!!!  Mystery Science Theatre 3000!!!
(A moment of pause whilst I adjust my accouterments...)
And to top it off, he has a bevy of the CLASSIC show...ON VHS!!!!
(be still my beating heart!) It has been YEARS since I have been able to watch it.  So needless to say when he informed me of this I instantly beseeched him to run home and gather a smattering of tapes to fill our busy day with hysteria, hence why to any of you visiting this afternoon heard Maniacal laughter emanating from the Dungeon, twas I in the throes of orgasmic humor!!!  And Needless to say as my older boys have NEVER (shame on me) even heard of the show, I will be stopping to pick up movie snacks and we will be up REAL LATE tonight splitting our sides watching it (while mommas away...) So without further ADO, I gotta get that XR-75 done so's I kin git Outta heah!!
PEACE!
P.S. (check out the last two blogs for updates on whats still available)

Commando Briefs (is that an oxymoron?)

Think about it.... (nope not for Boxers either)

Just pooping in (sorry popping) to update on whats new.  Finish 4 and several re-pairs (working on an old Schwinn re-furb for customer) then back to store stock. But here's whats new, and check out Pics from yesterday to see whats already sold...



SOLD



SOLD

Sold

Productivity! At Last!!




SOLD

 

For a rare moment I'll open with shop talk!  Got out (almost) seven bikes today!  YAY!! the showroom is filling up ONCE again!  And hopefully there be more tomorrow.  I have the seventh still on my rack and Zombie-boy has two in his bay almost there!  The rain kept most away but a brave few.  But don't use that as an excuse for tomorrow.  We expect to see your shining faces, bright and early.  We have the goods man! (Dave's not here man!) so no dallying!

SOLD

SOLD





Only 45.00!





Sold



Driving lessons 101

I realize its been a few years since I've driven a car.  But I had driven for 22 years prior so I CAN still remember (senility hasn't taken THAT much of a foothold...yet) certain rules.  When I was taught in drivers ed (and by the way as of the last time speaking to anyone from Exeter Area High School's drivers ed class...I'm still used as an example of how NOT to drive) of what to do when coming to an intersection (with a stop sign) you were to stop ON THE WHITE LINE and look BOTH ways before proceeding.  And in the absence of a white line you were to use the position of the stop sign as your INVISIBLE white line.  Well APPARENTLY the rules and laws of driving (not to mention caution and common decency) are somewhat more stringent in New England because, as I see it down here you MUST be taught that the white line signifies when you are supposed to BEGIN to slow down, and to not come to a full stop until the front end of your car touches on THRU traffic (or until it strikes down pedestrians, or bike riders) at which point you MUST tell the person on the other end of the cell phone line to "hold On" because you have to back up to see if what you HIT is still moving!  As far as looking both ways apparently it is very difficult as some of you must find it entirely to much of an inconvenience and unnecessary waste of precious seconds (not to mention a hindrance to your texting) to look in any other direction then LEFT!

AS you may have guessed this mornings ride had to be somewhat waylaid, as I had FORGOTTEN to pay our water bill!  With the ensuing morning chaos, complicated by a monumental lack of sleep (I've been married to the same wonderful woman for 18 years and hardly spent a night apart) I had all but blown it off.  SOOO with my wife's erstwhile friend caring for Izy. I set out for downtown to feed more money into the voracious maw of the municipal utilities (may they all feel the icy cold hand of death grip around their scrawny throats(just kidding)(OK kidding a little)(more like may they suffer festering gangrenous puss ridden sores)(sorry if you were eating))

Whoa got WAY off track there! And of course look death in the eyes twice there and thrice back!  Hence my incessant morning tirade!  BUT in somewhat defence of the drivers; at some intersection, even though this city is ultra strict about some stupid sh...stuff, they seem to have NO problem with various obstructions to the drivers line of sight.  At times making so they HAVE to pull out almost into traffic to see whats coming.  Hey I LOVE trees and "SHRUBBERIES!" (but make this one slightly smaller then the first to create a nice tapering effect!) but you really need to trim them back so they can see what they're about to hit!

Well anyWHO!  We, needless to say have a LONG day ahead of us filling up the barren floor of our store, so I better end this conversation. Truth is you could talk my ear off!

See.  Pretty WHITE lines !  (no, no stop rolling up that $100 dollar bill) this line means STOP, but notice the lovely green obstructions (ahhhhh.....SHRUBBERY!)

It echos in here....

I is a LUCKY Man!!

What a difference a day makes!  My wife is winging her way to MO.  My older boy is playing mommy (as my wife's over protective but well meaning friends, (continuously) check in!) and I'm (infused with new found energy) banging away on bikes.  And I have to. As I say it ECHOS in here.  Sold the last re-maining 6 adult size bikes today.  Met a very nice couple from WI in for the week, realizing its cheaper to buy 2 bikes here then rent them anywhere else (they also can sell them back at 50% when there done with them) so they made us one of there first stops. COOL! Robin was back in for ANOTHER tube change (2nd in less then 24 hours) that boy needs to look where hes going.  We have a real problem with sand spurs here.  Had another nice lady buy the 90's style splatter paint bike (ugly bike, but well meaning).  We have a real soft spot for mutts around here...the bike not the lady. Shes down for a few weeks and heard about us as well (look at me...I'm gushing!)  And while I'm on the subject of visitors a big HELLO to ALL our new readers in Russia!  Wow!  there were a lot of hits from there.  After listening to ME rant I bet there re-thinking that whole Perestroika (sp?) thing, hunh?  Met a REAL COOL couple from Georgia today (US not Russia).  Shes in the Navy and where their stationed I guess lot of bikes just get abandoned so they've gotten into the practice of re-claiming them, fixing them up and giving them away to people in hopes of inspiring them to ride bikes not only for recreation but also transportation!  A BIG "BOOY-YA" for their RE-Cycling efforts.  Does my old heart great to hear such stories.  And they had heard of us and what we do and wanted to come in and say hello and check us out.  I'm SO glad they did!!!

(gross) Side note: when typing on the computer and reaching for you ice coffee MAKE SURE you are sure its yours BEFORE you take a sip...How long has that thing been sitting here anyway!?!?!

Thanks to Terry from bringing in some gems for me to re-build.  Great  arrangement we got.  He takes all my metal scrap to be re-cycled and any bikes he finds he brings to me to re-build!

Got an e-mail from Chip today, this month marks his last days (of 28 years) with Pinellas County.   But have no fear his publisher will have him busy hocking his wears for the nest few months to come.  Then hopefully he'll be hanging out with us from time to time! 

Well I'll probably be burning the midnight oil tonight as I've got to get more stuff out for sale...weekends coming.  So until our story continues tomorrow....

Pay it Forward

Often enough I talk about how I enjoy the community I work in.  And days like today only fortify it.  I had no idea what was going on until I popped in next door to Subway to get a drink, and find one of my regulars, Matt after just leaving the shop, sitting down with a nice retiree.  Seems when she was leaving the plaza her car ran out of gas.  Robin, Matt and another lady helped to push her car back in the parking lot.  Another regular of ours took his bike and ran over to get her gas, while Mohamed the manager of Subway rescued her groceries and put them in his walk in cooler (sun would have fried the perishables)  And as she was a little flustered from the experience, Matt took time off in his day to sit with her to help her calm down.
As I say, my belief in humanity seems to have increased with age and experience.
Shop talk:  Well aside from a very annoying cough, The worst seems behind me.  So I have been able to focus a little more energy on getting things back together.  Put out three bikes yesterday, but alas no pics, as they all sold (2 before they were even done) and on even before I could take a pic.  SOOOO we are back to square 1.  Had a few repairs come in so had to hop on those but now I'm back at it with an old AMF road bike for starter.
Got in a potentially nice Mongoose MTB men's, and a Huffy woman's.  PLUS got a sweet old school Dyno BMX'r in on trade.  And all the other goodies i have to choose from.  Noel's working on a Jamis comfort cruiser, should be ready tomorrow, and Zombie-boy has taken the day off to mend his injured hand.
As Jeremy was going to our supplier yesterday he was clipped by a car exiting a parking lot (they NEVER look to the right!) and was promptly thrown from his bike.  Scratched up his leg and sprained his hand, and toasted his bike.  But as he is a kind soul, realized that the woman with children in car was quite freaked out, told her "no Problem' and let the whole matter drop.
But he and the extended family were over the house last night for Logan's B-day party (a day early as momma headed out for MO today) and after the party we sat on the lanai, ad had an impromptu concert with David and Jay accompanying on guitars.  The kids got into it and its surprising how many song Rozy can sing along to!  Don't ask me though, I have a voice akin to dragging screws across a chalk board!
Well I am back to it, ya'll have a good day and .....I'll be back!

Made it!

After several starts and stops today I made it to the end of my day without dying!!! and finished three bikes to boot!!!  So now I Merrily head off home to feed the kiddies and COLOR!  Bought me a new box o' Crayolas and I'm ready to hit the coloring books!  Today was a busy one.  lots a parts sales.  New folks discovering us for the first time and  a few returners.  I like it when they get to know us and feel comfortable enough to just go pokin' round the back room for what they need.  Noel did great his first day.  Put out two beauty's, and Zombie-Boy has been handling the re-pairs.  Finally finished the first wave of Charity bikes.  And we've moved out a few of the finished re-pairs so we can exhale a little deeper!  Picked up a couple niceys today NICE shape Magna 26" MTB and a Giant Cypress (don't drool to much it sold about 5 minutes after arriving, before the work was even done, Have a waiting list for that kinda stuff!) Well tomorrow I'll be flying solo most of the day.  Jay's gonna hang with my oldest and try and "get somethin' going (musicians, they have their own lingo) and Miss Angela flies t Thursday for her family reunion, so she wants to spend tomorrow with the kids.  No, I'll be here I have to miss the re-union....DARN!  So I get to play Daddy for 4 days, and work...Should be interesting!  Well I have to toddle off, dinner awaits! (me to cook it).

Here are the goodies we put out today...

poppin' in for a moment...

These are out...and ready for sale!

Sweet BMX, orbital brakes, newer tires, tubes, full re-Furb

Only $35.00

18 speed FS Elite, Black river canyon 3,
Mens MTB!

Only $85.00!!

Sometimes....You never Can Tell.

One of the real joys of this job is if you do it long enough all layers of humanity, represent.  I cast no judgement, or aspersions on any ones choice of lifestyle, hobbies or obsessions (I would have to claim myself perfect, prior to doing so, and that ain't gonna happen!)  That being said, My wife informed me last night (I only worked part of the day yesterday STILL fighting the bronchitis) that as they were working last night, and Jeremy was entertaining them playing Guitar and singing, he divulge to the hanger-outers (sometimes this place is more a club house then a bike shop) that last year at Halloween he dressed somewhat..oddly for a gig him and his band played at.  Now mind you to hear my wife tell it last night, I was given the DISTINCT impression that it was neither Halloween, nor A gig but rather "Karaoke"  Luckily he cleared it up this Morning, after showing me this picture...

Thank God for strategically placing the folds of his skirt!

As he cleared it up he was dressed as a Catholic school Girl Cheerleader Zombie.  Beats me, I just went last year as a prostitute (red sequin mini dress, and heels (nope no picture)) Although the year before, I put on a three piece suit, horns and red face paint put on a Bush/Cheney button, and went as a young Republican!

But...I digress.

Like to give our newest member of the asylum, Noel a big Hiddey Ho!  This brave man has entered the fray as our next vict,... ah... mechanic.  Blissfully working away on an FS Elite getting it ready for showroom time!  Zombie Boy is trying to finish up the charity work.  So hopefully by the end of the day we'll have more to show for our efforts! 

Well, I've blathered on long enough.  Have to get something accomplished .

What Was That Dude Smokin'? (or) Hey! Pass that down, Dude!

Ever go back over something you've written and thought "What the..." Well I don't have far to look, last entry really.  So please, Mr. Phelps, disregard last message.
Anyway, today was more of the same, re-pairs.  We're blessed to have work but we have NOTHING on the showroom floor.  And we could have moved several bikes today.  Well, I mean we did, but they we're from the back of the room.  people putting deposits on their dream bikes, which is cool, but I'll tell ya with the amount of re-pair work taking up show room space the poor customers are like "how much is this one, oh..how much is this...oh how much...oh...well what DO you have for sale?" SURVEY SAYS?....EHHHHH!

(seriously take a look) These pics show the state of our little corner of Bikedom.  All of this except three in the very front are re-pairs we have gotten in in the last 72 Hours!  Mind you most of them are done except 7 which are the charity projects we're working on (they've been stripped but had to move to standard re-pairs to catch up.  So now you can't turn around without knocking something over.  Hopefully folks will be in tomorrow to pick up some stuff.  Jeremy Started back on the charity items as we really want to get them to the Church on time! (sounds like the lyrics to a cool song, Hunh?) Tomorrow I"m going to put the finishing touches on a customers rebuild then probably scratch my head in confusion for a little while, then hopefully put out some stock!  So until then good people...

Oh Wait a minute almost forgot... Special Hello! to all our new friends in Norway, thanks for coming by to give us a peak... (get it Norway...peak AH HA!)

tough room...

Gotta git on home for Sunday Dinner!

Rats vs Squirrels: Matter of perspective

As sometimes happens at late night moments of solitude, the consciousness at that ethereal  point of half awake and half asleep, tends to have (what at the time seems like) a monumental stroke of genius.  Just such a moment occurred to me this morning at about 4 am.  Whether it was the result of tumultuous sleep or the influence of too much Ny-Quil, I can't say.  I've often time spent considerable mental energy contemplating certain aspects of the natural world and their place in it (nope sorry still can't figure out what useful role the re-publican party plays, much less Karaoke, or line dancing for that matter) So, at slightly pass the witching hour today, while deliriously dragging on my cigarette (yes, bronchitis and I'm smoking, never said I was bright) I noticed the rats scurrying across my neighbors bird coups.  He raises all kinds of exotic birds on his back deck, at times pleasant enough to listen to, other times down right annoying.  But an unfortunate side effect is with all the foliage in our community and the close proximity to water, and all the bird seed littering his deck, it is a breeding ground for rats.  And Squirrels (but I'll get to that later). So as I watch the little blighters scrambling about, and watch our cats watching them (the only reason why they don't invade our home) I realize just how amazing nature is.  See, I have nothing, personally against rats.  They are a much maligned creature, in popular myth they have always been depicted as evil, filthy creatures, but from personal experience at keeping domesticated rats as pets in the past.  They are actually quite loyal, and well groomed animals, constantly cleaning themselves.  And as far as their role in the Black Plague,  It was the fleas, not them get it straight!
But, hysteria and superstition won.  Hence rats roles in history.  So As I sat watching them it suddenly dawned on me, evolution itself had predetermined their place.  See nature needs its clean up crew's.  Whether it be the T-Rex, once thought to be natures greatest predator, has now been shown to be nothing more then a scavenger.  Its enormous jaws, and muscle structure necessary to break down the larger bone structures of the massive land animals and its highly evolved Ole-factory sense's necessary to sniff out carrion for up to two miles. Natures design. Find a need fill a need. Down to the nasty crawling roaches, all necessary.  Look at the rat, designed to get into hard to reach places, powerful jaws to break things up, and feed off refuse.  But its nocturnal.  Coming out when we sleep.  Then look at the squirrel, designed to get into hard to reach places, powerful jaws to break things up, and feed off refuse (OK nuts as well).  But they come out during the day, when we can watch them and say "oh, how cute" and feed them on park benches, and in our yards.  Hence the cute little furry tail, and adorable faces.  But corner a squirrel, and they'll rip your hand off.  In the end they are both members of the vermin family, and both have their place. Think of that the next time you bait a rat trap, and put out bread crumbs for the squirrels.

Requiem For Methusala

All right I'm stealing a Star Trek Title, and probably misspelling it but it applies (and what the hey!  I've always wanted to plagiarize Star Trek) I am back in the saddle (granted leaning on the horn HEAVILY) after being gone for a few days fighting bronchitis.  Still not quite up-ta-snuff, but what can I say I missed the place (not to mention the work piling up, and I can lay around on my ass playing video games for only so long!) Finished up three re-pairs and have had many a fine folk in ta visit, 2 more special orders today, and a couple re-paints.  The GT Vantura went Bye Bye, didn't think that would last long.  So now we are (once again) light on store stock.  But please forgive me as I gotta take it slow for the next few days.  I'm feelin' OLD!
Hey while I'm thinking about it I'd like to give a BIG Hiddey Ho to all our readers in Viet Nam!  Wow quite a few hits there, real cool! 
All right on the comic strip front, Paco has sent some of the new roughs to me (pic right) and Exciting news (to me at least) A LONG time hero of mine, a BIG name in the comic book industry, Fred Hembeck has agreed to allow me to feature his likeness in my strip!  So I am Jazzin About that.  Check out his website http://www.Hembeck.com/
Maybe you'll fall in fan boy love as well!
Also As my wife would whip me with a warm squash if I didn't mention "Twilight: Eclipse" has now been entered in "The Guinness Book" for the Highest grossing opening weekend of all time.  Yea, I know I couldn't figure out "Home Alone's" popularity either, go figure!
Bikes?  Oh yea, I'm suppose to talk about them...right, sorry, forgot.
(silent pause)
Ya know, I really don't have much to say on the subject...right now. 
I'll get back ta ya!

Deaths Door andPadded Walls

OY!  I love my children but if they bring home any more germs 'm bathing them in Clorox.   What was a simple cough has now become bronchitis. JOY!  So I have not been "with it" for a couple of days.  Just poppin' into the shop to see how things are swingin'. Angela and Jeremy have been holdin' down the fort (and Angie's been handelin' everything around the house too.  Bless her heart.)  They've been swamped with re-pairs and re-quests, but only 1 mechanic on and the couple of bikes hes finished for store stock have sold just as quick.  Come hell or high water I will be draggin' my Keister in tomorrow, 'cause there's just too much pilin' up!  They did pick up some more stuff though so I'll have plenty more to play with.  They got a sweet 20" girls freestyle Mongoose, brand new!  Sadly it was an intended gift that never happened, and they had no use for it, otherwise.  Never been ridden. Priced well below what it goes for at Wally World. 
Well Paco has shot a few more strips my way (pic Right) let me know what you think, I enjoy all your feed back.
'Till tomorrow!

Winds of Change or Breaking Winds

Ahh, what a beautiful morning.  The normal stifling humidity I am normally accosted by when entering the lanai for coffee, was blissfully absent this morning.  Instead I was greeted by a soothing south western breeze, wafting along for the ride was the heady scent of Autumn.  How peaceful.  The children already gone for school, Angela who had gone in to open this morning and Izy fed,  contently snoozing left me with time to pause, enjoy my morning solitude.  I watch as a tiny woodpecker sought its breakfast in the small tree near the waters, and watched the ballet of butterfly's fluttering in the morning sun.
The fall brings with it many changes, more so at times then that of spring. As the children return to school so to do the friendly little bacteria and viruses.  One such virus seems to have hitched a ride home with one of the kids and upon arrival decided to take up residence in my throat and sinuses.  Hence why I did not come in first thing, and moreover why I will be departing shortly.  I tried.  Have lots to do but if I don't beat this thing I ain't gonna be worth Skat.
Well yesterday was an interesting one.  Got in some sweet goodies, the one stand out is a GT Vantura, 1997 this one was taken very good care of.  Sold the Panasonic, and put out a nice Schwinn Mirada, after a spell of starts and stops.
File this under,"now I don't feel so bad about my luck" the couple who two days ago bought the Trek 800 and three wheeler, upon arriving home while pulling into their driveway had the misfortune of the 3-wheeler falling off the back of the trucj and of course fell full force on the rear wheel bending the bajebuzz's out of it.  To top it off when they went to put air in the Trek's tires, somehow damaged both valve stems.  Needless to say we re-placed the tubes, no charge for the inconvenience, under the recommendation they not use the same air pump to fill up in the future.  Tried to true the rear wheel the best we could but to no real avail.  Have to order a new rear wheel, and it being a Schwinn, have to order Schwinn-specific. OY VEY!
Pleasant side note, after an 18 year absence I inherited, yesterday, a pool table!  Always wanted my own, and thank you very much to Terry, our scrap guy for bringing it to me!  Now I can teach the kids to hustle pool.  Maybe I've found a new Vocation.  My own little "Color of Money!"
On to a more somber note:  As with all things of change, we at RE-Cycle bid a fond Farewell to our erstwhile pseudo-partner, Ray.  Ray has been with us for over a year now.  Joining us a little over six months into our beginning Ray came to us a seasoned automotive/small engine mechanic.  Introducing us to the joys of motorized bicycles.  He quickly became another member of the group, and in extension of the family, becoming "Uncle Ray".  He was with us when we moved to our new digs, and dedicated many long hours helping to prepare our new space.  He spent many a late night helping keep us on track, and to servicing our friends.  But like so many other collaborations (think Lennon and McCartney) opinions of the businesses directions began to differ.  We at RE-Cycle have a clear vision of how we wish to proceed now and into the future.  And the future we have determined does not include a change to more and more newer parts.  A small point, for sure but one we hold true.  With the addition of new parts, although potentially making re-pairs and re-builds faster and easier, it passes more of a cost burden on to the customer.  I would rather take an hour cleaning and derustifying an old chain that still holds life then charge $9.00 to a customer to shave of a half an hour of work...and so on.  Don't get me wrong some new parts ARE needed (IE: tubes, brake shoes, cables, tires) for safety sake you can't scrimp.  And yes if we started slapping new parts on we could put product out faster but at what cost?  We just don't feel the extra charges are justified.  That coupled with other issues has left us with the unfortunate realization that we must part ways.  Oh the split has been an amicable one, but nonetheless a twinge of regret follows close behind.  Ray, we wish you the best of luck in all future endeavors.
Well I will end this entry (as I need to go nappy's) with a big "SHOUT OUT" to our newest friends in Germany (my wife's ancestral home!)
Hey OH!

?????

Ever have one of those morning when you wake up, and you can't re-member where you are, what you're doing, how and when you feel asleep, what time it is or even what DAY it is?
That being said, you should have an inkling as to the way my day started out!
With nary a moment to savor my coffee, and far to much time spent with bath times "I need A TOWEL!"  There's soap in MY EYES!" "wheres your shoes?" "Logan, Owen stop imitating nude Greek wrestlers and GET DRESSED!" then the death row march of trying to get the three elementary up the hill to school "OWEN, Stay on the Sidewalk!"  "My stomach Hurts!" "Stop touching MEEEEEE!" we made it, blessedly in time for their breakfast.  With Mommy, and Izy having gone back to bed and Elijah passed out on the couch (missed the bus second day in a row) I just came straight to the shop, got my Subway Java, and am taking a moment to compose myself. 
I'd like to (while I still re-member) take a moment and send a big HELLO 'cross the waters to our new friends in India and Peru!  Thank you for popping in and giving us a glance.  If anyone visiting has anything to say please pop in a comment I'd love to hear more about you and all that you do!  Me?  I'm an open book (OK a poorly written, low print run horror novel that's been place, en' mass in the discount bin at the local dollar bargain shop!)
Well today i hope to motivate my girth into putting out some more bike.  Have accumulated SO many I don't know where to begin!  And I do so hope that today is an interesting one so as to grant me more material to brighten your day.
(That didn't sound TO arrogant, did it?)

The End of a Rainy Monday!

Somewhere Garfield is snickering saying "See, I told ya, MONDAYS!
Actually wasn't all that bad, save the heavy rain.  Many people still braved the weather to stop by, some just to escape and stay dry for a little while.  Like our Schwinn Commuter man (gosh I love his bike) and the lucky SOB that showed us his chihuahua, and really sweet Redline BMX he bought for $10.00. Don't even want to know where he got it.  Well the awesome Schwinn 3 wheeler we got this morning is gone now.  Lasted a little longer then I had predicted.  I thought it would sell in the first hour (took 2 actually) , and her husband is now the proud owner of the Trek 800 Antelope we had here (briefly).  They were so proud of their bikes they had me take a pic for them with there new rides.  Kind of cool to they just got in to town couple days ago, and heard about us and came right in, makes your heart feel good!  Special "shout Out" and "Thanks" to Greg, from Lutheran Service of Florida, who has blessed us with a chance to supply some refugees, relocating to the states with some much needed transportation.  I do love it when God hooks up the right people together.  These folks will get the chance at a better life here, and we're just happy to do our part!  And Boy Howdy did we get some goodies in today We are so jam packed with stuff I'm having to take shallow breaths!  Love 'em all except the couple that had become a colony for the bitting ants, its no fun when they get in your clothes!

Another Pointless Rant!

I could write paragraphs on the subject, but as I'm sure everyone (except stockholders growing fat on monthly re-turns) would understand my disgust when I say 2 words, "Progress Energy!"  Now I understand as a household of 8 people we use more then our fair share of electricity...But $653.00!!!  SICK! So needless to say as I handed over my stack of legal tender to the smug teller, I had a sudden rush urging me to pull a "Pulp Fiction" on them...BUT! being the civil well adjusted individual I am (now that they up'd my dosage) I hammer at the keyboards bothering you with my misery.  And After the initial anger flare up, I composed myself (wife threatened me with sterility) Took a deep breath (with the aid of a paper bag) and realized (lying to myself) that I wished them (Satan's minions) no ill will (may they all suffer eternal damnation of festering sores)  See, as I said well adjusted.
Moving on.
Yesterday was a busy one, Second Sunday in a row we've been HAMMERED (and boy am I "Thor" aha!) Sold the Rebel, the Magna, The Heliax, Specialized Hard Rock, and the Ocean Pacific.  Took in two nice BMX'ERs basically ready to go. 
Today has been a whirlwind, workin' outta both doors!  Terry helped me this morning pick up a SWEET Schwinn Meridian 3-Wheeler.  This thing is Cherry!  Still has the nipples and seam on the tires, has seen hardly any road time then was garaged for several months!  And it's only $200.00 flat.  NICE!  Also one of our newest, bestest buddies Frank, Brought me a TRUCKLOAD of goodies he emptied from his shed!  I mean...Wow! In it, amongst other things is an OLD SCHOOL Mongoose Freestyle, Chrome chromoly with an Air dyne rear end (didn't even know Mongoose built them!), a nice early 80's Free Spirit men's touring bike, a Trailmaster big frame 2-wheeler (don't see them hardly ever) a BEVY of wheels (I was so low on 26" rears) and amongst them was a vintage GT spool hub front, and a front 26" with a drum brake (that still works!) Several lines of long cable housing (used my last long one yesterday!) Doesn't it feel great when life pays you credit!  Good friends AND good stuff!  God love 'em!!
Also, I would like to extend thanks to Bashar, a follower at a local ministry that has brought us several bikes to us that will be donated to local homeless for transportation.  Any time we can donate our labor to a good cause we will gladly do.  If any of you ever find yourself in a similar situation let us know and we will help in anyway we can.
So, even though I just re-organized the shop yesterday... I gotta do it again!

New Strip IS IN!!!

Just poppin' in for a brief moment, still working but we just got the 2nd strip in from Paco, and he guarantees me he is dedicating more time this week to finishing the other scripts!  Please let me know what you think!
Thanks

Saturday Mornings!

All right before I get to the meat of the matter, my conscious expanding, soul enlightening diatribe, let me say today was an odd Saturday, we actually had NO ONE come in to sell us anything...such strange goings on.  And we we're swamped with re-pairs.  Weird.  Usually everyone gets 'em fixed during the week then rides 'em on the weekend, (its called, a "pattern") guess everyone decided to through me off.  We moved out 3 to new homes today, had many swell folks in to visit, (didn't see Chip though) Was all in all a good day.  EXCEPT (here's my imitation of a cantankerous ol' coot) Was working on a cruiser conversion (to a 5-speed) and everything was going fine.  The (patient) customer had to be put off briefly this morning so we could finish (should have been done yesterday) Was just finishing up, flipped it over to run the shifter cables and...(pause for effect) I realize the frame is BENT!!! ARRRRRHG!!!  Well needless to say the customer was LESS then thrilled.  But it ended out OK, as Jeremy had put out a nice ladies 10 speed the night before, so we cut her a good deal, ended up paying less in the end, so she was happy.
My Pet peeve of the day... "Haters"  Oh I rant and rave about them from time to time but today I had a hussy fit (or is that a conniption, I forget) We do most of our advertising on Craigslist, as many of you know but lately we've been getting flagged, CONSTANTLY!  No Matter what we put in, BOOM within an hour we're gone! I tested it yesterday.  After being slammed I re listed a few of the ones flagged but renamed and wrote it differently...ten minutes, ten minutes and they hit us.  OY!  We (and some of the other "smaller" bike shops that we know) are met with this kind of sabotage, don't know how they do it, but it gets old real quick.  Doesn't matter what field of work or what have you you're in, I cannot abide the Big Guys from trying to stomp on all of us.  Just not copacetic.
Well seeing as today is what it is, I'm sure that patriotic duty, and all that I should speak about it, but it is flooding so many other outlets I won't do it here.

Thou Shalt not covet

But I am definitely committing a sin right now!  I don't often go GaGa over the bikes that come through here.  Don't get me wrong!  I love bikes, and appreciate all that come through here but I mean GAGA! Frothy drool forming at the corners of your mouth, weak kneed, head swimmin', aching groin kinda GAGA!  Well it happened today.  Had a couple come in today to check out the store, and chit chat.  Liked what we do and some of the custom work we've put out, so the guy casually asks about an old cruiser hes got and could I spruce it up a bit.  I say Sure, thinking hes talking about some rusty murray or schwinn or whatever.  Intrigued he says hes going to go and grab it and let me check it out to give him a price.  They leave, and I go back to work, an hour later they're back  pushing a complete '43 (roughly dated) Western Flyer!!!!!!!(pic right)  Oh my god I think I heard something POP!  He wants a full restoration...(feelin light headed, sorry) so I get to play with this beauty for a little while.  OH...JOY!
On to other things.  I'd like to give a shout out to the folks listenin' in in Canada (ey) Ecuador, Brazil and the UK!!! What UP!! (now they KNOW we Yanks are NUTS!)
OK. Policy briefing:  An oft ask question (I'm sure in all of re-tail) you take plastic, right? Nope.  Checks? Nope.  "Why?" you may ask.  Well like so many of the things we do it is either politically or ecologically motivated.  Simply put, the world is in the financial stress its in right now, why? Debt.  Debt and make believe money and trading pieces of paper (not to mention the housing, but I won't get into that, not today at least!)  Also if I charge $60 for a bike lets say, I'm not going to let you pay $120.00+ for it.  Bottom line.  To many people put it on the plastic then take some time to pay it off, but all their paying is the minimum balance, so like your grandchildren better inherit the bike, 'cause they'll probably be paying for it!  "But isn't that my choice?" Well yes, but if I walk buy you on the street and you decide you want to through yourself in front of a bus..I'M GONNA STOP YA!
Checks?  Well that's more because we did for a while and more 'n 90% came back no good.  Again, living on expectant wealth.  Not good.
So in the end, we want nothing more then to serve you well, and we GUARANTEE you won't have to pay a penny more then list price!
PS. Don't forget to check out last entries $20 trivia!

People Watching as A Spectator Sport

Ever think of the social evolution of the human condition, say over the last 20 years.  With the advent of newer technology (reverse engineered from the UFO in Area 51, no doubt)? I mean say something as innocuous as the cell phone.  Yes I know it is a much maligned device and as much as we all rant and rave over its impact on driving conditions, personal space, common decency and respect issues (not to mention the inhibiting effect it has on the movie going audience)  it has become an integral part of how we all interact.  I have often times enough been guilty of riding my bike home, single handed while talking to my wife, only to find myself still on the bloody thing as I walk up to her upon arrival, give her a kiss, say goodbye and hang-up!  But I'm speaking of those of us who seem to not posses what i would call tact, much less discretion.  Case in point.  I'm standing at the Subway counter, next to the shop, awaiting my 2 coffees (by this time its hot enough outside to warrant ice-coffee) As Mohammad is brewing a fresh pot, I happen to notice a sharply dressed business type pacing back and forth outside engaged in a rather heated discussion.  It is then apparent that the over all sound-proof quality of the plate glass window leaves something to be desired.  But it is not only the octave level, but the body English.  He's actually gesturing wildly (must be French) with his hands, really throwing himself into the role!  And I have to pause and wonder, at what point did it become socially acceptable (much less legal) to allow yourself to share your personal squabbles with the general population.  If their were another person in front of you engaging in the same behavior the paddy wagon would almost assuredly show up to clean house!
Just another useless, rambling observation (bet your sorry you wasted 5 minutes of your life reading this)
Well anyway!  Now for some fun!!!
Our newest weekly feature!!!
$20.00 TRIVIA!!!
Here's the skinny: I ask you an obscure trivia question, you read it (then tell yourself "Man, this guy's WHACKED!")  Then send your educated guess via. the comments section of the blog, don't forget to include your name and e-mail address, and the first person to get it right gets $20.00...CASH! (well it's better n' a kick in the face with a golf shoe!) So for this weeks Question:
In what song (and which movie) did the following passage occur:
"we hope you like our story,
although there isn't one,
that is to say there's many,
that way it is more fun!"
So put on your thinking caps and give it a try (I dare ya to try and find it on google) I look forward to seeing your answers!

Justification of Existence

Oh today was a joy! (nope, no sarcasm this time) Started the morning off in the usual way, and went to bed last night in the best way! (oh pick your mind up outta' the gutter and dust it off, I ain't talkin' 'bout dat) No, after dinner last night I had a real good time with Izy.  She's starting to get real animated so we were nose to nose last night for awhile.  I talking to her and her trying to mimic my mouth movements (I swear she said "hello") and God! does she have the cutest wide mouth smile!  Melts even this old bears heart! Having to tear myself away and shuffle the other little ones off to bed, I sat down on the bed to change into my jammys and the next thing I know its 5.30 am and time to get up!  Bless my wife's heart she just let me sleep and took night duty, God love 'er!  So up and out to school, popping back in for coffee with the wife and off to work early!  No ride today had to much to do. 
We put out 5 bikes today, which was fun! Haven't gotten that much accomplished in a few weeks.  Having someone younger, and capable in the shop has helped to put a fire under my butt! Ended up selling three of them as well (I think that's called a zero balance, kinda' like my bank account!)   Several more points of interest, yesterday while on my ride, I made the bad fashion choice of wearing khaki shorts.  You do not want to put anything important in the top pocket when you ride as they have a tendency to fall out, like...say...oh a CELLPHONE! Yea. Well upon arriving back at the shop. I realized I was screwed.  So a short trip to Metro and I had a new phone ($60.00 I didn't want to spend).  Lo and behold I get a call, TODAY that someone has found my cellphone and the wonderful young gentleman rode down and delivered it, I thank you very much. It's like Karmic blow-back!  God way of telling me "hey, Numb nut NO KHAKI!"
Am I digressing?
Where the heck was I any way....?
Oh yea! Today was a joy, had a young man come in with his Aunt and Uncle (there from Vermont, god love 'em) and were looking for tubes for their nephews12" bike.  His grandmother had bought it for him for his third birthday (tomorrow) from the Goodwill or somethin'  But it was a Dora the Explorer bike.  OK I know at least he's got somethin' to ride.  But as it turns out I am out of 12" tubes (having a hard time getting them in) so they were, needless to say disheartened but then the three year old (Logan, same name as my 8 year old (both named after Wolverine, how cool is that)) happens upon the 12 Huffy Rock It with trainers I had in the show room, cool little bike red, blue,black, and yellow (with flames, very BOY) he's pushing it around (hasn't ridden a bike yet) and they ask how much is that.  Well it's only $20.00.  Well they just gushed!  I gave 'em a little in trade for the Dora bike.  They want to swap out training wheels as the Huffys are smaller, and my wife tells me I HAVE to change out the petals as 1 of them is slightly cracked.  Well here I am changing the training wheels, Kaleb's changing the pedals, the Uncles holding the bike and Logan's handing us tools.  We had are own little pit crew going here!  Well once its ready, Kaleb gives him, pointers on how to mount the bike and before you can say "Bob's your Uncle" Little Logan's Off like a shot!  Angela's all giddy and smiles, the Aunt and uncle are all teary eyed.  It was so COOL! Logan's Pic (with their permission) is on the right, is he a cute kid or what!
As hectic as it can get, and as scary as slow days and worries of finances and such can make you wonder and doubt...this is why we do what we do.  This is our justification of existence.

...Often not to take it.

Lets be honest with one another, shall we.  Even as an evolved species both physically, and mentally but socially as well we would like to feel we are above such base instincts (at least we fudge the facade the best we can) But simply put deep down in our primeval selves lurks a creature so vile, so reprehensible that we deny its existence out of sheer self preservation.  Sequestering it to the dark recesses of our self conscience.  But there it waits, lurking ever vigilant its slavering toothy grin seeking, biding its time for its opportunity to sink its razor sharp canines into our...
Funny bone!
(switch gears at the end didn't I)
We all (save an enlightened few) find humor in others suffering and misfortune, just look at the movies and TV shows we watch.  The Tabloids blaring headlines we all savor as we stand in the grocery checkout, or Fox News (if that's not a clear sign that demons lurk amongst us, I don't know what is!) So it is with that knowledge I relay this little tale to you.  The hapless foil of our true life tale is, yours truly.
After awaking this morning at 5.30 to usher in a new school day, and to top of Izy;s tank, I sought respite on the lanai with (you guessed it) my favorite coffee mug.
(segue to sub-plot)
Whilst cherishing my nectar, I gleefully watch as Nina  (the latest addition to our feline family) played with her mom.  Sitting on the gold recliner with mama cat trying to vie for space as well, young Nina was mistakenly pushed from her perch, flumpping on the floor.  Little misses  look of "What the Hey!?" was precious. Promptly jumping down to lick young Nina's wounds it was a moment to cherish
Side note; Nina is the Daughter of Little Miss, and Raptor (Little Misses brother) is Nina's Father, Little Miss, and Raptor are the children of Mama Cat, who after the birth of Nina took over duties as Nina's mother (I am not going to begin to try and tally the family tree on this one!) Whole thing sounds like a Shakespearean tale of the Royal Family!
(fade to black: return to main story plot)
After getting the children ready, and promptly delivered to the cafeteria door, I set out on my morning sojourn.  Most morning as the chitterlings have to be there by 8.00 am I'm given 1.45 for my morning ride.  This Morning I headed south/east.  45 minutes out 45 minutes back (giving myself a 15 minute safety) before opening at 10.00am.
Now whenever I talk to folks about there intentions of beginner  riding for leisure or commute I always try and advise them that an invaluable accessory to any bike is a tool pouch (wrench, Allen set, tire spoon and 2 spare tubes, and small air pump wouldn't hurt either)  Well guess which idiot didn't heed his own advice (wow! you're good!) soooo, I'm standing on the sidewalk, cursing my own idiocy 40 minutes from the shop, questioning myself on what to do next. Upon realizing I was within a short distance of another bike shop I reluctantly set out to fix my flat.  Upon entering the store I made my way to the service department (They have an actual "Department", not a dungeon. After inquiring "how much to replace a flat tube" there answer was $14.00 plus tax ($20.00 if I want thorn resistant) OY! Well, I'm sorry I know you can accuse me of being self righteous, but when I look at the tube their charging $6.00 for is the same that I'm charging $4.00 for, doesn't seem like much, But they charge $8.00 Labor?  I thought the $3.00 we charge was to much (although my mechanics would slap me for saying) I mean come on even a partially skilled mechanic is gonna take less then 10 minutes to do the switch.  That equates to $48.00 plus an hour!  So here I am semi-stranded (how many poor souls have suffered the same fate) and face with the options do I spend the money and have it fixed here or do I hump my wounded Schwinn back to my shop in the ever increasing humidity and do it myself.  Well... I used some of the $14.00 bucks I saved and bought myself a water.
In the end this was a round about way of apologizing for opening late this morning.

Szhmoozeday

Your typical Tuesday.  Guess folks are re-covering from the long weekend, 'cause the whole plaza was quiet today.  But that's cool Had to have a chance to try and play catch up and get  out more stock.  Not to say we didn't have visitors today. The Sterling (re-member the center of yesterdays debacle) ended up going home with a re-peat customer of ours, so that's happy news.  I know she'll take care of it.  Helped a young gentleman with a science project involving energy displacement.  He needed a chain and cog then brought his contraption in for me to see.  Neat,  a bicycle generator.  A young woman came by and picked out the old school Ross Ladies bike I had just put out (still wet from being washed) so we're back down to three. 
Jeremy, our newest addition shows great promise.  He's already about 3/4 the way through 2 full bike rebuilds (1 a complete re-paint, and it looks smashing!) Me? I did the aforementioned Ross, put out a 20" Huffy Growler, working on a re-paint 7 speed cruiser, and several re-pairs, so the Dungeons been Rockin'!
Kaleb's puttin the finishin' touches on a sweet chrome 20" Diamondback, decked out with a killah set o' Haro wheels, and neck.  So at this rate we will happily be ready for the weekend madness!  And I'll finally (maybe) be able to walk through the back of the shop without my climbing gear!

Open Mouth, Insert Foot!

As aforementioned, you never know what a day will bring.  Today was your typical holiday, and me without my woobie!  Well it was good we we're here though.  A gentleman (neighbor of ours that works here in the plaza) was off work today and bicycling around his home in Madeira Beach when his rear derailleur decided to do a swan dive over the top gear and spun into his rear wheel sheering it off.  Luckily he was not injured.  He limped the bike down to the nearest bike shop and was promptly told it would be $60.00 to re-place the derailleur.  His re-sponce was "well $%&# that" and proceeded to hoof the bike here.  $35.00 and a derailleur (plus chain, cable housing, and rear wheel trued) and he was back on the road. 
Have had several folks into chat, and peruse the bare bones of our show room (I'm workin' on it) but they left with a pleasant "we'll be back to see what more you've come up with.  Kind of a good feeling knowing that some folks would rather wait for us to finish something new rather then go elsewhere.  And in extension was a good day for buying.  Got in some nice "Banger Bike" pieces, that need little to get showroom ready! (we like that).  And posted a well overdue add for more mechanic help!  So welcome Jeremy! the newest addition to our family, any man that'll come to an interview in dirty jeans and open toed sandals?  PERFECT for us!!!  His last occupation? Nuclear Engineer.  No Foolin'!  Guess that goes to show ya where this economy is headed.  But we don't worry about that here! 
Also on a more personal note.  The Comic Strip "...warts and all" is progressing swimmingly.  Paco sent me the sketches for the remaining characters (pic right) And we LOVE THEM!  sent him 5 of my 60 or so scripts, and hes currently working on upgrading our blog sight!  I have high hopes for this venture and hope you will all click over to that link and check us out! (OK shameless plug over)
OK onto today's Top 10 Screw-ups!  AND # 1 is...
Finished this nice looking Sterling 5-speed on Saturday, posted it on Craigslist and put it out in the showroom.  Then went to my notebook o' special requests, as I have several young ladies looking for nice low step over traditional ladies bikes, and gave them a jingle.  No one home.  Must be the Holiday weekend.  So this morning, promptly at 9.30 I get a call from a nice lady inquiring about the bike, I tell her yes its available, and she informs me she will be in later that morning to pick it up. OK
15 minutes later one of the ladies I had called the day before contacts me and says shes driving in from Tampa to check out the Sterling and will be in an hour.
OY!
I politely say OK, yes it is still available ('cause we can't count a "will be in later" as a firm deal) and upon hanging up hope to god that the Tampa lady makes it in sooner.  Now mind you I would have called the first person back, but my phone doesn't register calls on its ID if you answer in the first 2 rings, so I have no number to call back! So less then an hour later who should show up?  BOTH of them, they come in the door TOGETHER!  double OY!  I explain to the very nice Clearwater lady and her rather TALL husband that I am sorry, explain the situation that if I call someone on a waiting list they get first dibs, and apologize for us wasting her time.  Well they are blessedly understandable but noticeably disappointed.  And I HATE to disappoint anyone.  And to top it all off the Tampa lady decides she going to hold off and look around some more.  Triple OY!
So the moral of the story is "a bird in the hand is NOT necessarily better then two in the bush!"
Especially if there's thorns!