My Newest Sidekick!

Last week, for some reason I really can't remember, Owen ended up coming to the shop after school and sticking around.  All the other kiddo's were at the house as Friday is the usual day for them to hang out with Dad.  When I returned home that evening pretty much all of them commented on just how peaceful the day had been.  No fighting, anxiety or agitated babies.  You see, Owen is what we call the "Instigator", sounding rather like some comic book evil arch-nemesis.  That's not to say he's violent or cruel or mean, just "wired for sound".  He knows all the buttons to push!  Kaleb was much like him at the same age, but for the most part, has toned that side of him down.  Owen gets the little ones all worked up with running about and horseplay, aggravates Logan just because he can.  Being so close in age to Rozy, there isn't a second that goes by that they are not needling each other or fighting and he goes out of his way to try and get Elijah and Kaleb into trouble (as if they need the help!)   So it was no surprise when I was informed that on this particular day, the house remained clean, the kids played well together, Logan didn't have an aneurysm, Rozy didn't scream, cry and whine, and the older boys did not become homicidal.
With very little fanfare (and NO room for negotiation) I was informed that for awhile Owen would be accompanying me to the shop.  After school.  Each day!
Period.
Well!  What could I say?  SURE! I'd love to help!  At this point I realized compliance was the better part of survival!
So for this week he has been my right hand man.  I should have known, though as this was right around the same age that Kaleb was told to "Go See Your Father!" back in the old days of working out of the garage.  There were mixed results in that case!  He encountered "problems" with his impulsive behavior but I'm hoping I have learned from that experience and can better navigate Owen. 
Yesterday was a pleasant day.  Had many nice folks coming into browse, chat and buy.  Sold both the male and female cruisers!  In both cases to repeat customers.  The Ladies went to a gent who has purchased three from us, and each time a trade in upgrade!  The Male cruiser went to a multi-return customer who has bought six to date.  This one, unfortunately, was to replace his own that was recently stolen from his garage in a three minute strike.  The lowlifes apparently not only took his, but his wife's, a minibike, pack of smokes and pair of gloves?  Sorry for your troubles. mate!
Had some really nice "getting acquainted" talks with folks as well, meeting a very nice lady from I think, Michigan, now living in FLA with her sister, both now intent on picking up the three wheeler. 
We did manage to put out three new goodies as well.  Steering away from some of the more pricey bikes we have been putting out lately, got a real sharp looking "DAILY BANGER SPECIAL!" This one, an eighteen speed dual shock MTB was a real tank when we got it, all steel, but we lightened it up a wee bit by replacing the rims with alloy ones!  Now you will be able to actually lift it!
While doing my morning cleaning and reorganizing after the day before blitz, I realized just how empty bone row was getting!  I mean seriously depleted!  I brought out the three remaining bikes from the estate sale and listed them as "project bikes".  Sharp looking higher end Orbea bikes, incomplete, will make for a nice DIY for someone mechanically inclined.  Priced VERY reasonable, a few parts later and you got yourself a real choice steed! 
Now, as is my traditional Holiday fare, I can't let this time of the year pass without some kind of mention.  At first, I was compelled to analyze the true meaning of Christmas, but as that seemed a tad bit pessimistic I've opted to take a little more space to try and spin a more positive or perhaps entertaining slant with short tales of some of my most favorite family holiday moments....
Christmas 1999.
At this time in our lives we were residing in Katy, Texas.  Angi had done her usual beautiful job of decking the halls and trimming the tree.  As every year, we had gone shopping and got a multitude of ornaments and such, which she had arranged beautifully.  Mind you, being a traditionalist I insisted on minimal plastics, resulting in glass bulbs (no, no don't beat me to the punch line).  The tree was set at the front of the house before the exterior window to showcase her masterpiece to passersby, to the side of the couch next to the fireplace.  One night as we came to sit at the kitchen table in the adjoining room to enjoy the evening, the hubbub of little ones resounding through the house, we heard an odd sound.   A slightly muffled pop and a crunch.  A few moments later came another.  It didn't take but a few moments to pinpoint the direction, and as we approached the tree noticed Kaleb, huddled behind the couch under the tree.  Before him lay several broken glass bulbs with one in his hand...
that he was contently eating.
Panic ensued!
A frenzied trip to the emergency room later and we were informed that, surprisingly, no internal or external injuries had occurred.
But it would be best if we checked his lower half in the next 24-48 hours.
Merry Christmas!
All right folks, now I must be off to work!  See y'all REAL soon!!

2012 Orbea Carpe Project Bike - $250

Orbea Mountain Bike, Project bike! - $500

Orbea Jango Hybrid project bike! - $400

26" DUAL SHOCK MTB
ONLY $70.00!!!