Oh My Stats And Garders!

Ok...so EVERYONE musy have been sleeping the last few months!
Yes....I'm an ego hound and always check the blog numbers every day!  The last few months had barely broke triple digits each day, and sometimes not even that!  I was beginning to feel unloved!  But the last couple days.....WOW!  Times previous numbers bu ten!!
AWESOME!
Seriously...I'm just not THAT conceited, it just tells me how many folks are interested, so as to gauge how busy we'll be.  And boy howdy!  Wr have had a slew of folks coming in, but unfortunately....we have bary anything to show!  Yes...It's been nothing but repairs and special orders for the last couple of days.  So busy, i was supposed to take the morning off todau and hang with the girls, but instead, had to do a material run (first one in six months!)  As i needed ten sets of new tires for all the rebuilds wr got piling up!!  Then it eas into the shop, which was being deftly manned by Logan and Rozy to get to work banging out six of the drop offs from yesterday.  Oh...the folks were in no rush, and surprised when I told them it would only be a day, but we don't want anyone off the road for too long!  You should have seen me coming back from the supplier!!  Riding a cruiser with twenty tires strapped to my back with a used inner tube!!  The only thing I could say when I stepped into our shop was thrust my fists to my hips, stand up straight,, strike a heroic pose and shout "TURTLE POWER!"
Yes....I'm a fanboy geek...so sue me!

At least it got a rolled eye chuckle from the kids!
Tomorrow, I hope to have the rest done so I can get on the newbies.  
Here's hoping!
It's no surprise, though, it's always this way this time of year.  Sell out just after Christmas, then scramble to build.  Stick with us folks, We'll be up to snuff soon!
Ok, with that, i best get cleaned up, and get my four hours!  I have to bang out a full rebuild before I can go on to anything else!
See ya soon!

Oh....this took me back....

Well GLORY BE!!
Today was a humdinger!!
Sure, we had little to nothing to show fir available goodies, but what a FLOOD of repairs!!  WOOF!  My fave had to be the sweet lady who came in to inquire about a tune up.  Seems she tried a couple other joints, leaving one if her four bikes at one, but came away scratching her head thinking maybe $70.00 was a wee bit expensive for a tune up.
...it is!
Not to mention, the salesman posing as a mechanic trief to convince her to dump her classic Iron Horse's in lieu of buying NEW bikes from them!
Yea...that old chestnut!
The old "your bikes run down but we'd be MORE then happy to help you out and sell you THIS new ride for a bajillion dollars!!"
Oy!
PLEASE don't fall for that shtick!
Once I told her that a classic Iron Horse was worth the effort, she was relieved to hear, and ferried them bith in for an assessment.  Turns out, they really need nothing more than an upgrade on tires!  Get rid of the meaty mountain tread in favor of a road friendly one, perfect for Florida.  Last thing she said was, she hopef she could retrieve the other bike before they did anything and bring it to us!
Saw some returning faces, and several new ones in on referral.  Oh...just like the good old days!  Now...I  just gotta get it all done!
Tomorrow is usually my house day, but with that full bay haunting me...gotta git un fir a bit and at least do a supply run!  Time allowing, I'll get some if the quickies done.
Put out one nice looking 24" Schwinn Ranger, and all but finished a real aharp looking ladies Trek hybrid.  Couple small things and shes done.
Soooo, i'd best be getting some shut eye!
Hope to see y'all right soon!

The Return To Normalacy

We were a happenin' place this weekend!  Sold down to two adult bikes left!  But have no worries, we have plenty to build, and thats what I'll be banging in today!  Have several decent prisoects, and I spent a goodly amount of Saturday weeding out all the hopefuls out back in preperation.  We did pick up two newbies this past Saturday, but they sold within minuets, so we stayed a little late getting them done.  By we, I mean, our newest protege, Logan.  Yep, he's starting a little earlier than his brothers did (although, Kaleb, being more mechanically inclined, started banging on rides when he was eight) but, by far, he's the most reliable.  Logan is more content on running the front, and himself, sent home three ridrs this weekend.  Cordial and helpful, our visitors found him endearing, so add another Atherton to the roster.
Sunday, although initially consumed with the traditional cleaning chores, turned into a pkeasent evening.  The kiddos, having Christmas money burning a hole in their pockets, NEEDED to go to the dollar store!  We doubled up, and got Subeay for dinner, than hung out and watched Monster House before bed,  A slightly scary movie always inspires the wee ones to cuddle up with Daddy.
After bed time, mom and dad, pooped out from folding and sorting and cleaning, quickly passed out thereafter!
So, back at it today, with high hopes wr can get out a few before I have to bug out for the next job!
Hope to see y'all soon!

Thats a Wrap, People!

We made it through another one!  The wrapping paper all cleaned up, the remaining ham and trimmings stored away for a future bone for Suzanne, and children strung out on full bellies and a sugar crash, lovingly carried to bed, Angi and I sighed a shared moment of relief, quickly dragged a broom across the floor, then flopped on the couch.  But I  got to admit, we are blessed!  It having been a rather sparse Christmas, being funded primarily by our folks and some gifts donated by the kids schools, the kiddos were more than thrilled with their booty!  And what was even more gratifying, was the fact we went low tech this year!  Except for the prerequisite video game for Logan, and a learning tablet for Miranda, everything else was board games, legos, science toys, books, LOADS of art and crafts supplies, and Izzy's favorite, Playdo!  We spent the better part of the day on Battleship, Chutes and Ladders, Candyland, and a game I got "Firefly Clue"!  Logan and I both got rubber band planes, and tested them out in the moon light, successfully.  All in all, a very good day.  After two days of hanging at home, though, i was oddly regretful to have to leave, but begrudgingly did so, this morning, as we have much to do here!
Now that we have rejoined the twentieth century, and have power once again, i can hit it with gusto!  Just imagine what you can accomplish when you can see what you're working on!  It was funny, the first day, after the power came back on, i was still using the hand pump to fill up tires!  It wasn't until the forth one i had a epiphany "we have a working compressor!" (V-8 slap to the head!)
First thing I have to do today is weed out the scrappers!  Oy, we have accumulated a LOT!  Folks, anticipating new rides under the tree have been bringing many donations in, some will be rebuilt, but most are getting parted out.  Simply out of room for any long term storage.
So, to those still enjoying the Holidays, our love and best wishes, and to all a good weekend.  Stop by and give us a hello when you can!

The older men get...the less of a butt they have!

Well...we were dancing the Happy Pants Dance in gusto today, ad after six months the lights were finally back on!  Yay!  Yes, it has truly been a rough year!  But indomitable spirit kept us plugging and enduring the weather to keep the doors open.  So do not want to give up the dream!  I ended up going in anyway, today, as some repairs came in that needed immediate attention , and ended up helping Angi clean.  Once the shop was lit up again, it was clear it needed some serious scrubbing!  Darkness hides dirt...remember that!
So surreal being able to see all my tools and have MST3K humming in the background!  Now, tomorrow, I can hit all the projecys with gusto ad we have our power tools up and running! WAHOO!
Gonna start with the GT I think, than from thete?  Well we have a plethora to choose from.  And if the lights were not enough, we also got another cell phone today as well!  Now Angi can reach me anytime with shop queries and I get to listen to my OWN music at the plant!  Turned a few curious heads when I was listening to the Puppini Sisters, I'll tell you what!
Well, tried to sleep in this morning, but no dice.  Kiddos were NOT having it!  Ah...vacation.  Thought I was covered, but the little girls were far to intrigued with messing with a half asleep Daddy, but...they're cute...so I let them live.  The end result being I was a tad bit clumsy at work, at one point shoving a large sliver of wood under my thumb nail!  Ouch!  No wonder that's such an effective form of torture!  SHEESH!  I was confessing to the Paris bombongs while trying to pry it loose!  And ot didn't stop there, i wad fumbling all night, at one point,jumping on the firklift, I missed the seat ENTIRELY landing on the metal plate, right on my butt bone!
OUCH!
Anyone got an inflatable donut?
Well, I'll get some rest tonight so I don't screw anything up at the shop tomorrow!
So...with that, a good morning folks...see ya in a few hours!

hey...pass that over here!

WOOF!
All the benefits of amphetamines, without actually taking any drugs!
This is the benefit of an overabundant check list!  Not quite sure what came over me tonight, but when I got to the plant, my overseer handed me a chock full checklist, and as is the custom, it's a list of what they need done for my shift AND theirs (they got tired of hearing me whibe about not having enough to do)  the understanding that they don't expect me to get it all done, but it shuts me up.  Tonight...I took it as a challenge!  By the end of the night I had built ALL the palets and sides for the WEEK and finished ALL the ships And all the machines for tommorows inspection!  Yes...I'm bragging, bit I just wish I could see the looks on their faces in the AM when they realize they have nothing to do! Hee, hee!
Perhaps it was not eating all day, and only drinking coffee?
Yea...forgot food, yet again!  My onlt excuse is one hectic day!  The morning was a blur, and as a result, ended up giving myself an early Christmas present...the lighrs will FINALLY be back on tommorow!!
Oh...SO doing the Happy Pants Dance!!!
FIRST BLOODY THING I DO?
Put on an episode of MST3K!!!
Yes...I'm a geek!
So sue me!
At least now, with the power on, wr can switch day care to the shop!  The jumbled mess of having to jet back and forth and close briefly in the afternoon, will hopefully come to an end.  We have, regretfully ticked off a few folks who have made treks to see us, BUT...family will ALWAYS come first!  Sorry if that inconveniences anyone...but, it IS a family business.
So, finished up several repairs today, and then went about a few tear diwns to make room...well...to move, AND get on the projects for Wendsday.  We will be closed Thursday and Friday for the Holiday, but reopened on Saturday.  Yea, We're giving ourselves an extra day this year for all the last minute stuff, and really don't want to kill ourselves.
Not that its a BIG Christmas this year.  No, we fought the normal urge to go overboard, keeping finances in mind.  The kiddos understand all to well the reality of things and are usually quite understanding.
Angi came in this afternoon bwfore I left, to keep the fires burning, as I had several expected pick ups from folks eager to get their rides before heading out to parts unkniwn...and no-one came in
in!
SHEESH!
AH WELL...hopefully tomorrow.
Anywho...best get into the shower abd scoured off!
See y'all soon!

Sunday recap!

Ok...color me a procrastinator!  Angi worked real hard over the last couple weeks to make the house decked out in Holiday splendor with all her hand made decorating, but one thing was missing...a tree.
Sheesh.
With our hectic work schedules, not to mention meager monies, it didn't look like we would have one.  Don't ask me what happened to the last tree we had, it has been rumored that in a fit of cleaning frenzy mid spring this year, the urge to reorganize the shed led me to pitch it in the interest of needed space.  I can neither confirm nor deny theses events as I have no clear recollection of this.  Anywho, hearing of our plight, my Dad and stepmother picked up a six footer and delivered it on Sunday, and Angi attacked it in the traditional Irish/German fashion.  That's where the women folk decorate and the men stay out of the room while they do so, awaiting the reveal.  When this went on, searching for something to do (not to mention a stand for the tree)  I found myself in the shed again, searching (and WOW...I need to clean it again!)  and stumbled upon a rather large tote of Christmas lights we forgot we had!  So after a trip to Walmart to buy the LAST stand they had, we got back and I started to string the outside in icicle lights.  Still having a plethora left over, the kiddos helped me festoon the big tree out front with several more strands.  Been a LONG time since I went tree climbing!!  Of course...old bones feeling it this morning!
Finally, the tree inside was done, and upon reveal, once again Angi outdid herself, and it is decked out beautifully in traditional trimmings, as she shares my distaste for the gawdy.  Truly a masterpiece!
The evening continued, and the grandparents had brought quite a spread for dinner, and everyone overdid it with barbecue chicken!  Woof!  Then, we did the prerequisite dessert, then to open presents they brought.  Once the festivities were over and we said our good byes, we settled in for the evening.  Shortly there after, having need of a couple things from the store, I took a leisurely ride to the store, when upon returning, my "trash picking " radar went off when I realized someone had jUst brought something to the curb that Angi has been looking for, for ages.  A gothic style tall backed hall bench, with attached coat hooks and a compartment under the bench for shoes.  The ONLY thing wrong with it, was it was missing one ball foot!  SHEESH!  I can never understand why folks will just chuck something so beautiful when it only had a minor, easily repairable flaw.  You can buy the ball foot at Lowes for, like, four  bucks, stain it black, and slap it on!  Easy-peasy!
Needless to say, it looks awesome in the foyer!
Once we cleared up the decorating debris (and commented on the fact we always seem to do MORE work on our day off!)  We sat down for an episode of "Vikings" and all but passes out!
Elijah minded the store yesterday, and had some pick ups and a couple repairs, but nothing going out to new homes.  That may be because after Saturday we didn't have much to pick from!  We sent four out, and did several repairs, and for awhile it was like old times!  The joint was jumping, and one of our regulars, John, was actually helping with other customers!  We had taken in those two Treks earlier in the day and the 3500 didn't last more than 20 minutes after being posted.  John himself, having hung around for about an hour, talked himself into taking home the sweet Raleigh road bike we had.
Today, I have several in my bay I'm hoping to get done in time for the last minute folk, as we have had several inquiries today.  So here's hoping for a happy Holiday!
Alright. I've jawed enough...now on to work!

Coming Of Age

Okay...so this is a wee bit more like Christmas!  Had to actually put on a couple hoodies this morning!  But, we'll have to enjoy it while we can as it's supposed to be back in the eighties next week!  Yea, in Florida, the only kind of "white" christmas's" we have are in affluent, gated communities! (...think about it...)
Yesterday was my now traditional semi-slack off day.  Pooped from the week, i come in, in the AM and struggle to get motivated.  A struggle I usually fail at, and end up sipping a lot of coffee and play Panda Pop.  Well, the battle was won this time by a string of repairs I needed to get done.  I'll be honest, it's been somewhat of a juggling act lately for Angi and I.  With all the issues we've had trying to rely on help from the boys...enh...we've come to the conclusion that we need to be soley in charge of both the house and shop.  This has, of course, led to some changes and interuptions in what we can and cannot do, so everything is "evolving". Last week, we've had to close the shop for a couple hours mid afternoon, so as I can get the girls from school, go to work, then Angi hangs with them until Elijah gets home, than comes back for the last couple of hours.
WHEW!
On the subject of Elijah ; the boy has come leaps and bounds from where his mind set had been.  He has finally discovered the joy and sense of accomplishment that comes from a hard days work.  Now, he awakes each morning at five AM, eagerly heading to work.  An amazing feat for a man who less than two months ago had to be physically dragged from bed at noon time!  I have to admit, I'm VERY  proud of him!  He's been there less than two months and is not only already learning welding, but knows more about the way things work around there than I do!  I have found myself on more than one occasion seeking advice from him in regards on how to do something I was unfamiliar with.  Oh, he still has his picadillos about saving money, more inclined to spend what he has, but at least he pays his rent first.  However, he does seem a bit more receptive to advice than before.  Yes, he's definitely becoming more the man we always knew was lurking under that "dark Emo, Death Metal Guy" image he sought to portray.
Next week, we are going to have to shift things around a bit more.  I need to be here more, and we have to NOT be closing down mid afternoon, so for the time being, going to be more of a magic act than a simple juggling one!
It's going to be interesting!
Anywho!
Managed to get out a couple of gems!  A real sharp looking Giant Iguana, and a real sweet, lugged frame Raleigh road bike, priced to sell, folks!  On top of that, this morning we picked up two really nice Trek MTB'S, i will be prepping toot sweet!  His and hers (but men's fra.m. and e) and they too will be priced nice!  We have several more goodies to bang on, as the back is getting MIGHTY full!
As my now traditional Friday is done (where I get home at 6.30, have a shower, than pass out for the evening!)  I am well rested and eager to crank a wrench!
Hope to see y'all soon!

Okay...if there are typos...I'm sorry...can't find my glasses!

Sorry, I know, it's been a while, but what can I say?  Not much to jaw about!  Oh, we got some new rides in, sure, but the city of Dunedin is thinking of declaring our little plaza as a stop on the "Ghost Town" tour, SHEESH!
(Wow...its hard to type on this thing without my glasses!)
And it's not just us, so many folks I talk with tell me how slow things are.  I mean, the economists tell us things are getting better, but the view from the foot soldiers is avwee bit different!  It's sad, really, as i am getting a huge amount of fks looking to SELL bikes so yhey can afford Christmas presents!  I know the boat you're in folks (I think the hull read "Titanic")  Angi and I have already come to the sad conclusion it's going to be a non Christmas this year for us.  buy gifts if the bills will suffer, but the best thing we can give them is a roof over their heads and Ramen Noodles in their bellies!
Yea, sorry if I'm whining, seriously though, doesn't kill me too much as it's REAL hard to get in the spirit when in late December you're wearing shorts to work and swimming in sweat!
Wow...I do whine
 Don't I?
As I was saying, put out a sweet older Raleigh road bike today, three nice little boy BMX'ERS, and all but finished a real SHARP looking Giant Iguana we got in!  This one has a marbled brown and gold paint scheme, real nice!  Also, we did get in several donations today, which was nice.  The parys from one helping to build out the Iguana.  Love how that works!  You're wondering if you have the needed parts, and while doing so they walk in, FREE!
Tomorrow, is my home day with Miranda, and some light housekeeping chores.  Thankfully, the quest Angi began to get her into a dpecial program jas bore fruit, and after several appointments we are one more away from getting her school schedule.  The cool thing is, their bus will pick her up, and drop her off right in front of the house!
At least she will be getting the help she needs!  Nothing to good for our lite puddum!
Okay
 I best stop here, with no glasses, my eyes are killing me!
See y'all soon!

oy....this again!?

Hmmm?
How does one respond to this?
See, we will, from time to time, point out certain inequities and questionable practices that some of the other local bike shops may employ. Sure, I'll admit, serves to make us look good (hee,hee!) But, it's born of frustration, because as a fellow cyclists, we feel such blatant oportunism is just plain wrong.  It shouldn't be a scary proposition to keep your ride rolling!  But, I have one rule, unless I'm praising the shop for honesty or altruism, I don't mention them by name.  Even in the cases where folks have come in and asked me who I was talking about, I politely decline to answer.  I believe in honesty not mud slinging.  Unfortunately...most of the other shops in town don't share that opinion.  I realize it has long been a tendency of American businesses to tout ones own service while denegrading the competition, and if you have a superior product or service, there's no shame in pointing that out.  However, when that tendency leans towards the personal attack and slander with no basis on facts, merely an effort to look better by decimating the competition?  Not so good.  We suffered such tactics when we first opened, but eventually our detractors begrudgingly excepted our existance, some eventually going so far as to occassionaly refer customers to us, looking for the used or inexpensive repair.  Those that steadfastly held to dogging us?  Well, eventually folks will see through the reprehensible practice and stop patronizing them, and they closed up shop.  Well, maybe not just for that reason, as the tendancy for diversion was an attempt to gloss over their own short comings.  The old saying "put your own house in order" comes to mind.  But, now it seems we have a new/old player on the field, dealing in new and higher end used, who seems to think the old slander bit is the way to increase business for themselves. Sigh.  We've even heard through the grapevine (oh, bike shops can be worse then a sewing circle when it comes to gossip!) that they have gone as far as circulating flyers lambasting us and others by name!  Not to mention a supposed regularity of ritualistic slander of most other shops in the area when they talk to their customers.  Hmmm... that will definitely come back to haunt them.  The real funny thing is, a few weeks back, we hired a young gentleman to help out in the afternoon, but quickly, for a variety of reason, found that choice proved disastrous and had to let him go.  And as fate would have it, he now works for them?  If I was a conspiracy minded person, I'd ponder thosr circumstances more, but I've heard in the short time he's been there, there have been problems, and more than a couple failed repairs to boot.  Karma, anyone?
So, even as I've been writting this, I'm wrestling with my conscience as to whether or not I should do a name drop, but even though they have no qualms about such tactics, we do.  I cannot justify throwing my hat into THAT ring!  No, I'll simply say, they are North of us, and leave it at that.  Anyone having been there, probably already knows who I'm talking about anyway.  We've suffered the slings and arrows of this kind of tactical attacks before, and survived, we'll weather it by keeping our heads proudly above the bovine fecal matter.
In the end, the customer will decide who and where the best deals and services are.
That's why we're stl standing.

Wait...WHAT!?

Un-freakin-believable!

Yea, this rant can't wait until tonight!

So....got in a warranty job yesterday. No biggie, that's WHY we have it, so folks don't feel schtupt if a part fails.  On this one the free wheel failed and needed a replacement. Again, no biggie.

Well....until I went to remove it.  Turned out to be an old school two prong, needeing a puller I don't have and can't find anywhere.  Scratching my head (and muttering expletives in daddy-speak)  I decided to put it up and figure out something later.  Well, this is where I was compelled to do the unusual and have Kaleb take it to one of our closest competitors to see if maybe they had the tool.

Oy.

Here's where the fun began!

First, when Kaleb handed it to the "mechanic" he looked perplexed.  Came to be, he DIDN'T KNOW HOW TO TAKE IT OFF!?!?

The owner had to come back, irritated, to do it himself.  He wrenched on it for a bit, broke it loose (about three minutes)....

And charged him $28 freaking bucks!?!?

WHAT THE...

I mean, I have no problem with someone making a living, but GAWD!!  I mean that's six bucks more then we charge to REPLACE a freewheel! Parts AND labor!

Man!  No wonder so many customers are at first scared to find out how much a repair will cost and why they're so shocked when they find out how cheap we are.

But here's the REAL kicker!  Once he brought it back I went to mount the replacement freewheel...and discovered the BROKE TWO SPOKES!! They didn't even have the mirracas to TELL HIM!

Jeeze!

No, I didn't bother to complain or send it back.  I'm way too busy with repairs and i've already had to make the owner wait a day, and I HATE doing that on a warranty job.  Plus...no telling what else they'd screw up!

Okay...just had to get that off my chest.

Enjoy the rest of your day.

no, it's not McDonald's...it's just me!

Oh...the end of one work week!
This week at the plant is over, thankfully. No, it's not that I dislike my job, but this close to the holiday work slows down, so my overseer is scrambling to find things for me to do.  Working on a nasty recon, and came home smelling like a greasr trap after getting backwash of decade old stagnant water blown on me pulling the pipes!
Ick!
Not to mention spending an hour trying to wrench free rusty bolts while on my back under the smelly thing.
Oh
 I bit@$ because I care!
Heh.
Now it's on to my shop time!
Yay!  Got the weekend to bang out newbies and finish repairs!  Angi says they're pilling up, and I swung in briefly today to check it out (and have lunch as I forgot to eat yesterday!) and while I was there we got a visitor from up North recently retired to Florida, come in for a tune up and some mild repairs.  What a lovely compliment she gave us when she said all folks in her retirement community answered her inquiry as to where to go with repairs with the simple name, Re-Cycle.  Thanks for the kudos folks!  We'll take care of her!
Angi sent one ride to a new home today, and picked up some trades to boot!  She picked up a sweet ladies Giant hybrid that's gonna be FINE when I'm done with it!
Also got in a slew of semi complete rides on donation, some good names too, just gotta see what's salvageable tomorrow.
Okey dokey, now, i gotta scrub this bio-diesel off me and rest up for tomorrow.
See y'all soon!

matriarchal wisdom

Ah!  The wisdom of a woman!  Wendsday, after sleeping in far too long, i jetted to the shop to see if there was any work to be done, but as all was quite, Angi and I sat and chatted. After a while a couple came in with a 20" Mongoose they were looking to sell, and even though it was really clean, with cash tight, i couldn't see spending the dough.  Angi chimed in, handed the gent the asking price, and I was convinced they'd be eating Ramen again.  Well, as it turned out, convinced we'd be sitting on ANOTHER  kids bike, i duitifully shut my mouth, and sucked it up.
Heh.
This morning, two sweet ladies came in, and announced EXACTLY what they wanted ;"a 20" Mongoose BMX, very clean...but CHEAP!
Heh, heh..
YEP!  We got ALL that!
They were THRILLED we had such a sharp looking ride for less than half what it sold for less then a year ago!
Mammas always right!
We also sent the cool KHS home to ornament some lucky young
ladies tree.  She's gonna be thrilled.
 Beyond that?  A couple small tweaks, but other than that?
Nada.
Hoping for a bang up day tomorrow.
I'll be sleeping in of course, as it's
it's Angi's morning tomorrow.  And I  NEED some sleep!
Ugh.
Feels like it's been days since I hit the sheets !
Speaking of which...
I'm off quicker than a prom dress!
Night!

Sing us out Franlie...

Well!  Hello there stranger!
Sorry, it's been a couple of days but the pesky internet was down on my phone, inexplicably.
Anywho!
Sunday was quiet, but still managed to help a couple nice folk keep their rides rolling and we thank you for your trust!  One was a way old school Schwinn three speed that the owner wanted spiffed up, as it was to be a gift, and she was absolutely tickled we were able to get it looking sharp again.  Needed some new/old parts , hence why were proud to be the only place around where you can find a lot of old school trinkets!
Monday was a lot busier, sending three rides to new homes and pumped out several more saves.  NEVER get tired of the shock and awe folks get when they find out just how cheap we can get them back on the road!
But....then we get to today, and the crickets are even bored!  Oh well, can't win 'em all!  We did manage to put out a couple newbies, though, a fully refurbed Gary Fisher MTB, real sharp, and a real clean 20" BMX, perfect for under the Christmas tree!
We've also picked up some more goodies that I will be going through tomorrow to see what we can see!
The other job is going along steadily, although I still feel that old pang of guilt each time I leave the shop.  Strange, but split loyalties was never my shtick!  I'll tell you one thing, though, anyone in the warehouse can bring in their own music, as long as they don't try and over power the other, but as our department has no working radio at the moment
 I'm forced to listen to the electric departments choices.
Ugh!
Ive got a constant stream of hip hop in one ear and "new" country in the other!  Two of the most HORRIFIC sounds in the known world!  I mean, they play this stuff to torture prisoners in Guantanamo!  Talk about cruel and unusual!  Seriously!  You hear ANY song from either genre...you've heard them all!  And TEN hours a night of that pap?  I'm ready to blow my brains out with the nail gun!  Tommorow I'm bringing in my Pandora... a little Pop Evil, a smattering of Mighty, Mighty Bosstones,with some Dread Zepplin, a smattering of Squirrel Nut Zippers and a shot of Punjabi?  I'll have a datante before you know it!
Anyway...
Fer now, gonna hit the shower then call it a done LONG day!
See ya soon!

GO, GRANNY. GO!

Ok, we all do it, so don't chastise me!  You know, that tendency to assume something about someone just by how they looj.  I was WAY off today!  Had a "grandmotherly" type come in today, stating she had a bike shr was looking to sell.  It was declared to be in "like new" condition (as it turns out, she wasn't kidding!  It show room GORGEOUS!) but was looking to unload it.  I gave her the standard "bring it in and we'll check it out " schpeal, and she went on her way.  Now my assumption was "getting to old and frail to ride" maybe the common Florida ailment of bad knees or hips.  Once she came in and I was thrilled to take in the beautiful KHS low step ladies hybrid, we talked some more and I came to find out the true reason she was looking to make some extra cash...
Shes looking to get a tatoo!
Seriously!  This very matriarchal looking woman is getting stamped!
I can only wonder how many more of past assumptions were WAY off!
Want to send a shout out to a very nice couple who came down from Canada and took advantage of our vacation package in the form of a nice mountain bike.  When they returned it, and got their 50% back, they informed us we needed to charge more, as they felt guilty they got a bike for a month for only $45.00.  Enh.  We like the rewards of helping folks have a stress free vacation!  Y'all can thank Angi for coming up with the idea all those years ago!
And, a big thanks to Dave and his wonderful wife for bringing in more leftovers yesterday!  The sandwhiches didn't last!
Okay, time to call it a day!  Check out the newbies we put out today, and I am gone!

"we are all...honorable men"

Boy oh boy!  Well...we all survived another day, so give yourself a firm pat on the back for a good days work!  I wasn't sure I was going to make it.  About eleven last night things started getting hazy!  Ha ha!  Went to bed around four am that morning and up again around seven am.  My day at the shop (this week switched around because of Monday) and I was hell bent on takung a nap as soon as I got there!  Hee, hee!  That's what the back room is for, dontcha know?  But, no sooner am I on my way do I start thinking about all the things I SHOULD  do when I get there, and sure enough, rest forgotten, I powered down four eggs with a double shot of BACON  (grits on the side for starch) and we were off and running! Normally, I have steak with my eggs, but no restaurants nowadays will cook it TRULY rare.  I'm talking, you cut in and hear a pained "MOOOO!".  SO, bacons always better crispy, anywho!
So, once satiated, i set to work on a sweet Panasonic road bike Angi picked up just before clos e Monday.  She got a great deal, and it cleaned up well!  I'm not a road bike person, but this one rides great.  And as we got it on the cheap, she's going out priced to move!  Once finished, went to work on a nice, old school Mongoose ladies hybrid.  New tires to start, but am ending up putting way more into it then I expected, but its cool, don't often get these swell older hybrids in such good looking shape, so worth the effort!
Tomorrow is my house day, and I'm hoping I get to sleep in....
BWA-HA-HA!
Cha....right!
No, it'll be "lego Batman" to start than who knows where from there.  I'll just curl up on the couch and wait for my TV time.  I have the urge to watch "Free Enterprise " anyway.  Good "geek fest" flick, if your ever in the mood to watch Fanboy films, and see William Shatner do a Shakespearean rap song.
No...seriously, it's at the end of the film and is really pretty cool!  On the subject, go to YouTube and check out "common  people " by old Bill...one of my faves!
His version of "Rocket Man" is pretty funny too.
Oh, i do love the peace and quite of early mornings.  Nothing but peepers and crickets.
Anywho, I'll let y'all sleep. Sorry if I woke you.
Kisses on your foreheads, sweet dreams and we'll talk later.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

It's Tuesday morning and I swear, I'm still full from thanksgiving!
Ok, well maybe not totally!  Sunday night, in preparation for Angi's birthday on Monday (which I had to work)  I made her a special dinner of Spanish chicken.  But...here's a tip; go easy on those little orange peppers and the cilantro!  Poor Angi bit into one of those little suckers and it was three alarm!  Needless to say, Elijah and I had leftovers for work!  I feel bad that it wasn't the dish i had planned.
Angi and Elijah did a busy day on Sunday sending three rides to new homes, compelling me to get in there today and build more!  Well...I  was compelled, but unfortunately in the wee hours of Monday morning, my wounded ear started to drain, and I was up most of the night in pain with a fever.  Angi stepped up, on her day, and filled in fir me while I tried to rest.
Tried.
Our house is not conducive to sleep once kuddos are up, so instead I paid her a birthday visit a little later with cupcakes.
Turns out, mist of the day wad relatively quiet, unfortunately, but at least she had plenty of TV to watch.  She's now into the show, Hannibal, and devouring it quickly.
Tommorow though!  Picked up some goodies Sunday and today. So i've got plenty to choose from!
Allrighty, best get a shower and sime sleep!
See ya tomorrow!

Yabo!

So, today is "small business Saturday " which means, by law, anyone caught patronizing any store OTHER than small local businesses, they will be taken out and summarily shot.
Hey, I didn't make the law!
Just trying to save your life.
Yesterday was quite busy, given we are normally bored and chatting with neighbors equally unoccupied.  No, sent three to new homes and had six repairs come in! Thank you to all you grand folks for paying us a visit and for all your help.  Met one nice lady from up home, recently relocating to Dunedin.  Originally from Portsmouth, all New Englanders are drawn to the quaint "old World" small town appeal.  She's looking for...something, but not sure what.  I settled her search for a comfort hybrid, perfect for the Trail.
Also had a gent come in with his daughter, ten and growing fast.  They recently acquired a great condition 24", but as we had talked a couple weeks back about finding her a lower 26", he was concerned that maybe he should trade it in towards something larger.  I watched her ride it, and the fit was perfect.  Then, giving it a good going over, stated it was in great shape, so no reason to spend money, as the bike was free.  He appeared rather incredulous I wasn't trying to sell him something.  Hey, the WHOLE idea of RE-Cycle is to just get people out and riding!  Whatever way possible, and if you can save yourself some cash?  All's the better!
Needless to say, with all the repairs, nothing new got built, but we did at least get through all the teardowns, freeing up some walking space!  Not to mention a bevy if new goodies for the wall!
Anywho, I'd best get at it and do some building as its etting a wee bit thin on the line!
See ya soon!

You gain fifteen tons, what do you get, another day older and heavy in weight.

Well!  We hope y'all had an excellent Turkey Day (or to our Vegan friends; "Turkofu Day") and you were surrounded by friends and family (without any "family holiday baggage" issues).  Angi and I did the traditional feast, six hours cooking, half an hour eating, ALL night recovering!  WOOF! With our schedule over the last few months...we DO NOT eat that much in one sitting!  But...of course, she made her world famous pearled onions, and this year, made GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE!  'S funny...for some odd reason she and I both were  under the impression that neither one liked it, hence why she never made it!  I think it was the last time we had it, elsewhere, the cook made it different than we prefer, hence, neither of us ate more than a few bites, out of courtesy, but Angi made it perfect with an ample amount of fried onions!  The kids dug in as soon as their plates hit the table, so by the time we dished them all out (and several of "the Lost Boys" had joined us) Angi and I were able to dine alone and in relative peace, as they were all finished.
Waiting for the kitchen to be cleaned, and fending off the continuous barrage of "when can we have pie?!" (Which we deftly averted to "when your brothers finish cleaning the kitchen" the hope being they would speed up their efforts).  Once all sweet tooths were satiated, we settled down for some jawwin' on the front porch in an attempt to rest our swollen bellies. Oddly enough, the old wives tale about Turkey making you tired, does not seem to apply to our children (except for Elijah, who promptly passed out on the couch after having his fill) so after the wee ones finally gave up the ghost, we all flopped on the couch and watched "Vikings" (Angela's latest fave) until about 2AM.  Even then, i had to make the declaration that the remaing children (and guests) "go to bed!"
Hence why...I was a wee bit late this morning.
BUT...so far, it's been a busy day, and although the feed is still weighing me down a bit, thereby making me a tad bit klutzy, I gots me plenty to do!
Working on a couple of 24" cruisers, as well as some tear doens of donations earlier this week.  Oy speaking of which, in a true show of just how backward thinking and dispassionate Florida is to bicycle riders, here's a sad picture...

This could easily be another cautionary tale of why it is SO unsafe to ride WITH the flow of traffic, but it would be greatly disrespectful of what this poor man had to endure.  Traveling with the flow of traffic IN the bike lane he was struck from behind by a truck that veered full on into the lane.  The bike is obviously, gone.  But it's what happened to him AND HIS LIFE, that is REALLY  horrific!  He was in a coma for six months.  In that time, with no family, he lost his job, his house and ALL his possessions wete sold off and the State euthanized his dog!!  To top it all off, the driver of the truck got off with nothing more than a TRAFFIC TICKET!?!?!?  And of course, Florida being a "No Fault insurance state, and a cyclist can't get insurance, hes SCREWED!  Some folks from his church are trying to help him get back on his feet, and brought it in to see if we needed any parts.  Angi was half tempted to just hang it up, as is, as a warning to watch your back, becausethis state sure as hell ain't!
Our prayers are with him for a full recovery.
Ok, yea, not a great note to end it on, but it had to be said.
Be careful out there!

Usefull Cold Weather Survival Techniques!

So...we go from summer to the heart of winter in under twelve hours?  Yea, that's gotta be a record, even for Florida!  86 on Saturday 49 on Sunday!  What the hey!?  I'm not complaining, mind you, just unprepared!  Had to dig for my favorite 40 year old flannel to fend of the chill!  Only trouble is...I forgot its so worn, the button holes are stretched and it won't stay closed!  Oh well...found a NEW use for zip ties!

Sweet!  No draft!
Very helpful when you have to leave the hanger doors open at the plant! BRRRR!
I bet all the people up North reading this are saying  "oh  SHUT UP!!"
Sunday was a busy one this week!  Angi and Elijah sent home two new rides, one of them being a quick turnaround on the gorgeous Schwinn Tourist we got in Saturday night.  Didn't think that gem would last. The other was one of our El Cheapo AS-IS  specials.  No, worries, though, put another bargain basement special out today, as well as a banger BMX we got in on trade (love it when people realize sometime it's cheaper just to pick up one of our rebuilds than fix their own!  Tells us we're doing something right!) and also added a SAH-WEET Giant Sedona to the roster.  This one was a donation, but for the life of me I have no idea WHY?!  The only thing aside from some scratches in the paint, was it needed a front wheel, tube and tire.  Other than that?  Couldn't find anything a basic tune up wouldn't cure!  Oh well, more's the better for some lucky folk in picking up the bargain priced ride!
Ah...happiness IS a warm puppy!  Sitting out on the porch, capping off my day, and Suzzane is cuddling up.  Either out of unconditional love, or need for warmth, but it's those simple moment's of unadulterated joy, that make everything else one must endure just a little more palatable.
Tomorrow, I have house duty, and with all the kids on vacation time...should be fun.
Alright, I think my pooch is getting cold, so i best go.
See y'all soon!

we LOVE our friends!

Well!  Yesterday was more active than a chocolaholic on a bender!
What a blessing!  It was one nice folk aftah anuddah! We had two repairs from the day before, then another eight came in, one on top of the other!  Thanks so much for all the trust  folks!  Forgive me the moment of self aggrandizing, but it sure feels good when a new friend comes in, slightly trepidatious, concerned about the presumed HIGH cost of repairs, only to break out in a pleasently surprised grin when they are informed just how cheaply they're going to get away!  By the time we're done, they're insisting on snagging up a couple business cards to hand out to friends, pimping us out with gusto!
Speaking of "promotion", a very flattered thank you to our returning snowbird, Dave.  His welcomed face marks, for us, the beginning of the GOOD season!  As I have touted many times before, Dave was one of our first customers back in the old garage days, and holds the distinction of single handedly inspiring us to start offering repair services!  Yes, believe it or not, when we first started doing this, we just sold refurbished bikes.  He came by one day inquiring if we could take care of a few things on his bike, we said sure, I tweaked it, than handed it back to him, and he asked "how much?"
Honestly...I just stared dumbfounded, wondering what he meant.  Yes, I was THAT sharp!  We talked, he liked what and how we did it, and suggested we should start charging for service.  Who knew?!
Anyway, Dave and his wife have gone out of their way over the years to help and promote our business within the snowbird and retirement communities (not to mention bringing by all the leftovers from their functions...come on, LOADS of home cooked goodies?  Who could resist!) and always prints out his own promotional flyers for our efforts.  Yesterday, he came by, and spoke to me about a short article he wrote about our shop and family and what we have gone through over the years, and apparently, after reading it to some folks, has been asked if it could be printed up in the Dunedin Beacon!  Cool!
He brought it by the house for Angi to proofread, and I think it was given a go!  Thank you, Dave for thinking of us, yet again!
Oh, yes, we also sent home three rides yesterday, as well.  One of them, the Genesis road bike, caught us a SAH-WEEET TRADE!  The gent recently bought a 2015 Schwinn Tourist sport hybrid online, only to ride once and discover it was too small!  Hey, he's thrilled with the trade, and someone is going to get one heck of a goid deal on a brand new go-go ride!  Check out all the newbies below.
Ok, now, i gotta get to work!  Hope to see y'all soon!

And now, this public service announcement...

So....I'm thinking...I'm thinking maybe I'll start a Facebook page, or maybe another blog dedicated to an open forum for people to submit their whines, complaints and tribulations during their everyday lives.  You know, a kind of support group so when you're feeling like life is an 800 pound silver back gorilla, who has successfully pummeled you to a pulpy mass and is now playing double dutch with your entrails, you can read about how miserable someone ELSE'S day was, and maybe not FEEL so bad!
So, in what may very well be THE perfect public service campaign for why you SHOULD wear a helmet while riding your bike...
Yea.
Can you say "ER visit on a Sunday morning"?
With my abnormal schedule, found myself this past weekend, unable to sleep, having the brilliant idea to go for a bike ride...
At One o'clock in the morning.  After a wee bit, found myself on the Pinellas trail heading towards downtown.  Now...I'd forgotten how freaking dark some patches are, and soon enough, a tree branch stretched out in front of me, camouflaged in darkness, urged me to veer sharply to the left, only to have my front wheel find the one niche in the tarmac to completely cancel inertia!  Well, for the bike that is.  No...MY mass continued it's forward momentum using my head as landing gear.  At first, i counted myself lucky my noggin hit the grass.  Well, that was until I felt something warm and wet trickeling from my left ear, and came to the sudden realization, I couldn't hear out of it!  Oy.  The soreness I felt in my neck, and sharp pain over my right eye (Where Greedo decided to land) compelled me to take a detour and seek medical advice.
Wish i hadn't.
Whiplash.
Concussion.
Minor skull fracture.
Ruptured outer ear drum.
Oh...yea.
Now...if that wasn't bad enough...three days later?  I have a WICKED head cold.  That part was inevitable, of course, as Angi, fresh off recovery from bronchitis, ended up catching the same thing!  Poor lady, she hasn't had an unsick day in almost a month but STILL gets up each day, first thing in the AM!
Me?  I just want to crawl in a comfy hole for a week!
So, yea, been a hell of a week!
Like I  said, think about all you had to put up with today.  Now doesn't that story make you feel a little less stressed?
Anywho.
Today, again, was quiet, and I had my house day while Angi manned the shop.  I did nothing all day but lay on the couch with Miranda eating chicken soup and drinking two gallons of OJ, and watching movies.  Been awhile since I watched "Paul".
Tomorrow, though, we have rides a plenty to build, and new schedules to work out, so should be another interesting day!
Alright, now its shower and sack time!
G'night!

oh, don't get PITHY with me!

So, monday was a blur of activity! Sent three rides to new homes, and picked up some SAH-WEET trades!  Check them out below!  I mean, the two we put out are PRISTINE!  The day, of course, as always, a batch of mixed blessings.  Sunday nighr, we took Kaleb back in, on probation, ONLY for the fact, that while bombing about on his long board he shattered his wrist.  To let him coalesce, we gave him space, but less than 24 hours later, the fighting started. Oy!  Him and his brother, him and a friend, him and anither brother....needless to say, i had to rush home from the ship and play referee until Angi got home from another decorating gig, which of course made me late for my other job.
I'm just REALLY getting tired of teenagers BS!
Anyway!
As i was saying (at this point it's the next morning) today(wend/thurs) was quiet. TOO quiet. Had a few repairs to do, but that was about it.  Oh...it wasn't uneventful, but not in the goid way.  Nothing Earth shattering, just the usual annoying things thatt crop up like an evil rabid Monkey sporting thigh high Nazi boots, leather halter and a large wooden mallet with "Wack-a-mole" written on it.
Yea...one of THOSE days!  The strangest thing was, i was running a tad late this morning, so I left Suzanne here at the house so I could get there faster. Shortly after I left though, she got out and took off into the neighborhood, and even though everyone else went out looking for her, she had all but dissapeared.  It wasn't until I came hone with Izzy at 3.00 did Suzanne come strutting around the corner!?
At least my baby is oj, and currently on a leash!
Tomorrow, I have house duty (sorry...later this morning) but will be back in and banging away on bikes come Friday.  Got in some more goodies I can't wait to sink my teeth into!
Ok, so, now updated, somewhat, i gotta get some rest for Miranda duty tomorrow!
See ya!

Aux grands maux, les grands remedes!

Sorry, but our normal witty banter, or scathing rants just seem inappropriate today.  Yesterday, for some odd reason I was in a "mood".  A foreboding, dark mood.  I chocked it up to "Friday the thirteenth " but awoke to the sorrowful news, it was much worse.
I join a worldwide chorus of prayers to the people of Paris France, who have fallen prey to the insanity, and blood thirsty caranage of a hellishly moronic ideological fueled war with the ass backwards demons, ISIS.  Cowardly, they stage six cordinated attacks on the city of lights in an attempt to wreak the highest body count on "soft targets".  Honestly, i hate the term.  These were innocent people, just living their lives to the best of their ability, oblivious to the rampaging stupidity of these  back world wastes of flesh. 127 dead. 200 injured, 99 of those critical.
For what?  So they can have their "war with the west"?
Well folks...believe it or not, here's where i state the unprecedented ; give them their damn war!!!
Yes, at this point, conservative Republicans are going to start grinning, but I'm not talking about succumbing to any contest of whos God is bigger, I'm talking about utter annihilation of a "worldwide threat"!
Bush foray into Iraq was a misguided mistake, but I'm talking about taking out a REAL threat.
Here's a couple suggestions ; I'm all for civil liberties, freedom of speech and religion, BUT  these scum...had friends, supporters, allies, and French authorities have over 1200 of them on a watch list.  Here's an idea, drag them out by the scruff of their neck, strip them of their citizenship, pack them on a cargo plane, and dump them in Syria.  Same goes for our shores, and any other country with an infestation of these vermin.  No lengthy court cases, or arrests.  Anyone supporting or inflicting violence against any population does not have the RIGHT to civil liberties, as they are by NO MEANS, CIVIL!!
Secondly, and a young lady interviewed on NBC, gave me this idea.  She was in a restaurant when the attacks began, rushed into the basement of the building, and using social media, tried to find out what was going on, but it took over twenty minuets to find anything out.  Look, we now have a nation wide Ambet Alert system that flashes on our cell phones if a child is abducted.  VERY usefull.  How about something like that for terrorists attacks?  One for possible threats, one for actual attacks.  Worldwide.  With the coordination of these, how long will it be before they strike more than one continent at the same time?
They seem to have no shortage of brain dead idiots who are more than happy to sacrifice their meaningless lives to their misguided pursuits!
I will say, the scenes of solidarity, even during the heart of the crisis TRULY showed the strength and indomitable spirit of the French people.  From evacuees leaving the football stadium singing a proud chorus of the French anthem, to those escaping the chaos on the streets making sure to help get others to safety.  And one would expect the streets of Paris to be empty, its population seeking the safety of home and family, but Instead, spitting in the eye of the fear they tried to instill, the city was packed with a full compliment of citizens steadfastly refusing to acquiesce their lives!
Again, our prayers are with you.

YAWN-O-RAMA!!!

Heh. I pretty much posted my opinion of the day in the comment section in yesterdays post, so we'll skip another diatribe.  BUT, i will add...a couple weeks ago the family sat down and watched "Tommorowland" for movie night.  No spoilers, the movie is to "IN YOUR FACE" good to ruin it. But, at one point, Hugh Laurie does his best "House" irritated, sarcastic "preachy" speach about the stupidity of humanity.  It is SOOOOO to the heart of our arrogant ignorance, I almost almost wept.  Check it out!
Ok...so, on to today.
Nah...I got nothin'.  The day was a resounding dud, nothing going on at the shop, and I  slept until 2pm before having to get up and head to work.  Angi did say they got a nice Jamis in on trade, so I'll check it out in the AM.
Tonight went by incredibly fast, as I had a full workload to the pount of not being able to finish!  Woof!  That only the second time that happened!
Now, just chilling before bed on the porch until Suzanne comes back from wherever she took off to.
Yea, I know, not the most interesting of posts.
Sorry.
Maybe some folks will take advantage if the somewhat cooler weather tomorrow, pay us a visit, and give me something to write about!
Ok, best sign off!

So...WHEN do the space arks leave?

Oh!  We REALLY like compiments like that!  Had a couple come in today, down from Canada for the season (thanks for laughing at the "stupid monopoly money"joke! Not mine, mind you, line from a Weird Al song) and when researching the area, came across us, and said they KNEW they'd be getting a ride from us!  Seems they're quite green up there, and said they love the concept!  AWESOME!  This world SOOOOOOOO needs more people like them! Sad reality is, i've been listening to the news more and more lateley (NPR is the only Florida radio station that has interesting content and not the same forty songs over and over and over again) and the scary thing is, while world government STILL debates what should be done to fight climate change, and people STILL choke about in their gas guzzlers, the condition they were predicting would be here by the late 2020's?  ARE FREAKING HERE NOW!!!!  Even the top scientists are scratching their collective heads muttering to themselves; "uncharted territory".
BLOODY GREAT!
Well, with no shortage of vitriol, thanks SOOO MUCH to all the poison spewing factories of post industrial revolution societies, not to mention the wide thighs that squeeze into the Suburban to drive the two miles, rather than walk or ride, so they can cram as many Bic Macs into thier faces as humanly possible!  Seriously, not only spewing toxins into our air, but helpping to fund the clear cutting of Amazon rain forests so the cows they're scoffing down have clear fields to graze on before their date with the skull malet!  DON'T FORGET THE EXTRA CHEESE BUDDY!
Oh...yea...I'm in a bloody mood!
I mean, just look at all the refugees from so many stupid, ideological wars across the globe.  Hundreds of thousands of people, they've lost everything, and the huddle in nake shift camps in the dead of winter, and i hear today that some SCHMUCK from Hong Kong just purchased a freaking diamond at auction for 48.5  MILLION!?
IT'S JUST A STUPID ROCK!!!  Dabeers has air plane hangers FULL of them!  Don't believe me?  Just Google "the diamond conspiracy ", if they released a quarter of all the stones they have stashed away, the market would be so deludged, they would be worthless!
A better legacy would have been to take the cash and do something actually HUMANE with it! Some people just make me want to "kull the herd"!
I may whine sometimes about business being slow, but at least I KNOW, that Angi and I and ALL the folks we have serviced over the years are at least doing SOMETHING to give back to our world and wipe out some carbon footprints!
What are YOU doing?

the NEW 52!

Well... this is fun.
K...new schedule.
Ugh.
Both Angi and I are seeing vapor trails!  Up at seven AM, kiddos at the ready, rumbling and grumbling the older boys get up an hour earlier to escort the girls to school, then either mommy or I head to the shop (alternating days) and the other stays home with little miss Miranda.  Today was my day for house dad. And I gotta admit...i have NO idea what they mean by "a handful".  Miranda was a PEACH today!  Oh, mamma has been working on the potty training, and each time she had to go, I quickly adapted to the ritual.  She needs her dress and diaper removed, than I have to sit guard outside the door, but other than that, she gave me all the time I needed to do house cleaning with the promise of playtime.  After i finished wr played ball and tag, which quickly devolved into a free for all chase and wrestle, then, tuckered out, she wanted mivie time.  Than lunch together then she layed diwn as if ti nao, but instead became facinated with playing with ny beard.  It was a great day...
Then I had to summon a here to fire unknown reservoir of energy and gather the gumption to go to work.
Mamma made it home with Izzy (who regularly stoos her bike every ten feet to complain her legs hurt, urging her escort to carry her) in record time, so at least we had ten minutes to catch up.  That part REALLY SUCKS! Looks like Monday thru Thursday we'll see each other fir maybe a half hour each day!
Oh well, distance makes the heart flounder!
Elijah seems to be enjoying working at the plant.  Hope that lasts!  If he sticks with it he could build up a good future there.  Plus, now...he can pay rent!
The shop was pretty busy on Monday, sending two rides to new homes with both parties quite excited by their finds, not to mention repairs and parts for DIY'ERS.  But Tuesday landed wuth a resounding "thud!"  Hooe tomorrow is better!  Hint, Hint!  We did get in sime more repairs, though, so I'll check 'em out in the AM.
We also put out two more goodies on Monday, a real sharp looking Diamondback MTB was the pick if the litter, followed up witj an el cheapo ladies cruiser.  We have a lot more pickings out back i'm going to dig through as well, and see what I can come up with.
Update on the wayward son, Kaleb.  He keeps in toucj, but you have to wade through the BS and manipulative banter to find the truth.  Seems he claims to be attending church and finding God.  Hmmm?  Well, personally, i think that would do him some good!  Remains to be seen how far that commitment goes.
Ok, yacked enough...off to bed!
See ya in the morning!

And on the FIRST day....

Well....THAT could have gone a little smoother!
This morning was the first of the new schedule, where Elijah has started work, mom and dad are splitting shop/home duty and Tank takes over afternoon chores. Trouble was, with Angi working the decorating gig this weekend and not making it home until midnight last night...we never discussed WHO would get up in the AM to wake the kids and get them ready for school!
OOPS!
Needless to say, they were running a tad bit late.  Sheesh, and the week after i had a meeting with Rozy's teachers about her attendance!
So, ok, we cleared that up this morning.
At least I made it to work on time...relatively speaking.
Yesterday was kinda busy for a Sunday, especially with the rain later in the day.  I finished up the Raleigh mountain bike and it was gone to a new home ten minuets later, but i did manage to put out three more.  And one of them was a donation of a sweet 1963 ladies Rollfast three speed!  Definate patina of age on this one, and as i set it in my rack, intent on a full tear down and refurb, i couldn't help but notice that for some reason it just looked kind of cool with a little bit of rust and dings in the paint.  Giving it character, marks of where and how long it had "been", so i just wiped it down, checked all the systems (which worked perfectly!) and put it out.  Someone out there will surely appreciate its flaws as I do!
Once the rain hit though, it got quet, and i headed home to hang with the youngins, and had some good cuddle time with the wee ones as we watched Ren and Stimpy.  Yep...those kids are as warped as their old man!
Tomorrow, Angi is here and I'll be on Miranda duty and trying my best to enjoy some one on one down time.
Maybe a nap?
Alright...now on to workies!
See y'all soon!

a brief pause of peace!

Well, today went a lot smoother, thank God!
Yesterday there was one heck of a hullabaloo, testing Tank on his first official day!  I had to step out to go to an appointment at the kids school, and no sooner did I leave did a small group of teens came in and tried to get him to do some free repairs. He politely declined, but they then became belligerent, and tried to enter my bay to take the tools to do it themselves.  Needless to say, he took the sanctity of my work station to heart and attempted to eject them from the store. Three on one he held his own, only to have to finally resort to chasing them out...
With the fire extinguisher.
Oh yea....
Took a couple hours to clean up THAT mess!
Yeesh!
As a result we have implemented a SERIOUS no loitering policy!!
I sternly shooed away three teens today alone.  I hope for their sake they get the point, and wird gets out.  I've never liked them hanging out, anyway.
So, several repairs came and went today and sent three to new homes to boot!  Finally found someone who appreciated the classic Trek 820!  LPTS of looky loos as well!  Tomorrow should be busy as well, given all the inquiries as to whether or not we were open.
Managed to get out three newbies as well!  Vintage ladies ten speed touring bike,a real sharp mens mountain bike and finally finished the ladies Nishiki commuter conversion. Also have a real sweet Raleigh mountain bike in the rack about half way done. Once I finished that, on to a sweet old boss cruiser I picked up in trade today.  I LOVE those rides!  After that?  I have no idea what way the wind will take me!
So, until tomorrow...
Much love!

Another day older and deeper in debt...

Thank heavens, another work week over!  Well, at least at the plant!  I aint complaining (well....much) but it's been a LONG one! See, it's been over a decade since I worked for someone else, and even longer with other employees and multiple bosses. You mix personalities, work ethics, and expectations?  Oy.  Me, i just want enough work to keep me busy and be left alone to do it.  No, I don't mind working with other people, because i get along with anyone...well, with some I can fake it real good than make an excuse to cut contact short.  It's when signals get crossed, and one higher up ain't communicating with the other?  That's when things go sour. For some reason, and it's totally alien to me, at this job the majority of the managers don't like confrontations with their subordinates.  Basically, if you screw up, they don't mention it, they just fix it themselves.  Case in point;  we have these custom made rolling racks for the big machines.  The fabricators are supposed to clean them, but rarely do sufficiently, so when it comes to shipping, its our job to do it.  Well, when I was trained, i was told to "just whipe it down with acetone (yea...we use a LOT of acetone so i loose about 70,000,000 brain cells each night!)  So, thinking I'm doing it the right way, over the last three months I've cleaned dozens....wrong!  Seems I was supposed to use a buffer with a coarse wheel to hit all the dirty welds, but instead of pointing that out, MULTIPLE times, they just finished it on the AM shift?  Well, last week, when the head cheese was having a friendly chat with me before i started work, he asked me how things were going.  I said fine, but that i wished there was more to keep me busy at night.
Whoops.
Seems he went to my boss, HIS. subordinate and chastised him for not giving me enough to do.
Oh BOY!
This apparently was simmering in his brain, when this week, the day after i had more racks to clean he lambasted me for NOT cleaning them properly.
I stood dumbfounded, and informed him i'd not been told that, then my Yankee came out and i inquired as to WHY this had not been brought
 to my attention?  He didn't have a good answer for that.  See, he came on as my supervisor after i'd been there for two months after the guy who trained me was fired (should have known at that point!)  Once he realized their were gaps in my teachings, he simmered down, but i just told him (as he's a fellow Yankee) if there's a problem, don't tip toe around it.  I'm not a little kid, just speak up and tell me i screwed up!
At least now I'm getting a heavier work load!
Anywho!
This morning Angi sent the Hercules to a new home...FINALLY!  That gorgeous ride was starting to get whiskers it had been there so long!  I managed to get one new ride out, after several repairs, then had to scoot to pick up Izzy from school.  Normally Elijah gets the girls, but Mirandas stroller broke yesterday. It was cool though. I had a nice ride home with her, and got to share her day.  Plus, it was so sweet, when she saw her Daddy was picking her up, she squealed with delight and ran and gave me a huge hug.
Oh, its moments like that, that make all the BS SOOOOO worthwhile!
I was so smitten, when we got home, and after she proudly showed me her work. and spelld some words for me, we sat down and played a little before I had to leave for work, and i REALLY didn't want to leave!  Sad face!
Tomorrow, I'm there all day as Angi has one of her seasonal decorating gigs this weekend and will be out of pocket for the duration. and I will be focusing hard on getting out newbies!  So check us out, have lots to work on!
Alright, time to hit the shower and sheets.

these times...they are ah changin'

....and then wendsday happened.
Ok...i cave, this weather realy DOES suck!
November freaking fourth and it's 88 freaking
degrees!?  Where's the freaking fall, man!?
Ugh!
I mean, I'm trying to rehab a nice ladies Nishiki and the tools keep slipping out of my hands because I'm so freaking sweaty!
Seriously, y'all!
Anyway...
Some changes are coming to Re-cycle (skipping any preamble) I've mentioned over the last couple weeks that Angi has had several "appointments" with Miranda, well, our little girl, as sweet as she is, has needs. And we are going to be "rerouting" our schedule to meet them.  We have recently taken on a trustworthy (yet talkative) young man who we will be offering the post of "closer" for the shop.  I and Angi will be (for at least the nexy month)  switching off days, and hiring "Tank" to handle the afternoon until close.  One of us must be home to stay with her while the other one works until the girls get out of school (and i have to go to the other job) so be nice to him.  He's a good kid, and worthy of faith and trust (a. RARE commodity amongst his generation!) and eager to help folks.  I'll still be there Monday and Wednesday and all day Friday and Saturday so stuff will keep flowing.  And to all the folks keen on seeing angi's gorgeous face, she'll be there too!  Win/win for everyone!
Sitting out on the porch and Suzanne is pricked up at the rabbits! Hard to fight millions of years of evolution!
Anywho..
As i said, Miranda will be going into pre k HOPEFULLY in December, so things will get back to some semblance of normalcy, and we'll have no one hanging in the house in the day time, so hopefully our ekectric bill will be non painful!  We just want her to get the attention she needs!
Today, was all about parts, with several DIY'ers snagging up goodies, but no newbies left, sadly!  There's always tomorrow!  I just gotta build more!
Alrighty...i gotta destinkafy myself!
Y'all have a good night!

Time To Set The Ten Minute Rule Clock!

Well, GOLLY BOB HOWDY, you know the season is bursting in when we get TWO ten minute rules in one day!  And a Tuesday no less!
Yep.  First one was the sweet Trek 850 commuter.  Had a couple come in and check it out. Rode it, liked it, but wanted to "check out another place".  Sadly, whilst they were sniffing smelling salts after fainting from sticket shock, at "another place",  a pair of snowbirds flitteted in and snagged it up, knowing a good deal when they see one.  The first couple called back shortly after, and having found us on "offer up" (the bargain basement web site for "deal seakers") offered a woefully low price.  At least that allowed me to spare them the V8 face slap, and just politely declined.
The second one was a bit of a surprise, not to mention leaving me feeling sorry for the gent.  A regular looky loo of ours who has been coming into the shop looking for the PERFECT vintage road bike, made his biweekly sojourn to see the newbies and fell instantly in love with the Peugeot we put out yesterday.  It was EVERYTHING he wanted, loved the paint...but...he was going to have to think about it?
Oy.
I pointed to the Uncle Chip provided "Ten minute rule" sign and thus explained its mandates, even cautioning  him of the one we had earler, but he humorously chuckled "I'll take my chances"
....six minutes later...
A young couple from Saint Pete strode in, RIGHT to where it sat, and with NO coaxing said "we'll take it!"
Thats the quality of Craigslist shoppers!
Hope our regular doesn't have to wait another year...
Also, we sent the ladies cruiser home with a gleeful young lady, clapping her hands enthusiastically as she finnaly found her perfect ride!
Work wise?
I got the plethora of parts buckets sorted, then my tired ass...umptions led me too the conclusion that i desperately needed a nap.  I got less than an hours sleevery p last night.  Chock it up to worry and not having ALL my kids under one roof!  Yes, we did the right thing...don't mean it don't weigh on ya!
I only hope tonight is different!
Angi finished the day out, after a morning apointment with Miranda, and kept busy the remainder of the day.  Definitely more quality to meet the visitors.
Ok...now, i best get a shower and pass out!
Night y'all!

Days seem to get longer..as life gets shorter.

Well!
Today was a chipper sign of greener pastures!  Sent two newbies to new homes before the clock struck twelve, and several more looky loos to boot!  Thank you SO much to the three, count 'em THREE returning snow birds who deigned to visit us, amongst their first days landing on our shores, as they took advantage of our vacation package LAST year and couldn't wait to hook up with one of our rides again THIS year!
SAH-WEEEET!
Hopefully....we'll have more for them to check out SOON!
Did manage to put out a GORGEOUS classic Peugeot road bike this am.  Sorry..only thing out, as she needed a FULL re-cycle overhaul!   But, i also did manage to sparse down the over flow out back!  A MUCH-NEEDED. task, to be SURE!
Terry came by and carried away the bones, so I'm sure our neighbors will be happy for the added breathing room.
Digging through the pile, i found another road bike Angi picked up a couple weeks ago.  Don't know WHAT make it is (due to a real bad paint job) but it's got classic Shimano 600 gearing on it, and very light!  I smell ANOTHER alleycat single coming!!  Already got the alloy straight bars from a quickie conversion we did earlier ...yesterday?
Oy!  I was going to say today!  Shows ya how long i have been awake!  7 AM YESTERDAY, Y'ALL!
Ouch!
Truly....been a LONG day!
The upside being, Elijah FINALLY got a fire under his buttocks and did ad I suggested and went to my job and applied.  My boss called him in for an interview today, and as long as his pee is pure...he'll be starting Monday!  Thankfully, it wont be TOO weird, as he'll be first shift AND in the other building!  Didn't stop almost EVERYONE in the company from finding out my son may come to work for them.  Word travels fast!
It's going to be interesting...to say the least!
As far as Kaleb?
That's a whole different subject.  Yes, we stuck to our guns.  The outcome?
Jury's still out.  He has lots of friends. And regardless of what he has put this family through in the last few months...i hope he's safe. I prayed so much he'd see things rationally....but...he has to come to the reality of things on his own.  My concern is the safety and sanctiry of the children that remain.  I love him, but he has to sink or swim on his own.
Sad way to end the blog, sorry, but today has been incredibly taxing, I need a shower and few hours sleep.
Peace.

Time To Terrify Tots!!

Fits and starts.
That's this time of the year, in a nutshell.
Things started with busy, yesterday, but quickly petered out towards the late morning.  Perhaps folks are getting ready for the holiday?  Not sure.  Elijah did point out the other day that out of all the houses in our neighborhood, ours was one of only three that has any decorations up in the spirit of the season!  Funny side note on that one...while putting up the trimmings a couple weeks ago, after having watched "The Blair Witch" the night before, Elijah constructed a rather large Pentagram out of twigs and grasses for string, and in the center, he hung a plastic skull with ominous looking red symbols painted on it.  Now, while the image made my mild religious sympathies cringe a bit, I let it go with minimum mention, in lieu of the Holiday.  The humorous effect being, that a few days later, as I sat on the porch, readying myself for work, we were paid another visit by some of the local "Jehovah Witnesses"!
AH-HA!  Hilarity ensued as they stepped from their vehicle, bibles in hand, only to be taken somewhat aback by the large symbol, and upon recovering, tentatively approached, merely to pass me a copy of the Watchtower, and beat a hasty retreat!
But, with the absence of others joining in the revelry, I really don't know how many folks are in the spirit this year.
If today is any indication, though, I'd say we are all still suffering from a "lack of consumer confidence" as the financial pundits would say!
But, in hopes of some action this weekend, I am continuing to furiously work on rides!  Put out that ladies Mongoose "commuter" and she is a peach!  Took some doing though!  I've got the ladies Trek in the rack, but just picked up another two ladies rides, one being another really nice "Old School", "pre-Walmart" Mongoose hybrid, that are "easy-outs", having need of very little re-hab! 
We like those kind of bikes!
SO, with that (and a couple repairs to bang out) I'd best get my tail in a twist, and get a movin'!
See ya soon!!  

The Clock Is Ticking....

Oy!
What a weird day!!
I guess my body is really adjusting to the night life.  Got home Thursday morning from work, and could not for the life of me, get tired!  Ended up being almost seven Am, and my eyes were still wide open, so I ended up getting the kids up for school, only then realuzing, in my morning absense, the routine had shifted dramatically, and I was out of step.  Round peg amongst a lot of square holes!  The kids did not hesitate to inform me "that's NOT how wr do it!"
Sheesh!  Work with me, okay!
But, with Elijahs help, we got them off in time.  Apparently, dealing with my kids for an hour was more than enough to make me exhausted, and i unceremoniously passed out...to be awaken at 2PM!?!?
ARRGH!!!!
I had stuff to do at the shop!!
As it turns out, i had little time, and was only able to do a couple of assesments before turning around and heading to the next job!
BUT...tomorrow starts my weekend, and I'm excited to have a bunch of newbies there to bang on.  Angi picked up a sweet old school, pre walmart ladies Mongoose, that, with a nice set of road tread, is going to make a SAH-WEET commuter!  We also have a bevy of stuff out back i am DESPERATE to clear cut!  Several will surely be fodder for parts, but who knows what potential lurks back there!
Speaking of lurking...Saturday is HALLOWEEN!!  YAY!! Best holiday EVER!!
Can't wait to see what costumes angi is going to cook up!  She acquired a bunch of trimmings recently, so it's anyones guess what the kids will be going as.
Me?  No, i have very little to do with ANY preperations, dressings or make up, i just show up, and walk around the neighborhood, showing off the kids and pilfering their candy stock for Recees peanut butter cups!
Did i mention?  BEST HOLIDAY EVER!!!
And we'll NEED the revelry, as Sunday is Kalebs dead line.  He was given thirty days to find a job, enroll in Ptech or sign up for the military.  Hes done NOTHING all month long but blow and go with his friends and cause SERIOUS stress at the house.  He did FINALLY go to the school this morning, but left with nothing definitive.  He really has only tomorrow to REALLY make something happen.  Unfortunately, he's backed me into a corner.  I can NOT go back on my ultimatum, or risk appear waffeling to the other kuds, who I. KNOW are watching!  Angi and I won't survive another defiant, entitled kid, so we HAVE to lay down the law and final judgment.  I just hope for his sake, he makes something happen tomorrow!!
Not to mention for eliminating my inevitable guilt!
Gawd!  Sometimes i really wish I WAS the heartless prick they think I am, then it wouldn't hurt so much!
Anyway, enough of that, refocus energy, think good thoughts and breathe....
Just breathe.
Hope to see y'all tomorrow!

a prayer then a rousing righteous rant

Upon arriving at work today, shooing away the boys and sitting down with Angi, we had our morning coffee and "catch up "time.  We went through the work for the day, a couple sweet new acquisitions she picked up, the recent trials and teenage tribulations, then she told me of an incident that happened Tuesday afternoon that sent chills down my spine.  In the afternoon rain, just in front of Dodges Country Store, right next to us, her quite was pierced by the loud squealing of tires, and desperate screams.
A little girl was struck by a van while riding her bike across the street.
My heart sank, almost to tears.  A parents worse nightmare, and regardless of the fact it was not my child, i still feel the icy sting.
I don't know the poor girls fate, nor the circumstances beyond what I was told, however, the driver was released from the scene.  Where the girl was crossing has no crosswalk, just a section of the road, and were she not paying attentuon?  It would not be the drivers fault.  That being said, PLEASE say a prayer for the young girl, her family who undoubtedly are going through hell, but also say a prayer for the driver.  I can only imagine what that poor soul must be enduring.  To know you may have killed an innocent by merely going about your daily routine?  I cannot fathom how painful THAT must be!
God bless.
Before i get to maudlin, though, on to a topical healthy release of negative energy!!
If you're online or listening to the news you'll know all about ANOTHER case of "police brutality " in South Carolina  in regards to a campus cop and a high school kid. Okay folks, hold on to your jibes here till I'm through....
I'm with the cop.
Yea, i know i can feel the boos and hisses as i type!  Got REAL cold all of a sudden!
Let me 'splain!
Once again, youtube junkies have YET AGAIN snipped the footage down to the very height of the confrontation, when violence ensues, thereby making it appear as if the officer just walked in and yanked her out of her seat for no good reason, and of course go NO further than that.  Of course, in comes all the rhetoric about police brutailty, weaponized police state, facism...etc, etc,
Sheesh!
You really need to WATCH the whole thing.  Check it out and you'll see the girl jerk her hands away from the officer.  Lets check the facts!  This kid was in class texting on her phone.  The teacher told her to put it away. She "bruskly" refused.  An administer than came in, told her to put it away and leave the class she STILL refused...RUDELY.  then the officer was called in, ASKED HER, "give me your hands "repeatedly, she REFUSED, than, well you see the video.  He lost his temper, and frankly...I don't blame him.
See, the problem is, as I've said in the past, we have given kids WAY to much power.  And NOW, there's talk that they may launch a civil rights case!?
Come on!  He didnt march in with a white robe and hood shouting hate spewing racial epithets, he was just doing his JOB by trying to remove a disruptive little foul mouthed punk!
Most "politically correct" folks out there are going to raise a stink, but I'll tell you what, BEFIRE you chastise me, I DARE you to take a day, go down to your local juvinille court, bring a lunch, because its the BUSIEST docket in your town and just LISTEN to the charges!  Arson, rape, breaking and entering, attempted murder,  possession of firearms (yes...thats plural)and LOTS of drug possession with intent to distribute.  That was on the ticket one day i was there viewing.   The youngest defendant that day was eight, and the oldest was fourteen.
This is due to the increasing emphasis on giving children all the control, greatly limiting and controlling a schools rights and parental  rights all for people not yet mature enough to make sound choices, still caught in the sway of the "all about ME" Phase of growing up.  Than, the courts of course give them a tap on the wrist and send them home with mommy and daddy?
BULL$#!+!!!
I say, bring corporal punishment back to schools, and furthermore...institute publuc CANING!!
I'll tell you, if they hadn't made such a big stink about it, those othet kids in the class, after seeing het dragged out bodily, may have thought twice about wising off and disrespecting the teacher!!  Now, they're probably hoping it happens to them so they can sue!
I'll tell you a story.
When I was in seventh grade, i had to go to summer school.  There were about thirty kids in the class.  Lets just say, they weren't honor roll students.  Our teacher was mister Parks.  Mister parks was a body builder.  A BIG body builder!  Think Arnold....on steroids...HORSE. steroids!  Now, when i went to school, we all sat in the desks with the chairs attached.  On the first day, he layed down the law.  One rule was, ""NO talking unless called on".  Simple enough, but one unruly smartass two seats up from me just didn't get it.  About twenty minutes into the day, this punk starts talking to his friend sitting next to him.  Mr Parks calmly got up from his desk, strode purposefully down the isle and effortlessly picked the boy AND the desk up to waist height, stared at the startled thug than SLAMMED him down.  Getting his face two inches away he snarled "I said NO talking!"
For the remaindr of the summer class it was the BEST behaved class i have EVER been in!
There are boundaries and sometimes some  kids HAVE to be taught there is a line NOT to cross!
I had this discussion earlier and was chastised for my view point, and snidely questioned "what if this happened to YOUR child?"
Easy answer;  if the circumstances were the same I'd just look at them and say "you should have put away your f@$#ing cell phone when they asked you the FIRST time!!!"
Case.....cah-losed!