Friday, May 25, 2018, What's On Your Patriot Woodworker Weekend Agenda?

[Ron Dudelston]

Well folks, we have made it through the week and we're staring at the first holiday weekend of the summer of 2018.  Memorial Day always conjures up memories for me.  I have a picture around here of me when I was about 8 years marching in my Cub Scout uniform toward the cemetery on Memorial Day.  We always made the tour of the cemeteries to place flowers on the graves of our relatives and Dorothy and I still do.  Back then the Indy 500 was run on Memorial Day, not the Sunday before and I would sit on the front porch listening on a static laced AM radio imagining the action in my mind.  Those dreams did come true and I have attended the race many times and have only missed it 3 times since 1964. Twice when I was serving for my favorite uncle (Sam) and last year when my seatmate and son had emergency gall bladder surgery 3 days before the race.  This year's race is forecast to be a hot one with the high coming in around 90.  Couple that with the track temperature of about 130 degrees, it will be toasty in row EE of turn #3.  The picture below is close to where we sit so here's our view.

 

So Patriot Woodworkers, what's on your agenda this Memorial Day weekend?  Woodworking, picnic, nothing?

 

[steven newman]

Not a whole lot...just resting up....depends on if a few things arrive for the bed frame build...

[HandyDan]

I have been sick with the flu for two complete weeks.  Finally started feeling better yesterday so I think I will take it easy a few more days.

[Grandpadave52]

32 minutes ago, Ron Dudelston said:

listening on a static laced AM radio imagining the action in my mind.

Those were the glorious days of open wheel racing weren't they Ron? IMS-RN carried via WIBC-1070 with iconic voices of Sid Collins, Lou Palmer, Howdy Bell, Mike Ahern, Freddie Agabashian, Jim Shelton and so many others. Hearing them call out names like A. J. Foyt, Roger Ward, Jim Rathman, Parnelli Jones, Jim Hurtubise, Lloyd Ruby, Jim Clark and the late, greats, Bill Vukovich, Eddie Sachs & Tony Bettenhausen.

 

Who can forget one of the most famed names of all times... Leon Sirois, aka "Jigger."  I was there that day tagging along with Bob & Larry Rice (later to be named co-Rookie of the Year with Rick Mears; he also taught 5th grade in one of our local elementary schools for a few years) and Bob Higman (Offy engine expert extraordinaire). Also the following weekend when he failed to make the race  Of course hearing the old Offenhausers roar around the track only to be nearly silenced by the famed Novi's distinct and overwhelming roar leave lasting memories too.

 

It's hard to believe this year marks A.J. Foyt's 60th Anniversary rookie year (I've seen two of his four wins '67 & '77). Who, many say, along with Tony Hulman, made the IMS and the 500 the largest, most attended single day sporting event in the world. Your inaugural year (1964) also coincides with another famed name: IMS Historian Donald Davidson. No radio broadcast was compete without hearing him fill in with nuggets from races and events of the past.

 

My attendance at the great event is small in comparison to yours, but over the years, I've attended many races (last in 2013) along with the old Pole day qualifying. Nothing like it...the fly-over, the tribute to our military, singing of "Back Home Again in Indiana", the balloon release...that's why there are no other more famed words than..."Stay tuned for the Greatest Spectacle in Racing."

 

Enjoy the race Ron; stay hydrated, don't forget the sunscreen, the fried chicken, have fun and most importantly be safe! I'll be watching on TV so be sure to wave so I can see you.

[Grandpadave52]

Nothing like having a 3 Day Weekend to get rested up. Today is the first day of summer vacation for the grandkids _{Help me.} 

Finish mowing and trimming. My truck needs oil/filter change + service; daughter's van needs rear brakes and right door window regulator replaced.

Wood shop activities will be minimal at best...Sunday, watch the Greatest Spectacle in Racing via OTA and Champaign,IL ABC affiliate...

Next week starts the 2-3 round trips/day for summer swim since the grandkids are out of school for the summer. _{Help me}

[Chips N Dust]

A quieter day at work - we finished the ODOT project other than a few punch list items subcontractors have to do. Today is the anniversary of when we lost my Mom to lung cancer back in 2001, so a little somber for me today.

 

As for the weekend, a little shop time, a little yard work time, a little drive about in the woods with guns.

[Stick486]

1 hour ago, HandyDan said:

I have been sick with the flu for two complete weeks.  Finally started feeling better yesterday so I think I will take it easy a few more days.

no sense in taking chances of ruining the weekend...

[Gerald]

4 hours ago, Grandpadave52 said:

Those were the glorious days of open wheel racing weren't they Ron? IMS-RN carried via WIBC-1070 with iconic voices of Sid Collins, Lou Palmer, Howdy Bell, Mike Ahern, Freddie Agabashian, Jim Shelton and so many others. Hearing them call out names like A. J. Foyt, Roger Ward, Jim Rathman, Parnelli Jones, Jim Hurtubise, Lloyd Ruby, Jim Clark and the late, greats, Bill Vukovich, Eddie Sachs & Tony Bettenhausen.

 

Who can forget one of the most famed names of all times... Leon Sirois, aka "Jigger."  I was there that day tagging along with Bob & Larry Rice (later to be named co-Rookie of the Year with Rick Mears; he also taught 5th grade in one of our local elementary schools for a few years) and Bob Higman (Offy engine expert extraordinaire). Also the following weekend when he failed to make the race  Of course hearing the old Offenhausers roar around the track only to be nearly silenced by the famed Novi's distinct and overwhelming roar leave lasting memories too.

 

 

Dave since you are calling names I cannot believe you left off Mario Andretti. Only won once and had many nears. Then he was the first to hit 200 mph in practice.

My oldest son was due today and got a call will be tomorrow. So guess will be some shop time thrown in there.

[Grandpadave52]

8 minutes ago, Gerald said:

Dave since you are calling names I cannot believe you left off Mario Andretti.

My bad...yep he was my step-mother's favorite driver who she met in person; another story to go with that...(my apologies for this long winded tale, but hey, YOU opened this can)

 

My dad sold his automotive, radiator repair repair and L & G sales/service business in late 1971 once I decided to go a slightly different career path. He still owned the building/property. After a few months on the market, he was contacted by an Indianapolis realtor who had potential client(s). Turns out those clients were Aldo (Mario's twin brother) & Mario Andretti. They were looking to expand their Firestone Auto Service Center business out of the Indy/Speedway area.

 

So we met with them (Realtor, & Andretti's & of course the lawyers too)...anyways the sale was made...after a building remodel to accommodate their business a grand opening was to be held. A pre-grand opening was scheduled on a Friday night before the main event and was by invitation only for special guests Dad & I were invited and recognized among the throng...Of course Aldo was there since he managed the Firestone business as was Mario, Johnny Rutherford and others I've forgotten along with one of Mario & Johnny's cars. It was a catered hors d'oeuvre affair with enough food to feed hundreds it looked like. They used both ramps of the newly installed drive on Front End Alignment rack as a bar. Probably the most liquor I've ever seen in a non bar setting. It turned out to be a lot more party than either Dad or I was accustomed, so we left after a couple hours or so.  We heard later the party ended before dawn.

 

While still in Auto-Diesel tech college, I interviewed with Aldo for a position within the Firestone Service Center business after graduation. I thought it might be a pathway to the racing side at the time but there were no guarantees. I still wanted to get involved in the Farm Equipment business and possibly farm. While I never could get fully vested in farming, the path I chose and where it ultimately led was the right decision. I have no regrets.

 

Most of the expert driver analysts claim of the two, Aldo (John Andretti's father) was the better driver. After a horrific Sprint Car wreck where he nearly died, he never was quite the hard charger he once was. I saw him race once in a Sprint car on the ~1/2 mile, high bank oval at Salem, IN many years ago. I can't tell you where he finished, but he did not win.

 

http://articles.mcall.com/2007-05-25/sports/3729286_1_aldo-andretti-race-crash

[Ron Dudelston]

Dave, don't forget Pat Vidan, the official starter.  I've seen some amazing things at Indy.  A few are rated G. Unless you've been there, you wouldn't understand 

[Grandpadave52]

27 minutes ago, Ron Dudelston said:

A few are rated G. Unless you've been there, you wouldn't understand

Very few I've seen things along Georgetown Road the night before and in the old Snake Pit in Turn 1 no one should ever see let alone a pre-teen.

[DAB]

bunch of gardening today with my wonderful wife, and we'll wrap up those planting projects tomorrow.  watching racing sunday.  tiling monday.  pistol range tuesday (introducing a new shooter to IDPA).

[Al B]

Finally finished chipping all that hemlock and have cut logs into lengths for stove or whatever burning. Will be visiting my son's grave site on Memorial day and hopefuly, I will be able to attend the Veterans Memorial Services at the town common.

Maybe even get to watch a bit of the Indy 500.

Edited May 26, 2018 by It Was Al B

[Dadio]

WoodCraft is honoring Memorial Day by being closed. I got an email today that the Seattle WoodCraft is closed on Memorial Day to honor the Veterans. This is refreshing,don't see many stores doing that. When I was young all the stores were closed on Holidays and Sundays.  That was BGSI (Before the Greed Set In).

Herb

[Gerald]

7 hours ago, Grandpadave52 said:

My bad...yep he was my step-mother's favorite driver who she met in person; another story to go with that...(my apologies for this long winded tale, but hey, YOU opened this can)

 

 

http://articles.mcall.com/2007-05-25/sports/3729286_1_aldo-andretti-race-crash

Thanks for the story ,real nice to hear peoples stories. Did you ever do any racing?

[Grandpadave52]

31 minutes ago, Gerald said:

Did you ever do any racing?

Way back in the day I did go carts for a couple of seasons, then 1/4 mile drag racing at Indianapolis Raceway Park (now Lucas Oil Speedway); it's less than an hour from where I live. It's been the home of the NHRA Summer Nationals for decades. Dad sponsored two cars for a couple of years and we did most of the engine work. I only raced my "street cars" in amateur classes on a few times at the drag strip; OK maybe a few "unsanctioned" events out on country blacktops too. Oh, I almost forgot tractor pulling...L&G tractors that is... 

 

We also traveled with the Rice family and assisted some one season when Larry was first starting out racing USAC midgets. Pretty grueling schedule and most every Friday & Saturday night and some Sundays were on the road...at that level you need deep pockets even with some sponsorship. I've attended lots of midget, sprint, Indy car, stock car races, tractor & truck pulling over the years.

 

Most of my time was in wrench pulling. While I've always been a "gear head" and loved speed, racing and fast cars, I really never had what it takes for the next major step as a competitive driver...truly a different breed. Hard to get Life and Health Insurance coverage too.

Edited May 26, 2018 by Grandpadave52

[Ron Dudelston]

14 hours ago, Grandpadave52 said:

Very few I've seen things along Georgetown Road the night before and in the old Snake Pit in Turn 1 no one should ever see let alone a pre-teen.

Remind me to tell you about my son's indoctrination to the Indy Snake Pit at the ripe old age of 8 years old.  I was re-reading your previous post and reminiscing a bit.  Unfortunately, much of the aura of the old Indy is gone because it has become a business.  I recall the Whittington brothers qualified a car in the 70's that ran a Chevy school bus engine.  The did quite well but attrition took its toll.  Since I retire from the automotive industry, I spent many spring days at the track.  Three quick stories. (1) I met Mario and I was surprised how small he really is. (2) One of my encounters with A.J. Foyt was in the garage area.  It was the year after he from his leg (s) and he was trying to drive a golf cart.  We were standing off to his right and as he went to back up, the cart lunged and just must us.  He turned around and apologized quipping, "Sorry, I never could drive anything in reverse" as he laughed.  (3) The year Willie T. Ribbs qualified for Indy (the first black man to do so) I ran into him in the garage area and casually began to chat.  He was in jeans and a T shirt with cowboy boots on.  The back of his boot just above the heel was totally worn away.  I quizzed him about it and he chuckled and replied with only one word, "Clutch".  Great times at Indy.  You either love it or hate it and I love it. I'll rekindle friendships with folks I only see once a year.  One more quickie.  I have parked in the same spot of over 30 years (and my route in will remain a secret).  The lady who own the house save two spots in her driveway.... one for me and one for her son.  We hand her the keys and when the race is over and we return to the car, it is running with the air on.  In the front window of her house is a neon sign that sports a cross and says, "Jesus Saves".  True story.

[Stick486]

[Charles Nicholls]

Hi guys and ladies, not much gong on this weekend. I was sick most of yesterday, so I didn't get anything done, but today, i am making bottle stoppers.

 

I am also still trying to plug all the splits in that old bowl blank that I displayed a week or 2 ago.

 

Supervisor Shadow, is making sure I do things right the first time.  He is a rather demanding sort after all. lol

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited May 27, 2018 by Charles Nicholls
Displayed image wrong.

[Grandpadave52]

Glad you're feeling better Charles and able to do some turning today.

Good to keep in mind; you don't have a cat; HE has a servant.