Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska Tinkering Times Volume 57, Number 7 www.antiqueautomushersak.org Anchorage and Chugiak Parades Provide Independence Day Fun Fairlane Skyliner retractable), Jim Fredenhagen (1929 Model A), Dale Dryden (1931 Model A fire engine) and Travis DeLoney (1964 Chevelle). Reese Among the cars lines up for the Chugiak parade, Louie Finch s Model A, Ted Kimzey s Model T and Donn Reese s 1961 Imperial can be seen. Anchorage by Kurt Rein Thanks to all of you who endured the threatening weather to join the group for the 2017 Independence Day parade; but we always have fun, don t we? We had a big turnout, as shown by the following list of cars and drivers: Marianne Robinson (1930 Model A), who led with the club banner, John Aschenbrenner (1928 Model A roadster), Carol Jensen (1956 Thunderbird), Gwyn Wiedmer (1956 Thunderbird driven by Shirley Alexander), Wiedmer (1941 Cadillac, driven by Tim Troll), Scott Hulse (1958 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud), Fred Scharper (1970 GMC pickup), Dave and Donna Kawa, guests from Wisconsin (1978 Pinto cruising wagon), Ken Evans (1955 Cadillac convertible), Wiedmer (1927 Hupmobile driven by Gwyn), Wiedmers (1931 REO driven by Mike, with David Jensen s jazz band on back), Bruce Campbell (1957 Ford Chugiak Parade s Schedule is Shuffled On Monday, practically at the last minute, we learned that the Chugiak parade, which always happens at 2:00, had been moved up to 1:00. Marcy moved quickly to notify all our members, and thanks to the magic of the internet everyone was successful in showing up at the staging area at Latimer Hall in Chugiak on time. Whew! Participants, who managed to arrive on time, as though nothing was amiss, were: Tom (1925 Model T touring), Dennis and Diane Allen (1965 Thunderbird Landau), David and Donna Kawa, from Wisconsin (1978 Pinto cruising wagon), Art and Tamea Isham (1966 Mustang convertible), Howard Reese Ishams in their 1966 Mustang and Ron Swartz in his 1968 Corvaire pass Barry Fowler in his 1914 narrow-gauge Model T with calliope as Barry prepares to enter the parade. We need a refreshments host for the November 8 meeting. Hansen and daughter, Debbie (1972 Volkswagen convertible), Louie Finch (1928 Model A special coupe), Ted and Colleen Kimzey and Walt Sonen (1923 Model T pickup), Barry Fowler (1914 narrow gauge Model T with calliope), Fred Scharper (1970 GMC pickup), Brian and Shirley Anderson (Jeep), Donn Reese (1960 Imperial) and Ron Swartz (1968 Corvaire convertible). After the parade, about 28 Anchorage and Chugiak parade participants showed up at s place for burgers and hot dogs. Thanks to Dennis and Diane Allen for planning the event, to Tom and Marcy for hosting the postparade party and to everyone for joining in on all the fun! July Meeting We have the 2017 Independence Day Parades under our belt, and next Wednesday, July 12th, we will meet at 6:30 PM at DayBreak Center to plan more mischief. After the meeting, we will roll the ol iron out for a ride and a destination, where we will... eat. Donn Reese will supply the itinerary for that cruise. Thanks to Jim Fredenhagen for planning last month s cruise, which ended at the Dimond Village Inn.
2 Tinkering Times Running Board Reflections 2017 Officers President: Gwyn Wiedmer 243-7005 Vice President: David Jensen 346-3321 Secretary: Scott Hulse 240-4028 Treasurer: Milt Tanora 868-1575 Sergeant at Arms: Dutch Overly Members at Large Mike and Gwyn Wiedmer pose with their 1949 Ford convertible on July 9, 2011. The occasion was the celebration of the centennial of the completion of the Copper River and Northwest Railroad, that served Kennicott Mine (seen in the background) from 1911 to 1938. We will again be in the enviable position of being able to take unique photos like this when we visit McCarthy/Kennicott July 15-19. Wow, is this summer ever passing quickly! I expect that we will have a very nice turnout for the 4th of July parades in Anchorage and Chugiak and the weather is looking more and more promising every day. We also have our second Adopt-A-Road cleanup on July 8. In lieu of all of Jim Fredenhagen s hard work in planning the Kodiak trip, the AMHS ferry system had a different plan for us. It sounds like quite a few cars will now be traveling to McCarthy for the weekend of July 16-18. That also happens to be the weekend of the annual Hope Wagon Trails event. So, as you can see, there is no shortage of fun events to keep us busy and out of trouble this month. Don t forget the weekly drive arounds on Wednesday nights if you want to go for a drive. Keep those cars washed and polished up so we can show them off in style! P.S. Don t forget to congratulate Mr. and Mrs. Fred Scharper!! They had a very lovely wedding on June 25! Gwyn Adopt-A-Road July 8th Our next Adopt-A-Road cleanup is July 8 on Northern Lights between Muldoon and Boniface. We meet at Carr s Safeway parking lot at the corner of Muldoon and Northern Lights at 9 AM. You are sure have some fun while performing a helpful civic responsibility. Aaaand, Marcy serves up a to-die-for tailgate breakfast, complete with breads, rolls, dough-nuts, coffee and juice. Yummm! Donn Reese 245-7203 Howard Hansen 345-1268 Brian Anderson 345-9244 Past Presidents (10 years) Brian Anderson (2015-16) Mike Wiedmer (2013-14) Howard Hansen (2012) Donn Reese (2009 2011) Jeff Hassler/Donn Reese (2008) Jim Fredenhagen (2006-2007) Tinkering Times Staff Editor: Tom Proofing, scheduling and keeping the old man in line: Marcy Send correspondence to: Tinkering Times Tom, Editor P.O. Box 770703 Eagle River AK 99577 or email: tmcresap@mtaonline.net The Tinkering Times is published monthly by Alaska s premier classic and antique automobile club, Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska, P.O. Box 232086, Anchorage AK 99523-2086. Opinions expressed by authors of Tinkering Times including references about how wonderful we are are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy of the Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska or any facsimile of reality, for that matter.
One Man s Treasures Our ads are intended for members and others who wish to sell cars and related items. There is no charge, and the ad will run for three consecutive issues before being removed. To pull an ad, extend it or to place a new ad, contact Tom 694-7510. Secured EnclosedStorage West Downtown Anchorage location 9 x18 x7-1/2 high space $125/month for single 2 spaces $225 Dave Syren, 440-2982 For Sale: 1964 1/2 Mustang that I have had since age 12. It s been garaged & maintained for over 30 yrs. Imaculate condition and fully restored. Lisa Hayes lhayes1962@hotmail.com Phone, daytime 907-854-0971. (8) Tinkering Times 3 Schedule of Events We have a cruise every Wednesday, when we do not have a meeting. We meet for these rides at 6:00 PM at Sears Mall parking lot in Anchorage. July 8 9:00 AM at Muldoon Carr s, Adopt-a-Road (Marcy, 694-7510) July 12 6:30 PM, Rolling Meeting at Day Break Center (Donn Reese) July 13-17 Hope weekend (Dennis & Diane Allen 345-6355) July 14 4:00-8:00 Bear Paw Car Show, Eagle River July 15-19 McCarthy/Kennicott Trip (Jim Fredenhagen, 351-3115) July 28-30 Joint Meet with Fairbanks (Scott Hulse, 240-4028) August 5 Jay Ofsthun pre-show at McDonald s, Anchorage August 6 Jay Ofsthun Show at the Park Strip, Anchorage August 9 6:30 PM, Rolling Meeting at Day Break Center (Linda and Rich Golding) August 26 Alaska State Fair Parade in Palmer (Mark Graber, 745-8570) September 2 9:00 AM at at Muldoon Carr s, Adopt-a- Road (Marcy, 694-7510) September 13 6:30 PM, Rolling Meeting at Day Break Center (David Jensen) September 16-18 Denali Lottery Tour (Tamea Isham, 688-3671) October 11 7:00 PM, Meeting at Day Break Center (Sara Stoops) November 8 7:00 PM, Meeting at Day Break Center (Hosts?) December Christmas party (TBA) For Sale: 1928 Ford Model A Phaeton and 1956 Ford Sunliner, that are part of the Ken Stout estate, and are being sold by DeeDee Jonrowe. Phaeton starts and runs, needs new battery, body needs minor work. This is a standard, not deluxe. Condition: very good. Asking $28,500 OBO. Sunliner has not been priced yet, but call if interested. The seller is motivated. Mark R. Barker Cell: 907-242-3660 (9) More on page 4 For Sale: 19 Chevy wheels. All are straight and have been blasted and primed; $200 for the set. Also, Model A generator, Snyder rebuild, with new, solid state cutout; $200. Call Chris Solomonson, Eagle River, for details, 907-350-2316. (9)
4 Tinkering Times 2017 Long Distance Tour Gets Shuffled Around After going through several iterations, AAMA s 2017 Long Distance Trip will lead us to McCarthy/Kennicott on July 15-19. We were originally slated to take the ferry to Kodiak, first in June and then in July. Both of those trips were scuttled when the state ferry, Tustumena, developed problems. In order to bring the long distance tour back to life, Jim Fredenhagen One Man s Treasurers For sale: Elegant, original 1929 Model A Tudor; drive it home; everything works; low mileage engine with new pistons, rings, modern valves and guides, aluminum timing gear, 6:1 compression head and an air balanced carburetor. Runs fantastic. This is a perfect candidate for restoration, or drive as-is. Give a call, and I can answer any questions. $9,000. Serious inquiries only, please. Chad Ringler, 907-444-4255. (9) arranged an altogether new jaunt to Kennicott Mine and it s historic service town, McCarthy. As seasoned Alaskans know, McCarthy lies at the end of a 60-mile road that begins at Chitina and follows the rail bed of the Copper River and Northwestern Railroad, which was completed in 1911 and served the mine till its closure in 1938. The McCarthy Lodge (Ma Johnson s) has a rare mid season vacancy, and Neil Darrish, the owner, has offered our group a discounted rate, which includes breakfast. AAMA will be at Hope Alaska for our annual Wagon Trail Days adventure 13 thru 17 July. Come for the weekend or just a day. The little Alaska Gold Rush town of Hope is steeped in history that began in 1897, when it was a mining camp for Resurrection Creek. Portions of the town were destroyed in the 1964 Good Friday earth quake. Today, the town survives with a population of about 192, and it is a favorite destination for locals, as well as tourists from out of state. Come and join the fun, as we As an additional encouragement, the town will wave the very expensive bridge toll. They love to have our cars there to add interest for the tourists. Jim has planned a tour to Kennicott Mine, a museum tour, a block party in McCarthy with vintage clothing, as well as other exploring and even a raft tour. If you have your own vintage clothing be sure to bring it along, but Neil has a collection he will loan us if need be. Jim Fredenhagen will answer questions at 907-351-3115. Get Ready For Hope! relax, have parades with our old cars, explore the area and do silly things like sing-alongs and play board games. We will need to know the number in your party, the days you will be there, and what vehicles you will be bringing so that parking can be planned and food purchased. If you need a list of activities, accommodations, Wagon Trail Run applications or any questions answered please contact Dennis & Diane Allen 345-6355 or e-mail allendd@alaska.net AAMA Gives Rides to Seniors at DayBreak and Serendipity For Sale: 1957 Chevrolet Belaire 2-dr hardtop; red/white; original, including paint. 68,000 miles; extra set of four rims and tires; fender skirts and car cover; $37,500 OBO. Wayne Weiler, 240-9491 or theweilers@gci.net (9) Thanks to the drivers who brought their cars to Day Break on June 15 th and Serendipity on June 22 nd. The clients always enjoy seeing the cars and getting a chance to take rides. Bringing their cars to share were Rich Golding (1928 Ford Fordor) Scott Hulse (1958 Rolls Royce) Mike Wiedmer (1949 Ford Convertible) Tom & Marcy (1938 Chrysler Royal) and Dennis & Diane Allen, organizers of event, (1965 Thunderbird).
Tinkering Times 5 Vernon Nash Club Hosts 2017 Joint Meet in Fairbanks Joint Meet Notes: The Joint Meet, with Anchorage and Fairbanks, will be July 28th and 29th. The event will begin at 6:00 PM at the Chena River State Recreation Site at 3530 Geraghty Ave with a potluck picnic. As the Hosts of the Joint Meet, Fairbanks will provide the meat and side dishes for the meal. The Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska will provide the desserts. Make sure to bring your valve cover racecars. Willy Vinton has arranged a discounted rate for the Antique Auto Mushers at the Wedgewood Resort for lodging. Just mention that you re here for the car club joint meet. Schedule Saturday morning at 9:30 AM we will hold Car Games at the old K-Mart building parking lot. At noon, we will gather once again for lunch, bringing whatever is left over from our picnic Friday night and whatever else members want to provide. The location for this is at the Fairbanks Lions Recreation Area off of Danby Street. At 1:30 we will have a Tour, visiting some interesting locations in the Fairbanks area. Saturday evening, at 6 PM, we will hold an Awards Banquet. That location will be at the Wedgewood Resort Visitors Center Gazebo Room (212 Wedgewood Dr, Fairbanks, AK 99701), cost of the meal will be $30.00 per person. Reservation and payment must be made by 22 July, so that we have an accurate head count. Dinner will be a Buffet that will include choice of roasted pork loin or chicken picatta. Please return the form below with your reservation fee(s) and guest payments no later than the July 22 nd If you mail this document, it must be received by Monday July 24th. VLNAACF Box 71253 Fairbanks, AK 99707-1253 Dinner at the Joint Meet will be a BUFFET meal at the Wedgewood Resort Visitors Center Gazebo Room (212 Wedgewood Dr, Fairbanks, AK 99701) Social Hour (Cash Bar) 5pm-6pm Dinner 6pm Main Meal Choices: Roasted Pork Loin or Chicken Picatta Sides on the buffet include green or Caesar salad, garlic mashed potatoes or Rice Pilaf, steamed vegetables and dinner rolls Member Name(s) # Member or Guests @ $30.00 = $ Make check payable to: VLNAACF If you have questions please contact Willy at 907-388-8252 or Wilma at 907-388-7766
6 Tinkering Times Colony Days Plays Sees Varied Weather Fredenhagen This 1927 Dodge taxi was recently found and purchased in Fairbanks. The new Palmer owner has made some functional improvements but left its original patina intact. It was a refreshing surprise to see such a recent barn-find. Not Much Just Editor s Palaver I share newsletters with a number of AACA clubs, and had to email Nancy Whiddon after reading the June issue of Broken Axle (Golden Crescent Region, Victoria, Texas). Several things: first, I had to smile at the photo of the young brown bear from Alaska s North Slope. Second, the Red Blanket trophy presented to member for having to be towed home because of a breakdown on a recent tour, and last, the notice that she and her husband, Steve, had just celebrated their 51 st wedding anniversary. This last announcement included a photo of them standing next to a 1931 Slant Window Model A Sedan, much like mine. This was Nancy s answer: Tom, Thanks. I am amazed that you know it is a Slant Window Sedan! The trophy is called the Red Blanket because years ago someone broke down and no one had a towrope, chain, nothing, but someone did have a red blanket. There is a tiny sliver of the original red blanket on the trophy. The member even has to pay to have his name put on the trophy. It is fun, but of course no one wants it. Thanks for the email, I enjoyed your responses. Fellow Editor, Nancy Whiddon by Jim Fredenhagen The Colony Days carshow happened on Friday, June 9, on the main street of Palmer in the evening. The weather could not have been better and quite a few cars and people came. AAMA had entries from Bill Fields (1931 Franklin), Bob Bartlett (1931 Model A), Carl Godsoe (1931 Model A), Jim Fredenhagen (1929 Model A), Rich Golding (1928 Model A), Howard Hansen (1981 VW), Tom (1938 Chrysler). A surprise vehicle was a 1927 Dodge taxi that was recently found and purchased in Fairbanks. The new Palmer owner has made some functional improvements but left its original patina intact. The Colony Days parade the following day found a total change in the weather. It truly rained on our parade. Despite that, a very large crowd cheered us on and made the effort totally worthwhile. AAMA members included Fred Sharper( 72 Chevrolet pickup), Jim Fredenhagen (1929 Model A), Carl Godsoe (1931 Model A), Louis Finch (1928 Model A and 1956 Thunderbird). Fredenhagen Some of the AAMA cars at Colony Days Parade in Palmer were Jim Fredenhagen s 1929 Model A Tudor, Carl Godsoe s 1931 Model A Pickup, Louie Finch s 1928 Model A Coupe. Way in the back is Fred Scharper s 1972 Chevrolet Pickup.
6:35 PM, The meeting was Called to Order by our President Gwyn Wiedmer. Attending members ignored the call to order until everyone finished getting their 50/50 tickets from Dutch. Visitors Recognized Bob Dreeszen was introduced as an old member who is rejoining AAMA. Gwyn Wiedmer introduced her mother, Shirley, who is visiting for 5 weeks. Minutes The Secretary, Scott Hulse, made a motion to accept the May minutes, as published in the Tinkering Times. This was seconded and approved. Treasurer s report Milt Tanora reported the current balance. Art Isham made the motion to accept. The motion was seconded and approved. Old Business Shakedown Cruise to the Knik River Lodge. Donn Reese thanks Tom for the nice write-up in the TinkeringTimes. A discussion followed about the service being very slow again this year. Otherwise a good time was had by all. Tinkering Times 7 AAMA Meeting Minutes, June 14 th, 2017 Location: Day Break Center, 9210 Jupiter Drive, Anchorage Fred Scharper wears the shackles and shirt of shame for failing to display his name badge during the meeting. Homer Trip report by Jim Fredenhagen. The run was timed for the 3 rd weekend in May to avoid the summer crowds and to take advantage of cheap hotel rates. 8 cars attended the informal car show held at the Wells Fargo Parking lot. While the weather was cool and moist, the locals seemed pleased to have the show rain or shine. After the car show Al Engebretsen, gave a tour of his boat shop, the Bay Weld Boats yard. A 63 foot boat was being built. After the shop tour Al took a number of our group on a tour of Kachemak Bay in his boat. A full report is in the June 7 th Tinkering Times newsletter. Coming Events Kodiak Long Distance Trip is cancelled. The Tustumena ferry is not expected to be back in service until August or later. A replacement trip to McCarthy has been scheduled for July 16-18. Cars made before 1940 will be permitted across the bridge into the town. Neil Darrish has rooms at the historic Hotel available on these dates. The Joint Meet report was provided by Scott Hulse. No change to the dates, it is still on July 28 th 30 th in Fairbanks. An excellent Hotel Quote was received from the Bear Lodge and Wedgewood resort. Use event code AACA717 when making reservations. Call Becky Kunkle, Reservations Manager, for the Fountainhead Hotels to make your reservation. Direct: 907-458-6123 Toll Free: 800-528-4916 Summer Solstice Car Show. There is a lack of space this year and the show has been moved to the Palmer race track. AAMA will not attend as a group. Name Tag Fines The Sergeant at Arms, Dutch Overly, announced that Mr. Fred Scharper had not paid his fine for not having his badge. When heckled by Fred, the Sergeant at Arms presented Prison Shackles and a striped prison T- shirt to Fred to wear during the meeting. This produced plenty of laughter and a good natured Fred proudly wore the prison attire. Presentation Tom presented a surprise gift to the Allens. While checking out a gift shop in Chugiak, Tom and Marcy found a great photo of Allens Argentina Ford in the Fuji Gifts Gallery in Chugiak. Tom presented a framed copy to Dennis and Diane. 50/50 drawing Winner: Milt Tanora Colony Days Report Jim Fredenhagen reported on the Colony Days Parade and show. The weather for the Friday night show was fantastic. The Parade on Saturday was more on the wet side. Mike Wiedmer reported that AAMA managed to pull off a showing of 4 cars for the 70 th anniversary of the 4 th Avenue Theater with just 48 hours notice. Four cars attended this day long festival; Ira Perman s S2 Bentley, Scott Hulse s 1958 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud, Mike Wiedmers 1941 Cadillac and s 1938 Chrysler. Birthdays and anniversaries When Ralph and Kathy Centoni s anniversary was announced, Ralph responded Tomorrow? A Brief Diversion Kurt Rein played a tape of a song about a Model A Ford. Drive Around Jim Fredenhagen announced the destination for tonight s drive-around is the Village Inn on Dimond Blvd. As we have so many people going, we should proceed directly there. Meeting adjourned at 7:31 PM. Submitted 7-30-2017 Scott Hulse Secretary
8 Tinkering Times Eureka Pie Run Shows Potential As Annual Event by Jim Fredenhagen What could be better than a piece of pie with a Marvel carburetor on the side?! The first annual Eureka Pie Run was a huge success on Saturday, June 24. Nine Model A s and two moderns made the 260-mile trip with only one minor mechanical issue. The trip through the mountains was a good test for our Poco Quatros (little fours). The trip began in Anchorage at 9AM with 4 cars. A quick stop in Palmer picked up 5 more, and we were on our way. Humor by Rich Golding Its almost midnight. It s been a long day. Linda went upstairs to bed almost an hour ago. As I usually do, I remain behind in the family room, watching late night TV. Now that Colbert s show has finished, I turn off the television. I say good night to the parrot, who watches the boob-tube along with me from within her cage, located just aside the love seat. The bird refuses to acknowledge my goodnight greetings. She is visibly upset with me. She wanted to watch Fallon. I walk towards the stairs that lead up to the bedroom, and pause to turn off the lights. It is then that my world, which up to that very minute was routinely quiet, safe and comfortable, begins to erode. My breathing quickens, as I force a dry swallow. I can feel tiny beads of perspiration slowly forming on my neck and brow. Unconsciously, I begin chewing on my lower lip. My shaking hand extends towards the wall switch that controls the lights on the main floor of the house. It is a big Lunch was planned at Long Rifle Lodge, and we welcomed the rest stop next to the beautiful Matanuska Glacier. Back on the road for 20 more miles took us to Eureka Lodge where we were treated to the best pie in Alaska. A piece of their pie is like a whole meal. I had called earlier and they graciously made extra coconut cream just for us. The return to Anchorage was uneventful with a quick stop for light dinner at Turkey Red in Palmer. I particularly like their stew. We re looking forward to this becoming an annual event. Asleep At The Switch house. There are many lights in the house, especially on the main floor. The switch plate that my palsied hand is reaching for contains four switches, residing side by side on an ornate brass wall plate. I need to actuate the one that puts out the light going up the stairs. I bite my lip so hard that my teeth are about to break the skin. I hold my breath, and scan the four switches left to right, back and forth. It s now or never. I must make a choice. Another hard dry swallow, and leaning forward, I flick the rightmost switch. The kitchen light pops on. My teeth grit through pursed lips. My hand forms an upset fist that shakes in the air as I mutter damn! under my breath. The parrot, who s cage resides between said kitchen and the family room s love seat, scowls loudly at me for having awakened her as she was just nodding off. Linda s voice calls down from upstairs. Is everything okay down there? Why is Pewter so upset? Are you coming up to bed soon? Godsoe Jim Fredenhagen, Captain of the AAMA Model A s can t make up his mind between coconut cream and a Marvel Carburetor while dining at Eureka Lodge. Everything s fine... just fine, Dear. I was just coming up. I ll be up there in just a few seconds, Dear! I put my fingers up to my lips and turning towards Pewter, I shush her. This is Linda s bird. She loves Linda above all things worldly. She can talk just like Linda, she can cough just like Linda, laugh like her, and can even mimic a realistic flatulence sound that is almost indistinguishable from that of my beloved. I glance back at Linda s chuckling little spy, and hit the rightmost switch a second time, extinguishing the kitchen light and leaving the little feathered Benedict Arnold in the dark. Pewter reaches into her vast repertoire of sounds and lets rip a perfect five second fart at me. Will you SHUT-UP! I whisper at the parrot so loudly that Linda responds from upstairs, What s going on down there? Come on up to bed already, it s almost twelve o clock! Her words are followed by a (See p. 9, Asleep... )
Tinkering Times 9 Wednesday night cruises give our treasures exercise and exposure, and we get to eat out. June 28th, we ended up at Jewel Lake Pizza and Chinese Restaurant. It s a pleasant diversion Asleep At The Switch (Continued from p. 8) lengthy silence. In the realm of literature, gentle reader, Shakespeare would identify this brief quietude as a pregnant pause. With the gestation period now expired, the voice from upstairs pipes down to me sarcastically, How long have we lived in this house... how long? My eyelids shut tight, as I direct a hasty expletive at myself. Once more the voice from above pierces the fearful hollow of mine ears. Twenty five years! TWENTY FIVE YEARS! And you still don t know which switch works which light! The sad fact of the matter is she s right. Though I would never admit it to her, she s right. Funny, I conquered the multiplication tables when I was a small child. As a boy I mastered the names of every major league baseball team, as well as the cities they hailed from. In college, whilst studying literature, I committed to memory dozens of sonnets and poems. I can manage to remember my kids names, and exactly how much each one owes me, as well as my wife s birthday and our anniversary... but those damned light switches... how I hate those damned light switches! Venting my frustration and screaming up the stairs, I scoff back: I know which switch it is! Okay, then let s see you hit the right switch and turn off the lights on the stairway, already! Having eliminated one switch entirely, my mind races as my hand hovers over the other three. I take a deep breath and flick the one to the left of my first choice. Illumination from the front porch flickers in through the tinted windows on our double front doors. Although my wife can t possibly detect this light, being several solid walls away in our bedroom upstairs, her melodious voice nevertheless cascades down the stairs, heralding a jubilant, Uh-huh! From the darkness of the family room below, Pewter mimics with a stentorian UH-HUH! I flick the switch off that I had just tried, and try the one to its left. The light in the laundry room trips on. A nanosecond later I have it off as well, but I swear I can distinguish the unmistakable, all-too-familiar sound of my wife rolling her eyes upstairs and some thirty feet away. Not to worry, I think, victory is mine at last, as there is but one switch left untried. I snap the leftmost switch, as triumphantly the lights going up the stairs switch off! See! I yell pridefully to my wife as I jaunt up the stairs. But the absence of illumination and my twenty-five year lack of recognizing that there are seven steps going up to the first landing, not six, lands me face first into the rich wool broadloom carpeting. From six more steps and two left turns above, I can make out my wife s loving and tender voice, cackling with laughter. Six steps downward, four feet ahead and a turn to the right below me, I can hear Pewter loudly yucking it up, too. Wednesday Night Cruise May 17th May 24th Admittedly, things don t always work out!
10 Tinkering Times Two Quick-Succession Bear Encounters Your editor and his bride were relaxing on the back deck after a day s work when things got a little exciting. A little after 6:00, a beautiful cinnamon black bear came out of the woods just below where we were seated. As we all know, bears love bird seed, and he is seen checking out our (empty) feeder before exiting around the side of the house. Almost exactly one hour later, two black bears appeared, checked things out, then sauntered off. I was only able to get individual shots. July BIRTHDAYS John (J.R.) Russell 4th Kaylene Brown 14th Elizabeth Wiedmer 14th Dick Henningsen 14t Doug Nolte 15th Doris Fowler 18th Katy Aschenbrenner 23th Esther Combs 24th Jim Graham 30th Judy Morfield 30th Lee Plummer 30th Gwyn Wiedmer 31th ANNIVERSARIES Diane and Dennis Allen 6th Jean and Greg Lear 21st Gywn and Mike Wiedmer 24tth Millie and Dom Spezialy 28th AAMA P.O. Box 232086 Anchorage AK 99523-2086