I had a plan...

The plan was to buy my uncle's Harley, get a used Wrangler to drive on rainy days and in the winter, give little Mike my old Explorer, and big Mike could trade in his truck so we could have a larger pickup or some sort of family vehicle. It was perfect. Then the Explorer heard about the plan and let us know how she felt about it - she cut out completely, right on the interstate. Now she's in the shop, waiting to get some expensive work done, while I drive the totally awesome F-150 quad cab that the dealer gave me to use until I get her back. I still want the Harley - I still want my plan to come together. I've always wanted a Jeep, with the top off, hair flying in the wind and the sun on my back. I've always secretly wanted to drive a bike too - now I can. My uncle was short, just a little taller than me, so I'm pretty sure I could handle his bike. Hmmm...now where to get the funds? That's another plan, one that I haven't totally come up with yet. But my aunt knows that I want it and she won't sell it to anyone else. It will wait.

Back in the saddle again

Let's see - since my last entry, what has gone on in my life? Well, we went to the funeral - it was very nice. My uncle was in Vietnam so the Air Force Honor Guard came and did the whole flag presentation ceremony, played taps, etc. Very impressive. There were a lot of people, many of whom I haven't seen since I was a kid. It was neat to be able to introduce them to my kids. I got a lot of "I'm sorry about your uncle, and your mother...". Afterward we went back to my grandmother's house and lots of people came back - there was lots of food - Italians always bring food. :) My uncle's friends had so I grabbed one - it had been a long day. Then I went down to the basement to see my uncle's bike - he has an absolutely magnificent harley. He kept it in pristine condition and it was breathtaking to see it up close. I hope my aunt keeps it or at least sells it to one of his friends.

On the way home I took the kids to Staples to get their school supplies. $200 later we headed north for the long ride home.

I've spent the weekend puttering and re-hanging the things that we had to take down for the painters. I cleaned out our closet because I could barely walk through it. I took little Mike driving today - he's getting more comfortable. I'm starting to settle in again.

Work is good so far - still figuring things out, and I have a lot to learn. It will be a good thing, though.

I posted a picture of my new tattoo on my flickr page. It's finally just about healed and it looks great. I love it. :)