Saturday, June 07, 2008

It's Back!

A cure for our "winter" blues arrived today. Our dearly departed Land Cruiser has risen from the automotive death and is alive and kicking again. It died an exciting death about 6 years ago -- a fan tore off and burst through the radiator causing a massive explosion of hissing steam -- and it is now back, only missing a muffler (it roars like a beast right now), registration, and a lot of tender loving care. Eric towed it back today from the garage where it has been undergoing repairs for the past year (free labor but not free parts -- Eric worked out the deal by advertising on Craig's List) and we were all so excited to have it back and running again. The boys only remember it as a cool place to play and Laine has no recollection of it at all. It really did make me so happy. I know that to you it must look like an old piece of junk, in many ways it is, but this it the greatest car and I hope that you'll get to drive in it with us someday. The kids are planning a campout already and I want to enter it in our city's summer parade, hopefully it will be hot enough to take the top off and Eric can have a PA system installed again.
Everyone got to work to make it a bit nicer. Ridge duct taped the seats. Laine cleaned the steering wheel.
Sommer checked the tires and floors.
Cannon used an entire bottle of Method Cucumber scented cleaner to clean various parts of the Cruiser.
There's a happy guy, his old friend is back. There is still a lot of work to do but what fun work! Now if we only had a garage to put it in....

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

I think its cool!! I would love to have that cool Cruiser! What a happy day..I love the pictures of every one working to make it beautiful..and especially the look on Eric's face..awesome. :)

mindy said...

Oh man, that is such a beautiful cruiser. Congratulations! It is wonderful to hear that it is running again. I still remember how hopeful you were that Oprah might see its need to be restored as a worth while project. I am happy it has finally happened for you. I hope you get some sun and will be able to make some great memories.

Lark said...

Ok, first of all, it looks so cold there! I'm sorry, but sweatshirts and pants!
But really - I am so excited for you guys to have the cruiser back. I know it was great dating memories and I even remember you guys taking me for a spin when you were dating or engaged. So fun to see that it is still with the family :)

Lynne said...

We laughed and laughed at your story,Paige! I called Ed and Todd and Alex to come upstairs and see the pictures and I read it all to them. What fun memories! I'll have to donate the Disney CD with Kiss the Girl on it that they played over the PA all the time! The kids all look so cute and Eric looks so pleased! I'm remembering the garage as the Blaser Auto Body Shop one summer--there may still be a box of Cruiser left over parts out there! Sure wish I had $10,000 to send you for an upgrade! Isn't there someone who wants to donate for the parade? I'm in line for a ride again sometime for sure!

Doug and Merrill said...

Welcome home, old friend. I totally remember the cruiser (since we had one, I noticed all the cruisers). I think itʻs a great ride. Are you coming to the reunion this summer? Hope so.