Finishing the 'rock' project

The pile slowly went down :)

 

 Besides just adding the rock on top of our diminishing rock area; we also decided to expand our area and add a nice fire pit.  Our friends gave us an old man hole made of heavy steel that would work perfectly.  Of course, it was extremely heavy and they had to use a machine to pick it up and put it into Chris' truck.

 We weren't sure we would be able to get it out of the truck, but we did it!  Chris backed the truck up to the spot we wanted, and then we slowly dragged it out of the truck and it fortunately fell where we wanted it. Whew!

 To celebrate - we had a fire!

 Fortunately the nights have been cooling off, so it felt good to have a fire :)

Beach time!

Also, while Chris was out west, Bolts and I went for some nice walks along the water :)

 

Back in the saddle!

Taking lessons again!  I've missed my 'horse therapy', so I've decided to take a couple lessons a month.  Not a lot  - but just enough.  So, while Chris was racing for a record in Bonneville, I was getting reacquainted with all things horsey!

 

 Beauty has been sold - so I won't be riding her (she is still at the barn, so I can still see her:))

A World Record at Bonneville!!

Another amazing trip this summer!

Chris headed west to Bonneville Salt Flats to race their Model A Gas Modified Roadster with a 4 cylinder motor (V4F)

Bonneville racing has been cancelled the last two years, so Chris & his friends were happy & eager to be back! They had made some changes to the car and had to wait two years to see how it helped (or hurt) their speed.

 

 Chris was the only driver this trip, but he couldn't have done any of it without his friends and their support and advice.

 

 The record they were trying to beat was 123.026.  Their first run, they only went 88 mph - carburetor issues.

 Waiting in line - lots of racers this year.  They were only able to make a couple runs a day, since the lines were so long (and at other times fixing issues)

 One pass, they did 122.999!  So close!  But then the water pump died.  So they had to fix that before they tried again.  But they were able to make an early run pass (best time to race) and ran a 123.763!!  The guys were So excited!  But then you have to take the car to Impound and wait until the following morning - as you have to back up the record.  They don't give you the record automatically with one pass.  You have to race twice in a row- where your average speed of the two runs has to have broken the record.  All record runs are repeated the following morning.  So if you do a record breaking pass one morning, you back it up the following morning.  It can be a long wait :)  They do give you 3 hours after your first record pass to work on the car and make any changes.  They guys thought about changing the gears, because they felt it could go even faster, but decided to leave it alone.

Sitting in impound!

 Beautiful morning to back up a record!

 So happy the salt cooperated this year! 

 From their first run on their first day - they decided to wrap the roll cage - so the wind would go around, and not drag.  It really helped them!  (see some of the pictures at the top of this blog)

 So they did it!  They backed up their record with a 123.306, so the record that goes in the Books is 123.534 - the average of their 2 runs!  They think they have more in the old girl, so hopefully they will be back again next year.  Unless they guys want to get something that will go much much faster...

Bonneville - is an experience you don't want to miss!!  I've been 3 times, and hope to get back for many more!

Project!

We have some rock around part of our backyard.  You wouldn't think it would 'dissolve' like mulch or wood chips, but it is definitely thinner than it used to be.  Of course, it has been 10 years since we added the rock.  So, I stopped by our local quarry and had some more delivered.  It's not as colorful, rather drab in fact, but it will work.  And hopefully keep those pesky weeds from popping up as frequently!

 

 I have a lot of work to do - and it will take me a while, since I'm only planning on moving the rock every other day (so I don't get too sore or injured).  I ordered a lot!  But we have plenty of spots to put any extra, so I'm not worried :)  We just may have the pile in our driveway longer than we want.

Cruisin'

Ok, it really is mostly a Hot Rod Summer and we are really enjoying it!  On a beautiful summer night, we went for a nice cruise in our red 41 pickup!

 

 Down to the water

 Bolts enjoying the ride

 To Fort Taber

 Past a great walking park

 and home before the sun completely set :)

Enjoying more than just hot rods!

We've been filling our weekends!  Cruise night on Friday; Polo on Saturday; Sailing on Sunday - repeat (or throw in another car show...)

 

We always enjoy Polo - it's fun and relaxing and ends early :)

 

 So many people enjoy it now too!

 Bolts is always a favorite.

 We just love the old barns on the Polo property.

 Oh yeah, we've also been taking Bolts for walks on the weekend mornings.  We're making sure he isn't left out of much when we are home.

 Sailing!  It's so nice to be on the water.

 Chris & Bolts playing on the yacht club's jungle gym

 Last Sunday, we sailed in a different direction - to see some new sights.

 Roger Williams University - these dorms have water views - can you imagine!!?

 My turn at the wheel!

 Sailing under Mt Hope Bridge.   What a summer!!

 And lets not forget Live Music on Thursday's at the winery!!

 Bolts loves their big grassy field!