9.6 - Getting Ready for the Big Dance

After we rolled into Carlisle, we took a quick respite to visit and catch up with Lisa's family - and introduce them to Lola. Dropped in to see Dot (Lisa's mom), caught up with Lisa's sister's family at a birthday party for our niece (Madison), and I finally got to meet Luke, Shaelyn's new cat/side kick.

Then we got down to business - needed to get Lola ready for her appearance in the show field at Chrysler Nationals. One of the things I love about Carlisle (established in the very early 1700s) is that is a Norman Rockwell style walking community. I love to take long walks, which was great after our trip. Headed out to find a local/old time service station that I could get Lola's oil changed at, that had a lift and would allow me to get under the car and inspect the effects of the trip. Headed down to one of the old parts stores in town, found out that it was out of business after 3 generations in the same family, but the old time service center/3 bay garage next to it was still going strong. Made an appointment for the next morning. Walked home to find Lisa hard at work cleaning out the second bay on the two car garage at her mom's place to make room for Lola. Took us most of the day - but we got Lola's quarters ship shape and organized.

Walked over to the fairgrounds the next morning to check out the lay of the land for the upcoming show. Got the low key hustle bustle vibe that you get in the run up to a big event that is well attended/well organized. Hurried on back to get Lola to her appointment/inspection. Rolled right on into the service bay and the work flow of a traditional garage/shop (Sloop Service Center - 12 S Spring Garden Street, Carlisle, PA) that had been doing this since Lola's day. Current owner serviced Lola - turns out the first car he had worked on was a Slant 6. His son was working the bay next to him. We talked cars and work ... Lola got her oil changed (I provided the oil and filter), greased, a general inspection,and a loose sensor wire repaired. Cost me a $20 bill. There were smiles all around - including the normal morning drop around crowd that you generally find at a place like this.

Took Lola home. Washed her off. Rolled her into the garage and the shade to start the elbow grease/wax on/wax off process for putting a shine on her for the show. Was a family affair that lasted well into the evening. Mixed in a lot of moments to stand back and admire the car and reflect on what had transpired in the last 18 months - with both the car and myself.

It was a great "work" day.

RH