The bliss of wrenching

I haven't been online for a few days so, beyond my absence from this blog, I haven't done my routine Myspace visits. Therefore, this entry will likely be a bit long due to the delay and having a lot to say.

Last Friday, a day early, I came on up here to GA. The kids came back from Cali early so I spent a few days with them, while I had the opportunity, going to the library, the beach, etc. However, I ran outta money (gas) to do anything with them and since I already had the trip money set aside, I went ahead and left, a day early.

The first night in GA, I stayed at my mom's and spent the next day with her. I was happy to take her to get a new cell phone. She had her outdated phone for a few years so getting a cool new one for free was way overdue.

That next afternoon, after phone shopping, etc., I headed on up here to Toccoa, to my father-in-law's. I know I should call him my 'ex'-father-in-law or 'a friend', but neither one sounds right to me.

The first night up here, we did part 2 of the heads/camshaft swap on the Elk. We got the headers disconnected and the heads removed. He is changing the camshaft and the heads because the 500hp beast only ran on racing fuel, 93 octane 'premium' wouldn't quite do it because of the compression.

The second night, two nights ago, the reason we are both still exhausted, we were out in the garage until 9:30 or 10:00 doing part 3. We got the lifters, water pump, radiator, and camshaft removed. The threads on the block for the heads were also re-tapped to clean and sharpen the threads for accurate torquing of the heads.

As we each took a side of the engine and wrenched away, I was reminded of the beautiful experience that is wrenching on something with someone you love. I hope to share this joy with my son much. The sound of strong breathing through noses, sweat dripping as I feel the head of a bolt, because I can't see it.

I am also reminded of why I love math and machines, which are so closely related. A+B=C. What you put in directly corresponds to what you get out.

I am exhausted but it's definitely a good tard. I feel like I accomplished so much. I am once again thankful that God not only gave me the opportunity to feel this way but also that God made me the way I am and also made Butch in a similar way and put me in a position to know him.

In between giving the Elk love, we also gave his daughter's Mustang some attention, and replaced the 'dog-bone' (motor mounting bracket) in his wife's Caddy, which required some customization, my favorite. He had another one but it was for another car so we had to modify it to make it fit.

This Friday morning I plan to head down to Athens, my reason for making this trip and source of much fear. I trust in God's will and don't fear that. My fear is in facing the challenges ahead.

Friday afternoon, I plan to go see TGB; spending the afternoon at the pool before enjoying some refreshing beverages at her house and spending the night. Saturday, I plan to go see Claudio and Tham and spend the night before my morning departure the next day for Ruskin, FL.

Listening to: the gentle whispers at the library here in Toccoa, GA