Just returned from Packwood, WA. The mosquitos at the camp ground were my only complaint. FUN, FUN, FUN!

The autocross runs were on an old lumbermill yard. The lot was huge. It was probably twice the size of the PIR site I first ran on. Increasing the size of the course made it MUCH faster. It took a whole new set of skills to handle the car at higher speeds. I learned alot! The next one I will be able to attend is in mid-August.

I switched over the the Kuhmos for the drive up and for the competition. I can NOT tell you what a pleasure it is to drive on REAL tires again. Frodo was actually quiet and not harsh. I can't believe I'm going to switch back to the run-flats tomorrow to "use them up". I may not believe it, but I also could never just ditch tires that had life in them. My Dad would strike me down from heaven if I did....

Hope everyone had a fun weekend.

 

Glad to see you made it home safely!! Did the Wifey enjoy herself as well??!!

I just got done a few minutes ago giving Molly some TLC!! A Dawn bath, Claying (only needed a little), another bath, Hydro, Banana Gloss. Wheels got some Slick...you gotta' try that stuff on your Wheels Mini2na!! And Tires got shined!! Did an Interior Detai last night!!

Weather looks like it is going to be GREAT this next week so my Girl is primped and pampered and ready to go!!

 

The wife had a good time also, but did not autocross. Next time we go, we'll bring along one of those fold up chairs that fit in a bag. The camp stool was a bit uncomfortable.

So, Slick is the Prima line quick detailer? Is it different/better than the Mcguiars?

Frodo needs a head to toe full deal detail. I noticed the little bumps on the finish even after washing and Hydroing. I don't have the BG, but have been really impressed with Epic and how long it lasts.

 

Yes, it puts a smooth Finish and Shine on your Wheels. And makes it easier to keep clean.

BG is alot easier to put on and take off, doesn't whitten your Black Trim either. But only lasts about 3 Months as apposed to Epic which lasts 6mos.

 

I don't know why, but for some reason I am talking myself out of the Winter Tire, Summer Tire Wheel/Tire Combo??!! It has to do with the $$ of what I'm wanting and the need to have a new set of tires...soon and still be able to get one last CC paid off, and be able to get Hubby the New Car he wants. I explained this to Hubby and that's when he said "get what you want", but I'm feeling guilty that I will be spending 1/5th of what is owed on the CC. I want more than anything to be Debt Free other than the 1 Car Payment Hubby and I agreed on.

So where does that leave me...I've found my All-Season Tires, Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS Pole Position. I'll save $165 if I have them shipped by Tire Rack. Where to get them mounted?? Dealer or America's Tire??

 

Here's my take.... (those are NICE tires)
1. Call Firestone (maker of Bridgestone) dealer to get a complete quote. (Check an OR dealer too, I found some differences in price as well as sales tax.)
2. Check Firestone on-line prices
3. Take your complete Tire Rack quote w/shipping in to see if they will meet or beat it.

If none of that gets you local with the purchase, I had good mounting luck with America's Tire, but almost any shop can do it right if you stress your concerns and then really watch them.

Sorry this is such a hard decision for so many reasons. I have trouble pulling the trigger too. I know what it is like, but safety first! And just remember, you're doing this for MOLLY.

 

Only the BEST for Molly Mini2na...you know that!!
I called Ann today and left a message just to see what she has to say, we'll see.

I also called Firestone Auto Care, they wanted $176 per tire!!?? TR has 'em for $108 and America's Tire $138...I was like !! Guess you know where I'm NOT going!!

 

WOW what a difference in price. I guess it comes down to the cost of shipping and mounting via Tire Rack and ??? vs America's Tire complete deal. It is worth something to be able to go back to a local dealer if something goes wrong.

 

I know...well I'm going to talk it over with Hubby tonight and make sure he understands that I want the CC paid off before we/I splurge on anything!!
I've also been thinking that I may need to make a trip to CO and help my Mom with her place. I will certainly have to have the new tires before I go.

Since my Step-Dad's surgeries he is not going to be able to be at the elevation they live at, so selling their house is the only option. I feel bad for my Mom, she loves it up there, but Blue's (Step-Dad) health is more important. So I'll be a Good Daughter and help out where I can!!

 

I talked with Ann yesterday and she said that I have plenty of tread left 3mm is 3/32's to the wear bars and there is more tread left after that. She also said that I can buy the tires and Rasmussen will install them for $105!! That saves me $60 over America's Tires, so it looks like I will be ordering from TR in late September!!

 

Yay! First day of vacation! (Well, I still have about 3 days of putting things away, but the kids are gone, taking their hyper hormones with them!)

Had our 2nd annual Major Mini gathering last weekend...over 100 MINIs in the parking lot, vendors, all kinds of goodies. Wore a temporary bulldog tatoo for a few days, bought a PW mini cell phone charm (need I say how cute it is?) and a MINI T-shirt...black with white writing. Each I is a road and the dot is a mini! We raised over $700.00 for doggie rescue

Hope tire issues get resolved! The nice thing about Scoop being a weekend princess is that she can learn from Molly, Bluebelle, Frodo and all!

 

Enjoy your Summer Scoopmama!!

Vancouver Schools aren't out unitl tomorrow...way later in the year than normal. We had a pretty wicked Winter, so alot of school days were lost. I can't wait for the morning traffic to die down a bit, funny how you can tell it's summer just by your commute.

 

I have just seen myself 45 years from now... I LOVE this woman! (Notice the classy color of her baby...)

http://growingbolder.com/media/techn...ad-259598.html

 

I love her!!! Do you think our MINI's will do a half million miles????

Have a great summer Scoopmama. I'll have to say that my first year out of the school cycle has been rather bitter sweet. I like the new handyman gig, but I miss the kids. The start of summer doesn't have the same meaning as before. (I'm slammed right now.... at the same time my wife is beginning to relax. Her last principal day is today.)

 

I HOPE the MINIs do 1/2 a million! Of course, at my rate of 3K a year, I'll be up to, what...120,000 when I'm 87! Scoop will still be a baby!

There really is something wonderful about working with kids, that I appreciate from late June through about April. THEN... the 7th graders begin to turn into weird, obnoxious 8th graders! ARGH! I just finished getting everything in order for September yesterday, so I have a summer with no school obligations for 2 full months! Yippee!

My brother-in-law up in Sumner has the same "problem" you do... all the work comes when the rain goes away, and he works his tail off. I guess in this economy, being overbooked with work is a good thing!

Hang in there, and don't forget your sunscreen!

 

*bump*
Just wanted to with all of my Tagus Buddies a
Happy & Safe 4th of July!!

 

You too! Happy Independence day motoring to Miss Molly, Bluebelle, Kermie, Frodo, Lil' A, and all others! This is Scoop, with the scoop, signing off! Vroom!

 

Bang, boom and sparkle on this 4th of July from the land of legal, safe and sane fireworks.... NOT.

My thoughts and prayers are with those who are risking their lives for us, even if I don't agree with some of the conflicts the government has gotten us into. Thanks to those men and women for the service to our country.

 

My wife was driving Frodo yesterday and drove the front right wheel into the curb. The wheel was scraped up. She was crushed and doesn't want to EVER drive him again. We'll see..... Don't tell Frodo, but he's just a car. My wife on the other hand is the love of my life!!!!

 

Aww, "you're a good man, Charlie Brown!" Check out some of the junk places that specialize in selling used MINI parts. Retrieved from wrecks, etc. You just might find the right front wheel. Or post on NAM? Good luck!

 

Hi all! Would any of you know or be thrilled to know I just won the entire collection of "A Bit of Fry and Laurie" on eBay? I am so excited!

 

I'm sure I'd be thrilled if I knew what that was!

 

Haven't got a clue either...enlighten us Oh Wise One!!

 

"Wise One?" Wow, compliments will get you everywhere! (I always feel as though I lose 50 IQ points during the summer! )

A Bit of Fry and Laurie is a British comedy series from the 80's, featuring Hugh Laurie (House, Stuart Little...) and Steven Fry. They were together for the Jeeves and Wooster series, also BBC. I am a huge fan of theirs. Totally irreverent and non-PC, and hysterically funny!

Click here for a YouTube song of theirs from the Bit Of series...

(you may decide to vote me off the Tagus after this!! )

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6riY-103vbc

 

and click here for a totally different look at the same actors as Jeeves and Wooster!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwgS1ctxglw