Another day at the beach (day 2),

and we were able to explore into new areas that we had not been to before. Witnessing new sights and establishing unique memories. 

From the simple pleasure of nature, to a kite being flown, and onto the daily event of the sunrise, enjoy...

(Cherry Grove Point SC looking towards Hog Island, across fresh water, House Creek).

Morning kite flyer enjoining the day and the solitude.

Sunrise from the condo

Abandoned house?

W

 

Another day at the beach

can be a wonder of sights and sounds. Marg rented a condo in North Myrtle Beach for the month of December to see what the beach is like in the winter. Her condo is top floor of the complex and faces the ocean.

These are some pics from the first day including the sunrise.

W

Thin Blue Line

 As I looked out the window there was one

I watched and wondered

    then another appeared

As my interest grew, I continued to wonder

    curiosity took hold and I went to investigate

 As I approached I did not want to startle

    how to make contact without fear, mine or theirs?

Finally, recognition

    at first a questioning look, then onto a smile

The window rolled down

    "good morning"

        garnering a like kind response

"Would you officers like a cuppa' coffee"?

    they glance at each other

        tilt their heads and smiled

Trust

The tension broken

    I could see they had started to relax and 

    contemplate my offer

They said no, with a kind genuine thank you

    I replied "anytime, our door is always open"

You are welcome here

    be safe my friend

W

Customer service

is the key to a successful company, in the long term. 

Of the companies we have owned/operated this was always a priority and most important goal of our business plans.

Today I was able to witness exceptional customer service from a company that I had never dealt with before.

Marg wanted to get a binocular for watching dolphins (hopefully) or maybe whales during her December beach vaca.

We purchased a Leupold binocular with a chest strap system, and carrying case. 

The strap system plastic locks she could not open or use and the whole chest strap system was cumbersome at best, I would have never even tried to use it...

Anyway, we also bought a tripod mount for the binocular, but I felt that she would also want to be able to carry the binocular easily around her neck when walking the beach.

After doing some internet research I could not find a Leupold neck strap that would work with the confounded harness/storage bag they packaged with the binocular.

I called their tech line hoping to find a strap that I could purchase to do what we wanted. Once I got through, the rep was polite and started to "take my order", after a few questions from him I asked how much the strap would cost, he said; "we will send it to you as a replacement (or free), I never asked for this and was expecting to pay for what I wanted.

Wow.

In the past couple of months I have been through the ringer with multi billion dollar companies that fell far short in their customer service. Fact is they sucked, then today I was provided with service above and beyond the norm in this day and age.

Leupold, God bless you for your honesty and integrity. Makes me realize there are still honorable companies out there providing exceptional service.

W

A friend invited me

to a car show last weekend and usually you will find something very unique. Sometimes it is hidden,  maybe hard to find, or it is in your face like this Pacer resto mod...

Seriously some guy went all out on an AMC Pacer, it had me smiling and remembering when I eye witnessed the demise of one of these cherished automobiles of historical significance...

I worked at a Volvo Saab dealer and one day there was a commotion in the shop of 8+ mechanics, not technicians as they are called today.

Mechanics could look at a problem and figure out how to repair the defect. Sometimes this included improvisation, welding, a big hammer and gut instincts.

Technicians look at their Flute meter, or diagnostic computer screen and see that the computer is telling them to replace a part. A sensor, a brain box or any other electrical or computer part that vehicles use today. 

Anyway, the hub bub in the garage came across as "FIRE", any fire associated with a vehicle is not good. I have been involved in a few and you have little time to decide what to do.

So, out the rear door of the shop we all run and there to the left is a small plume of smoke coming from a car parked behind the shop. An AMC Pacer no less, a light piss colored Pacer, classic color for the year and model. One of the mechanics had the foresight to call 911 and tell them that a car was on fire, the fire department was dispatched and arrived within a few minutes. This is when the story evolves into "The Pacer" legacy.

All of the mechanics and I were standing across the street already stating that it would be best to let it burn, just kidding?

As we watched the firemen doing their sworn duty, we all started to notice  something, possibly unusual? They (firemen) seemed to be moving in slow motion, yes really, not one of them was in a hurry to, to, to stop the flames that were engulfing this, this remarkable piece of automotive history. As the mechanics and I looked at each other we understood, this was something that was not worth saving, it was better off as a burnt out shell of a pimple on the ass of automotive history. 

Needless to say once it was completely engulfed and a total loss did the hoses start to put forth the life saving water needed to save a piece of?

True story...

W

Car show Nov 12, 2022 picture gallery (abstracts)