if only she could talk...

...her stories would undoubtedly be captivating!

her scroll reads, "N.Y. World Trade Center, East Side Terminal" indicating one of the stops she made in a past life full of public service.  among her scheduled routes, this one must've been a great source of chaotic chatter to take in.  she has first hand experience with a piece of american history that's now close to all of our hearts.

maybe, with a bit of sweet talking, she'll pass on a tale or two.

backing up on the timeline, Joe and i had ourselves a fine sunday drive out to Muskegon to meet this beauty a week ago.  her owners, Micah and kelly, gave us as warm a welcome as she did.  born in 1979 as a working girl, she now sits and waits for someone to take her into a life of retirement.  a well earned retirement, i'd say.  they had plans to give her such a break, but with 2 jobs, 5 kids and a new Harley .. it seems out of their reach.  so, up for sale she went.  (much to our delight!)

most of her seats have been pulled.  her paint is faded.  she has cracks in her glass and an airbag that has seen better days.  but yet, she is beautiful!  she purrs like a kitten, convinced that she's still in her prime.  (who are we to disagree?!)  after a bit of juice in her batteries, she fired right up.  that 8v71 detroit diesel is as strong as it ever was, and ready to see the world.

we spent a good deal of time checking her over, inside and out.  Micah and Joe poking around underneath for the most part, while i nosed around inside.  her bathroom is still intact, which is rumored to be a bear of a removal process.  "you can do it!" i swear i heard her whisper.  she tried and tried to pump up the air system for the guys, but the failing airbag was too much of a draw on her.  nothing a little elbow grease can't help out with.

a flip of a switch here, her interior lights fire up .. a flip of a switch there, exterior lights burn bright.  the old monster of a steering wheel replaced with a sporty new grant is just a hint to the race car attitude she's holding inside.  -rawr-

all in all, in was an absolute pleasure to get acquainted with this lovely lady, and we look forward to seeing her again.