A Little Spring

Well, I can finally see the grass in most of my yard. It's pretty soggy, and the deer have really made a mess throughout the winter. Between the hoof prints everywhere (I guess if it were a golf course we'd call it aerated), and the little piles left by what they ate, it doesn't look or smell too good. The plus side is that I get to watch them as they go about their lives and get to see some start from little spotted youth, through their rambunctious times and into maturity. It's a pretty good thing really.
With the appearance of the grass comes the reminder that driving season is close at hand. I usually wait for a few good heavy rains to wash the salt off the roads before taking to the streets in the car. This year, it also reminds me of what I intended to do over the winter. Right now, the 'Cuda is up in the air awaiting a new electric fuel pump and a better fitting oil pan. (The wheels/tires/brakes will have to wait to be upgraded a little longer) I had issues with the stock mechanical pumps and ended up getting home on a flatbed, which is pretty embarrassing for someone that works on their own vehicle. The oil pan is a result of an engine being squeezed into a place that it wasn't intended to live. I found one that will fit better (thanks to friends) and make for fewer suspension contact issues. There's always some improvement planned.
Friends make many things possible. Without them, the hobby wouldn't have its appeal or be nearly as entertaining. I've learned a lot from people that have taken the time to show me a variety of things, but seem to learn the most from the stupid mistakes I make. Most of the time these mistakes only cost me time, which isn't too bad.
Just a couple of weeks ago, a few friends and I embarked on a what has become a yearly pilgrimage to Detroit for the annual AutoRama. Seeing what some of the greatest minds in the custom car world are doing always makes for ideas for our cars. Even though we were shut down before we reached Cleveland and never got to our destination, visiting with friends made the affair worthwhile. Although my drive started out in a downpour of rain at 4:15 AM and quickly changed to freezing rain followed by near blizzard conditions, it was worth the effort and time.
Whether its computer work, kitchen remodeling, plumbing or any number of normal necessities it's really nice to know that there are few people that can be counted on for support. As I get older, my definition of friendship stays with me. While the MySpace generation sees friends as people they IM with, add to their "friends" list, get into trouble with, or simply "know" from the computer, I can only hope that they learn the true meaning of having friends. Most of the "friends" out there don't meet my definition.
So as true spring approaches, I look forward to supporting friends and continuing to reap the benefits of a larger knowledge base. With that, I guess it's been too long since I've been a student, so it's time to get back into the classes and work toward my degree. I should be able to take a class this summer and then keep up through the next school year. I think I have the finances worked out to the point that I can take care of some more classes and look forward to learning more and putting it to use. So far the UF classes have been great and have shown me so many things that I use, that I can't imagine working without this new knowledge.
Thanks to all who've helped me over this last year. Whether it's wrenching, hammering or typing, I've had a host of people that have tremendously helpful and patient with me as I learn. Hopefully I can return the favors and help others as they progress.