You always brighten my day.
Thank you for being a friend, Vance
Thank you Vance.
I find I live a lot of my unfulfilled dreams through what you are doing. Thanks. I have always been a car guy , a race and speed enthusiast, I love to design and manufacturer and fabricate . Mostly I always wanted to build my own helicopter. Some day I still hope to. Another birthday just went by for me . I am still on the ground.
In the meantime I feel privileged to watch you and all your Smokey associates and your fabricator friends create a flying machine out of sparks and welding fumes and wood and glass.
Mostly I observe your planning strategy and your thought process and your management style and how you overcome obstacles and snags.. It is a talent you have and one that I do not possess. I am still learning. I have learned a tremendous amount from you Vance. Thank you. Please continue.
I achieved one of my dreams by owning my own fully equipped Auto Body Shop. I know what it takes to meet payroll. In the early years , before instant banking , I would write payroll checks late Friday , and then work all weekend to bring in the funds required. It usually worked.
In later years I could meet payroll without flinching , but I realized my life was consumed repairing everybody else's wreckage . We have a government owned auto insurance industry here. It keeps the rates low for the drivers. It is a socialist system. If a collision repair shop turns out a high quality job , it gets paid the same amount as the fellow who turns out a lower quality job. I will never be a socialist. I was most fortunate to have a younger brother and his sons who now own my shop. They manage to thrive and always meet payroll. I am greatful.
During the intervening years I have been tasked with a huge journalistic project. I am not a journalist. I sought professional help and was unable to find it. It is on my shoulders to do it all on my own. Of all the talents you have Vance, and all the things I needed to learn on my own , you have given me a glimpse of a unique writing style. I will never be able to adapt it fully , but it has been a tremendous help to me. Thanks for the lessons.
I think that is what I really wanted to say.
Once I get it done , you will receive a first edition signed copy.
Once I get it done , I want to start flying again.
I would like to ride in Predator or Mariah.
You always get the good looking girls Vance.
Tell Edna she will have to stay on the ground for only one flight
I have money for gas
Ribs too
Arnie.