Flack’s Fodder for the period is as follows -
December/January Report -
Expedition to Mena – EARLY morning December 4th, under cover of darkness, members of the Ark-La-Tex Packards expeditionary forces mounted an assault into barns, sheds and outbuildings atop a mountain in Mena, Arkansas. Led by Russell and Terry, baited with legend and reconnaissance by Nelson and The Flackmaster several weeks prior, the mission to secure the remaining Packard parts from Don Rook’s estate was underway by 5 am. Armed with two trucks with trailers and a 24ft box truck, we made it to the designated coordinates by 8am, and in the ensuing hours Packard parts were segregated from Chrysler parts, personal possessions, random fixtures, entanglements and the errant critters/insects. By dusk, the mission was successful and we were darned hungry. We secured 5 engines, 4 front clips, boxes and boxes of parts, and enough hubcaps to stretch from Longview to East Grand Boulevard. It is hoped that some of these parts will wind up on members vehicles.
Holiday Party at Billy and Cleburne’s – As reported herein, Ember Flack donned here apron and, with the assistance from all the members, commandeered Billy and Cleburne’s kitchen to put together the Holiday Dinner. From the scuttlebut, gossip and voiced opinions, “a good time was had by all”. Thank you once again to Billy and Cleburne for hosting this year, though on personal note, I missed hearing Toby on the piano with her accompanying chorus. Former President Bates gave his final speech as our leader, complete with a joke I still don’t understand. Must have to have been from Mississippi. (?) About half the members present participated in the first annual gift exchange. The most stolen gift was a pair of Packard coffee mugs (with Jim Hollingsworth being in the center of the action), and heaviest gift being a floor jack finally being claimed by Wendall Spreadbury. Yes, a floor jack. I believe replete in red paint demonstrating its holiday spirit. Surprise guest of honor was Kevin Waltman, website owner of the wildly popular www.packardinfo.com in town to proclaim The Word of Packard to anyone who would listen...or log in. The website is free and hosts the largest database of Packard information (manuals, brochures, service bulletins, parts lists, etc) on the web and is free. Free. www.Packardinfo.com
Packarding in Florida - Later in December Ember and I traveled to Florida to attend my nephew’s graduation from Florida Atlantic University. His Bachelors degree in Accounting was awarded Magna Cum Laude and he is continuing his studies to gain a Master’s in Tax within 3 semesters. I report this as the trip included a side trip to deliver a Packard window switch to one of his neighbors. On other occasions, I have dispatched my nephew on missions to support his local Packard activity. TPO.
Remedial Woodgraining – A term coined at last years Salado woodgraining training session, Ember woodgrained dashboard pieces for Eric Toce which were later delivered to Chad by Nelson & Warren Bates for clearcoat application. Now back in Eric’s hands, he reports progress in putting his car back together in anticipation of its trip to the paint booth. Pictures please, Eric. Stay tuned.
Stay Tuned – The first meaning being of utmost importance to your Packard, my observation is if you are thinking of having Russell do any work on your Packard prior to Salado, you better get your name on the list, fast. At my latest count, there were 2 Packards at Russell’s now (Bill Shipp’s 51 and Stewart’s 53), final work being done on Nelson’s 40 Sedan, and at least 2 more already on the wait list, including my ‘37, last seen in Marshall, TX with the heater on full. You may think its January and not Packard weather, but come Packard weather, do you want your car in the shop, or ready to go? This commercial message not a paid endorsement. Who else are you gonna TRUST with your Packard?
Upcoming Events – The Cajun Cruise, 2011. I know this is going to be a great weekend - Be there, or be sorry....that means you this time.
Well, I gotta go pack now – headed to the Packards International membership meet in southern California. I am meeting Eric Toce at DFW and from there, its gonna be All Packards All the Tiime for then next 3 days. Report to follow...
Stay Tuned,
The Flackmaster
No comments:
Post a Comment