I was down in Northwest Arkansas over the new-year holiday visiting my parents. On several of the days the temperature got above 70 degrees and the sun was shining. It got me to thinking how nice it would be to live in an area where open top driving is a year long activity. Sure, they do get snow and cold, but it only lasts a couple of days at a time. And they don’t use road salt, so once the snow melts, the roads are clean. Being able to hand wash and wax a car outside in January was a treat.

But on the way home reality set in. I drove home on the backside of our first snowstorm. Salt and slush were covering the highway. Not good conditions for an MG. So now I’m suffering from the Chicago winter sports car blues. But there is a cure. Or at least some temporary relief. One of CMGC’s signature events, the Swap Meet and Autojumble, is coming up at the end of the month. So big this year that Jim Evans arraigned to have an extra day added to the calendar. February 29 is the date. A chance to pick up those bits and pieces to finish your winter car projects. Bargains abound. And not just MG stuff. I personally have been collecting Jaguar parts over the past several years. I’ve got a set of cam covers for an XK engine, two hood leapers, five knock off wheel spinners, and a rear deck lid for an XKE coupe. Just like the late Johnny Cash, I’m getting it one piece at a time.

Also this month is the annual business meeting and awards presentations. This will be on our regular meeting night at Mack’s. Please join us and congratulate the winners. Meet the new staff personnel for 2004. Also this is a good time to air your views on the direction of the club. Last year we had some spirited dialogue, and I’m sure that we will have more this year. It should be an interesting evening.