MGAguru is Going Mobile

A few people know about this already, but since there is now a definite date it is time to make the public announcement. MGA Guru is going mobile in a big way. I have been planning and preparing for some time. I bought a laptop computer to replace my old tower cabinet PC and large desktop screen and separate keyboard. I bought a new digital camera, a cell phone, Bluetooth earpiece for hands free chat, and a miniature external hard drive for data backup, all of which can recharge from the USB port(s) on the computer. I also have a couple of Universal Car Chargers that plug into the cigar lighter and have switchable voltage output to recharge the laptop and to power a low voltage scanner. I will have to give up my beloved laser printer, but I haven't quite decided what to do for a portable low voltage printer (as I hate ink-jets). I haven't decided yet on a service provider for the mobile hotspot for wireless internet access anywhere, but that should happen this week.

Why all this change and preparation? I have just officially retired, have picked up my first Social Security benefit check, and I am going on vacation. The kicker is, I will not be "coming home". To be sure it is nailed down firmly, the house has been sold, and the last day in my prior home of 35 years will be May 4, 2014. So where am I going on my retirement vacation? Nowhere in particular, just to wander around where the wind blows and wherever my urges may take me. Not needing to be anywhere on any given day there is no rush, so I plan to travel in a leisurely fashion, perhaps little or no mileage in any given day, or perhaps more travel if I actually intend to go somewhere in particular. There is a golden opportunity here for all those people who have said, "If you may ever be in the neighborhood stop in". So there will once again be a red MGA with a little black trailer following carrying camping gear, tools, a few car parts, some personal belongings, and this time communications equipment. The word is, home is where you hang your hat, and my hat will be in the MGA most of the time, wherever it goes.

Meanwhile I will remain a loyal member of Chicagoland MG Club, and I intend to carry on my duties as Webmaster for the club, as well as maintaining my own web site MGAguru.com. These functions have always been carried out by remote access to the internet. Now that my computer and other equipment is portable, that remote access will not change, no matter where I may be. Just that I may not be attending so many local club membership meetings, and Staff meetings may do with more messages and one less live body in attendance. For anyone concerned, my prior land line will be disconnected after May 4, my new cell phone number is 630.946.3841, and feel free to call any time.

I will definitely keep in touch. I will post regular updates on my activities on the MGA forum of the MG Enthusiasts web site, the MGA bbs on the UK server, likely have a new communications page on MGAguru.com, and I may even learn to use my Facebook account (maybe). Most people who visit MGAguru.com and send email and make phone calls would likely not notice any difference in the world. Pretty sure my snail mail address is going to change to a PO box number, yet to be determined. I so far have just one appointment for personal business in Arlington, Virginia, sometime soon but with no definite date. Let the discussions and inquires begin.

Barney Gaylord
1958 MGA with an attitude
http://MGAguru.com

~~ Barney Gaylord