The Steering Column
Left Hand Drive from our President

What a Summer! It’s been quite a busy one I don’t know where the time going. Here another month has come and gone and I still haven’t been able to finish the 1979 Mustard (Yellow) MGB. All that’s left is the Bonnet but every time I think I might have a moment to work on it something pops up. Hopefully it will be ready for The British Car Festival. Time will tell.

On another note the club car project is coming along slowly. By the time your reading this I hope the brakes are done along with the exhaust. This will complete the next level of work we wanted to achieve and then stop to evaluate how far we wanted to take this project before putting it on the auction block. We will be selling as a PROJECT CAR !

As for an update on the MG YB the rocker panel fabrication is complete and installed on the car with the body now sitters on the frame. The Doors are opening and closing properly after a few shims from Bill. Now we’re moving on to installing a MGB engine with an overdrive transmission. Should be quite the challenge but I’m sure we’ll come up with something.

That’s all for this month ! Keep’em running and on the road.

~~ Dean Hickenlooper    
your humble servant    

	The Steering Column
	Right Hand Drive   from our Vice-President

Bonding on the Road

I would like to dedicate this month’s column to Penny L’Heureux who recently passed away. She will always be remembered as a beloved member of our club. Penny with her warm smile was a joy to have on any rally or tour. Especially if you needed a push start. She will truly be missed.

All car enthusiasts understand the pleasures and rewards of a good road trip. Watching the miles go by while enjoying all the wonderful scenery that nature provides. But most important, is the company we share this experience with. In early August I had one of the best road trips in recent memory. Both of my sons were able to join me on a trip to Northern Minnesota.

Ah, the land of greatness. Great big pine trees. Great big open pit mines. Great big mosquitos. And great big pasty pies. The sights, sounds, tastes and bites of the great North. Due to moves and careers, this was the first time the three of us have visited my homeland together in close to 15 years. I bored them with all of the sites that I hold near and dear. We drove past my grade school and childhood home. We zipped by old friend’s homes. We cruised thru downtown Hibbing past Bob Dylan’s house while on our way to Sunrise Bakery, home of absolutely the best potica (pronounced poe- teet- sa). Unfortunately, we couldn’t find any worthy sarmas, which are Croatian stuffed cabbage. But we did enjoy a visit with my favorite cousin at Sammy’s Pizza. Sammy’s is by far the best pizza in Northern Minnesota. No one can pass thru town without stopping there. Must be a state law or something.

We stayed at the lake house my father built with the help of my two older brothers and myself. The three of us together seemed to possess a total of six left hands. Fortunately, dad had the skills and patience to correct our handy work. The cabin now belongs to my older sister and her husband who thankfully, made numerous improvements over the years. Most notable is electricity and indoor plumbing. There is also a bunkhouse complete with sauna that the three of us took over. At our disposal were kayaks, canoes and a paddle board. Why do sons think it would be so hilarious to see their father make a fool of himself toppling off a tipsy and unsteady board? Well, much to their surprise, with grace, poise and balance, I stayed upright. When it comes to watersports, the old man’s got skills.

After a few days it was time for us to say good bye to all of the relatives and cherished friends. On the drive back to Illinois, the car was filled with some great memories and stories along with the aroma of some fantastic take home treats from various purveyors of the North.This was a trip that I will always look back on and remember our time together.

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