MARCH
SPRING IS HERE
(almost) April 2003 we embarked on the first long drive in my 1966 Chevy II (purchased in 1985) from Orlando to Pigeon Forge, TN for the Spring Rod Run. So here we are getting ready to cross the Appalachians and 10" of snow just fell. By the time we came out of the clouds, the car was a mess, nerves were frayed and I was frozen.

We arrived at the prepaid hotel only to be told that they didn't know about the car show and cancelled all of the rooms. If we wanted to stay we'd have to pay the new higher price. After a much heated discussion, they saw it my way. Tucking in the Nova for the night, safely close to bushes for protection, only to find a giant scratch on the trunk lid the next morning.

Considering the rough start, the show was great and the Nova performed perfectly. After a very long and hot drive back, we just wanted to get home but I spotted this beautiful field of pink phlox in Serrento (NW of Orlando). I couldn't pass up a good picture. We spent nearly an hour at the old corner convenience store with the camera plugged into an outside outlet charging the battery just to get a few shots.

Just a little extra time, and a little extra effort, I got this great photo that I have used over and over for 17 years. It combines my two passions: cars and flowers. I drive through Serrento quite frequently and have never seen those flowers bloom again.

Just a reminder: Never pass up the opportunity to stop and smell the flowers.