I just want to share probably one of the most memorable experiences I have ever had in my life with those of you that I have enjoyed sharing things with here at CC.
It all started back on Feb. 10th when I get a call from Ronnie Reed informing me that his brother Doug was in route to Florida with my new Cobra, in as much as he had another one to deliver down my way. It was 10 days before my 60th birthday, and the car was to be my BIG present. This was OK with me; better early than late right? Well Doug shows up at 10:45 in the evening, and we start to unload the car about 11:00. Man, did my neighbors love that. Up and down US Highway #1; the pipes barking and rapping, upshifting, and downshifting, a perfectly clear still night until the thunder of the 427 broke all silence. Now I have to play it cool until the 20th (my B-day).
Last Thursday (the 20th) rolls around and it was just a normal day with calls from my daughter Megan in DC were she is going to school, and Mike my oldest son who lives in Ca. A delivery of 60 ballons and 60 lottery tickets was next. I'm still scratching #'s off. Then this dude shows up in a chicken oufit and does the "chicken dance" all around the house while reading a poem from our granddaughter. If I wasn't sitting down, I would have been rolling on the floor in laughter.
Now for the big plans; Carol (my wife), my mother, and David (my other son who lives here) all go out to dinner at a really nice restaurant in Boca Raton. As I am trying to decide on what I would like to order, in walks Megan as HER surprise. I'm thinking this can't be, she is in DC studying for exams. Well, I was surprised to say the least. Dinner was great! Plans were made for Megan to make breakfast for all of us Friday morning. We got home and Carol said I needed to open her present to me (as though she hadn't done enough already). To my surprise (again), she had bought me a miniature Cobra (to match the one in the garage) mounted on a plaque and signed by Carol Shelby. Now I have 2 - Cobras. Am I a "Happy Camper" or what?
XXXX This part is X-rated. XXXX
I am truely a "Happy Camper" NOW.
Friday morning comes, and here I am coming down the stairs with new driving suit and shoes in hand to show off, and who should come through the door but Mike and his new wife Sheri.
ANOTHER SURPRISE!
They had just flown in on the red-eye from LA. Now the tears start. I thought that by this stage in my life I could conceal alittle emotion; not true.
We spent an entire weekend of playing and partying that will not be forgotten soon by this old gear head. Needless to say the weather was perfect, and we had plenty of fun with the "Big Cobra."
Do my neighbors love me? Let me count the ways.
No, I think they hate me.
Carol and Dave had organized this whole thing, and I never had a clue. What a wonderful birthday!
Carol, Dave, Megan, Mike, Sheri, Ari, Carrie, Caesar, CJ, and Doruk; I love you all, and THANK YOU for being you.
YOU MADE MY DAY - BUT IT LASTED ALOT LONGER.
Thanks to you all for letting me share.
Terry
x 10 = 60