STOPGAP BETWEEN ROUNDS THRASH

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There's no other way to put it: I've been in thrash mode for several weeks, and still have at least two more to go. No time for blogging around. So here's some panic-time imagery from merry olde Santa Pod Raceway in England. 

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UPDATES

Lonnie Gilbertson's John Deere-powered single lung belly tank is back at Marty Strode's shop for refinements. 

In his "spare time", Marty is performing final assembly of his now-painted Ford cabover.

And in their "extra spare time", the Strode Bros' Tetanus Shot salt scooter gets a little nurturing...

... as future projects continue to pile up like cordwood outside the shop. (Photos courtesy of Marty Strode)

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This week on CHASING THE O'BRIENS:

It seems America's most beloved family unit since the Coneheads have settled into Florida's tropic groove. And why not? After rolling across the USA in their '59 Parkwood, they deserve some R&R before pivoting and aiming the wagon back at the west coast.

Daytona surf and turf!

Disneyville!

Birdie and Cormac are now on the state sign!

Garland, home of the Swamp Rat!

Stalked by a lion at Lake Ichetucknee! Rest up, O'Briens. And thanks for the ride! (Photos courtesy of Shawn O'Brien)

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SQUIRREL AND TOOLBOX

Spotted by my sweetheart Shellski, at a coffee shop somewhere in America. Maybe Florida! (Shellski shot)

Celebrity toolbox at a celebrity location: Chuck Potvin (you may have heard of his superchargers) made magic for decades at Moon Equipment Company in Santa Fe Springs, California with this humble box. (Photo courtesy of celebrity photographer David Steele)

GRIN

More wrench twirling at The Pod...

The Pod's only permanent restroom. Submit your caption to the COMMENTS box.

NEXT WEEK: Probably more of the same. This is how it's gonna be through August, folks.

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THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT

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Let's face it, ninety-nine percent of the content on this blog is fluff. And during my bouts with Deadline Fever, that percentage skyrockets. My apologies. But that's just how it is. I can't be everywhere, doing everything at once. I share your disappointment at my mortality. But do not despair. There is hope for the future. A whole new generation of overachievers is now positioned to humble us all. In fact, the future of hot rodding is so bright, you gotta wear shades to take it all in. I recommend the Sunglass Hut at the Rogue Valley Mall (2nd floor plaza). Prices start at an affordable $9.95. My sincere regret to the uncredited photographers. I know not who you are.

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CHASING THE O'BRIENS PART III

Grab your scorecard and your pen. The O'Briens are at it again. Last week, they tangled with a tornado in Iowa, and ultimately landed in Chicago, Illinois. This week, they embark on an inexplicably convoluted course through the Midwest, en route to Florida. Hey, don't look at me. I didn't plan their itinerary. Which O'Brien is your favorite? Shawn, Kenna, Cormac, or Birdie?

Oosp! Wrong photo.

Ah, that's more like it.

The O'Briens celebrated surviving an Iowa tornado by attending this yard sale in the town of Walnut.

We last saw the O'Briens in Chicago, where Shawn was signed-up for some seminary classes. This is his excuse for being tardy on the first day of the course. 

Back on the road, boredom sets in somewhere in Illinois.

Amish in Indiana? Sure. Why not?

Ohio!

Carlisle, that is. Aliens. Space ships. Ohio hospitality.

Dayton. Birthplace of the fan belt! Two Birdies with one shot.

Kentucky!

When in Louisville... where else but the Louisville Slugger Museum.

Kentucky Corvette at Bowling Green, where they make these things.

A van full of stalkers chased the O'Briens to this lonely rural location, somewhere in Kentucky. Turns out, they just wanted to take photos with the wagon. Whew!

Tennessee!

Birdie made some new friends in Tennessee, using birthday cake for bait. She's four now. Cormac provides brotherly support behind the scenes.

While the kids scarf cake, the folks escape for a night in Nashville. Methinks Shawn and Kenna needs to get out more often.

A stormy night of camping at Mammoth Caves in Franklin, Tennessee.

Then, the tension builds through several days of silence. The O'Briens are off the grid...

 Surprise! Happy 4th of July from South Carolina! Land of sandy PB&J's! Note absence of Confederate flags. (Photos courtesy of Shawn O'Brien)

Where to next? Place your bets now.

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SQUIRREL AND TOOLBOX

This is only the beginning. Chances are, the moment that set your course was every bit as innocuous as this.

Squirrels and kids go together like trees and chainsaws. And you get bonus points for capturing the moment!

GRIN

Does this photo seem familiar? We double-dipped it to use as a pawn in a fun game for the kids: Can you name the smiley girl on her daddy's lap? 

SREDNE ACIRE:REWSNA

NEXT TIME: UPDATES FROM YOUR HOT ROD HEROES!

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