It was a dark, dreary, and a stormy Saturday afternoon. Peals of thunder could be heard all over, with lightning flashes occasionally lighting up the darkened skies. A major decision has to be reached: Should we go or not? Should we take the Spitfire or the Mustang? Should Pete just stay home and continue to work on the fried wires of his TR3A? Such mind-boggling decisions for an Oriental mind. But wait - out of the tenebrous Pensacola horizon appeared a blue Volvo. A decision was finally made: We will ride with the Fells.
The first stop was at Smokey’s Real Pit Bar-B-Que for the caravan. From Fairfield Drive, we proceeded to Perdido Key for appetizers at Bill & Melissa’s home. The appetizers were a meal unto themselves. It’s obvious how hard the hosts and co-hosts (Pete and Becky) worked on them.
The next stop was at George & Audrey’s homestead. PBCA club members were greeted by welcome signs all over the place. Soup and salad was served and PBCA ravenously devoured everything - there wasn’t even a drop of soup left when the PBCA left. George, Audrey, Joe & Beverly are to be commended for making everybody feel at home and welcome.
Third stop: Main course. From Gulf Beach Highway, we traipsed on to Jeff and Marie’s house at South Gulf Manor off Brent Lane. The weather became nice, so Steve & Debbie decided to put the top down on their TR6. As soon as we reached Fairfield Drive, rain started coming down and we lost the TR6. Upon arriving at Jeff & Marie’s home, one of the club members asked: “Whose house are we trashing now?” to which one replied: “Jeff and Marie’s.” The delicious main course of boiled shrimp, ham and “hot” potatoes was co-hosted by Jeff, Marie, Stan, Sheila, Keith and Nelda.
Fourth stop: Dessert. From Jeff and Marie, we took Brent Lane until it changed to Beverly Parkway to Bayou Boulevard. At Pete and Norma’s house, there awaited old-fashioned ice cream sundaes, cake and brownies. The cake and brownies were compliments of Gus and Anne. (Norma can’t bake.) Everybody pigged out. The dessert was guaranteed to add inches to your waitline. Always remember: a moment on the lips, a lifetime on the hips.
Then it was time to go to the 5th and last stop. Pete, Norma, Gus & Anne were left behind to do a little bit of cleanup. Pete and I are now in a rush as everybody had already left for Steve and Debbie’s place. We decided to fire up the “Green Thing” and follow Gus & Anne in their Volvo. Much to our surprise, we caught up with several MGs, a London Taxi, and a Chevrolet Blazer in front of the fairgrounds. It felt real good to ask the several British car owners what they thought of when they were passed by a Triumph Spitfire.
By now, the rain had stopped. Off to the 5th and last run: Steve and Debbie Kinman’s place. Roberta, Steve and Debbie prepared cheese and wine for everyone’s delight. Upon arrival at the Kinmans, PBCA members congregated at the garage, and you could hear the oohs! and aaahs! and various comments about Steve’s garage. After being hearded into the house, everyone sampled Steve and Debbie’s home-made potions (concoctions?) which were numbered one through six [they have yet to name the wines: they are experimenting with the different tastes and I am guessing that they try to finish them as soon as one is made.] All are palatable but number 6 won by a long shot. The various cheeses, bread and crackers prepared by the hosts went well with the various wine flavors. Especially enjoyable were the rounds of corny jokes delivered by various members.
We had such an enjoyable day. For those who had prior commitments and were not able to participate, try not to miss the next one. It was really great.