Just thought I'd check in and say hi to some old friends on the board. Its hard to believe its coming up on three months since I got the wife back out of the hospital only to lose my mother in law and brother seven days apart on opposite sides of the state. Many thanks to precher mike, Boofer, and all those who e-mailed, pm'ed etc. their support. You all are a great group! I really appreciated it.
 The family has pulled together well and got healthier together, I took some time to grieve and spent some time getting closer to my 19 yr. old son. Then took a hard look at getting my knees in shape and get back riding. Last week, after a month of physical therapy I got cleared to ride. Yesterday I put my first serious hours on the bike in a long time. I got the feeling John was right along side for the ride. Kind of an eerie feeling but it was a good start.
 I hope all on the site have a great Thanksgiving and holiday season in general. I look forward to catching up on what I've missed lately, and its good to see the regulars still having fun here.

Ride safe

Dan

Southpaw, just wanted to let you know Prechermike has started a clock hauling service while you were away. Business has been a little "slow".  

Boofer wrote on 11/19/11 at 20:57:00:


I too am a little slow, but I am glad you are back.  The tough times make us apreciate the good ones.

Glad to count you as a brother, Southpaw.  We're all with you.

 You know, Mike, I was thinking about that this summer. I was planning on trying to catch up with Wolfman down in his neck of the woods before he had his run of bad luck. I had hoped to plot some "old hwy 66" routes into a couple of day rides or maybe a Springfield Mo. to Eureka Springs Ar. trek and see if there was any interest in doing a "midwest run" out this way. At the time, I think we had about 4-5 of us off the site within 80-100 miles of each other. Unfortunately that plan went south with my family's health problems!
 When and where were you planning on coming up? My middle daughter is getting married in May so my vacation time this year is looking lean, but I'm sure I could figure something out!