Barrett Jackson

Bob, his brother, Walter, and Rose's cousin Richard Peine, went to the Barrett Jackson auto auction. They just went to look and did not buy anything. Later Bob learned that a 1976 Mercedes 450 SEL originally owned by Doris Day sold for approximately $8,500. It might have been the Mercedes you can see directly to the rear of the little green roadster. He was a bit disappointed because he could have bought that car. Many of the collector cars were auctioned for over $100,000. Maybe next year Bob can buy something at the auction. We all kept saying, "If only I had kept my...(fill in the blank)." If you double click on the photos they should enlarge so you can see the vehicles better.

It was a real treat to inspect the many cars with Richard Peine because he owned several Corvettes in the 1960's and 1970's. He also worked as a mechanic on hundreds of cars that were similar to those now being auctioned. He could recognize the motors and carburetors on the allegedly original cars and would point out where the original equipment was missing. Richard is standing in front of a black Stingray which is similar but not quite as nice as the one he once owned.

If you ever have a few hundred thousand dollars burning a hole in your pocket and want to buy a collector car, Bob will be happy to accompany you to the next Barrett Jackson in Scottsdale. It will be a lot of fun.

Our Happenings

First of all, we want to wish you a very Happy New Year! Today, Jan 20 was a historical day in our beloved country--A new president, the 44th was inaugurated! We watched the swearing in of President Obama. We are hopeful that this will be a good 2009. We approach this year with thanksgiving for all the blessings our Heavenly Father has given to us.

Bob continues to work in the yard. He has planted a variety of seeds in our raised garden bed that I hope you will be able to see in the pictures. Look to the left of the picture and hopefully you will see the raised beds made out of block. Also behind him are some more raised gardens that have not been planted yet. Of course you will see the big pile of dirt (17 cubic yards) that we had delivered to help with the gardening. We had another pile half that size delivered in Oct of last year.

We love the warm weather during the day and it gets so very cool/cold when the sun goes down. We are thankful not to be in snow.


We have also seen other people's gardens who belong to the East Valley Garden Club which we also joined. We enjoy seeing how people manage their gardens and we often bring home cuttings of various plants to add to our garden. We have been planting various cacti in the front and a few odds and ends in the back yard.