The Piece

Ah, Doug's truck.

Doing what it does best

It is an amazing piece of machinery that follows us from state to state, very often being confined to one garage or another as he "works on it". Sometimes I ask if we can use it to move mulch or dirt or something along those lines. The answer I usually receive is: "That truck isn't really that safe. I'd prefer it if you weren't driving it."

So what is the point of having it, I wonder. It takes up space, requires yearly registration and monthly insurance. Wow, what a great use of monetary resources.

Looks like it's worth it, no?

Actually, I know the point of having it: Eventually, it will be a great truck. Eventually, we can use it for four-wheeling in the mountains, working in the yard, and helping other people move (we are never moving again, I hope). We bought this truck in 2003, used. And it hasn't been used much since. The last time I drove it somewhere, the engine almost caught fire. No joke. And I was pregnant and had my two little girls with me at the time. Bonnie wouldn't go anywhere near that truck for many a year after that.

But it is Doug's project car. And he loves it. He has been working on the body for about six months. It had a hard life in Vermont, where the salt meant for snow and ice ate away at it until almost every portion of it had holes. The holes are mostly fixed (except for pieces that will be hidden from view and don't matter to the vehicle's performance), and he has it primed.

Holes where the fender flares go, but no one will see them, right?

Very proud of his Jeep

The primed truck

Now the paint has arrived. He has been working late every evening, sanding the truck, and saying repeatedly, "I don't care. When the paint comes, I am done sanding. I could sand that thing for an eternity and it not be done, so I am done when the paint comes."

So, he has gotten into painting. And painting. Haven't seen him much lately. But the truck looks so much better.

More importantly, Doug has informed me that he's taking the boys "riding" this weekend. I love girls' days...they are so calm. I'm keeping my fingers crossed!