Quote of the day from Robert Scheer, "The idea of Newt Gingrich calling anyone else dishonest is an affront to reason." That said, and it should be said often, my thoughts turn back to the latest projects. My chopper project is nearly done. A couple little details to attend to and it will be finished. This is my first, and maybe last, chopper. I wanted to make one just to see what it was like and to see if I can make a buck. So far it has been an ok project on which to try some ideas and my cash investment is small enough I should be able to make about two bucks an hour for the time I have in it. Not a big profit but cheaper than going bowling. The 1972 Yamaha DS7 that has been sitting in a corner of the shop for a decade finally got into the inner sanctum and is nearly done. I found a rust free tank and fixed the dents, painted it the black and gold of the original except the gold I used is a little more gold, deeper, richer than the original. I like the color much better. This means I will need to paint the other parts also to match but I am willing to do that for the nicer color. It's not far from stock but enough the tank won't match. I always thought the gold on the DS7 was a bit anemic. Tires, points, battery and it will be ready for spring. I want something light enough to carry on the back of my pickup that I can load and unload by myself. So far it's either the DS7 or possibly a Honda 125 but the Honda is a bit small. If it had better electrics I would like to take the Ducati Monza Junior 160cc but I don't trust the lighting/charging system. Which ever I take it will be fun to be on the road again this spring. Hello Pacific, here I come. Other than the constant humor of the republicans trying to dance around issues with one foot in their mouth the winter has been quiet. What will we do for humor after the election? Let the mud slinging begin! Books on tape or CD have been a real boon. I have gone through about 20 books this winter while working in the shop. Mostly I listen to suspense stories but I also enjoy some educational items. Learn a little, laugh a little, ponder a bit and the day slides into history with a gentle sound. Be well, do good and keep in touch. LN