2008 at the Hammond Barn

[RHClarke]

Today, we had the pleasure of hosting Gordon Yeo and his cousin (sorry, mate - I forgot to write down your name...) from Manotick. Guy Vapeur also made an appearance. The entourage took the royale tour of Bob’s empire and then we headed down to Chez Marie for a bite to eat. Curious thing, the food was free for the Hammond gang…Gordon was first off the mark after brunch and picked up the tab. You may have started a dangerous precedent there Gordon!

After brunch, Bob worked on his arches, while Grant hammered out a repetative tune on his truck roof. I satisfied my CMP urge by cutting back some growth around my shelter and by the Dodge truck park - where a new (to me) stablemate will soon join them...more to follow!

[RHClarke]

Not to be outdone by the liberals "Green Shift", the Hammond Trio saddled up for our shortest ever recovery road trip to shift our own green monster. This trip took us out to the west end of the Nepean portion of Ottawa - the last vestige of civilization before hitting Kanata.

I decided that my life was not complicated enough, so I bought a '55 Dodge Ambulance from a fellow S&P volunteer. The truck is mostly complete with some missing bits and a need for an engine rebuild. Between Jesse's radio van and this ambulance, we should be able to come up with one working 3/4 ton truck. I kinda like the Dodge as it was the first military vehicle I ever drove (back in the day when my arms were just as thin as the steering wheel spokes).

Many thanks to Bob Carriere for volunteering his diesel pickup and trailer, and Grant for his attention to detail and safety. We moved the truck back to Hammond in short order with only one OPP officer giving us quizical looks...I hope to start tearing it down in the next few weeks after my next trip overseas.

Here is a shot of my new "baby":

[Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP)]

Originally Posted by RHClarke

I decided that my life was not complicated enough, so I bought a '55 Dodge Ambulance from a fellow S&P volunteer.

Rob, put in a propane beer fridge and dress Gracies Girls up as nurses, an' we're good-to-go!

[RHClarke]

Originally Posted by Geoff Winnington-Ball

Rob, put in a propane beer fridge and dress Gracies Girls up as nurses, an' we're good-to-go!

Geoff, There is no sense in trying to cool the beer in Hammond. It rarely gets any fridge time. As for the nurses, well, if they dress up like Faith Hill does in her "The Way You Love Me" video, then OK.

Unfortunately, the frau saw this post and reserves the right to pick the nurses - she mentioned that it was a good thing I have a 3/4 ton trailer to transport the other one...

I think I will concentrate on the HUP when I get back from Africa...

[RHClarke]

While this thread has been somewhat quiet of late, a lot of activity has taken place at the Hammond Barn (despite the absence of our fearless leader). Grant is restoring the roof for his truck, and by the looks of it, he is getting it right. It is too bad I don't have a "before" shot, but here is the "during" shot showing Grant's handywork from afar:



Bob made an appearance this weekend on Sunday. He was down east eating Maine lobster and drag racing Phil Waterman's Beauty. More to follow on that. It is funny to hear our Bob speaking with a Maine accent with French inflections...It is good to see his sense of humour has not left him, although his choice of headwear leaves one wondering...



Since I was too lazy to tackle the HUP, I decided to start stripping down the ambulance to assess the rust damage - there was significant damage, so I will be using the ambulance to kit out Jesse's radio truck, with a view to restoring the ambulance in the distant future.



We also chatted about the BBQ - which is on the near horizon. Get your steak orders in ASAP, or you will be left chewing the fat only...More from the barn later.

[Mark W. Tonner]

Originally Posted by RHClarke

... although his choice of headwear leaves one wondering ...

... after seeing a man and woman (whoses names are withheld, although they are on the wife's side of the family ... ) wearing full length fur coats in Sarsfield last week just after sunset, Bob's headwear looks normal to me for the area ...

[sth65pac]

I know just where you guys are at now.... Slow going eh!