Have you ever noticed the smell of impending rain? It’s quite strong and pleasant. I have noticed on this journey that all my senses have been impacted. My hearing and eye sight seems to be a bit worse. Not unexpected but I can feel myself straining to hear and see things that weren’t as difficult in the past. On a positive side I feel more deeply. Not from a pain perspective but from an emotional side. I just have more love and appreciation for all that is. And then there is smell. I am grateful to be able to smell the rain. It’s something I never experienced and am appreciative for having that afforded to me.
Anyway, how much difference a few days can make. From the lowest of lows to some of the best days I have had in months. This past weekend was just amazing. After the few rough days of fatigue and fever had passed I woke on Friday feeling pretty darn perfect which lead us to a big decision to make.
This past weekend was the annual Greenwich Concours (if you haven’t been check it out, its amazing).
Aimee and I have made it part of our regular car scene for the last handful of years and I was particularly excited this year as we had two cars scheduled to be shown at the event. One of the vehicles was being driven down by a good friend but the other was on us to get there. Thus the big decision. Option 1 – Drive down in comfort, safety and air conditioning and play it safe and boring. Option 2 – Drive down in a 37 year old manual transmission rally car known as the original ‘widowmaker’ without Air Conditioning and play it reckless and stupid. Did I mention it was 90 degrees out with torrential rains and lightning forecasted. So what do you think we chose……
The phrase ‘go fast and don’t die’ has been a big part of my life. I am not one to take things slow and this weekend wasn’t going to be any different. I guess now I can add reckless and stupid it is….here we go!!!
The drive down in the Renault R5 Turbo was an adventure. Temperature swings from 90 degrees to 70 and all around. Blazing sun, torrential rain, and some of the most spectacular lightning I have seen in the Northeast in a long time.
To learn more about the Renault R5 Turbo click here https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renault_5_Turbo
Windows up, windows down, towels being held to prevent rain splattering in. Traffic flowing at 75mph all the way down to stop and go. Two hands tight on the wheel (like thats gonna matter). It was a crazy drive. Being a rear engine, lightweight, and powerful car it was all over the road when the rain came down. Could feel the back end moving out constantly. Admittedly, kinda fun!
Four hours later, lots of laughs, a lot sweatier, some white knuckles and not feeling any worse for the wear, we made it!
After a brief rest, we ended the evening with a dinner at a local restaurant with five of my favorite people in the world. The restaurant was quiet, the food was good, and the company was fantastic.
This was exactly how I hoped the weekend would start, just as it always did. I almost felt ‘normal’ again. After dinner, Aimee and I took the two mile walk back to the hotel and I was asleep a minute after hitting the pillow.
Saturday was an early day. Needed to have the car on the field by 730. Rose early. Felt great. Car started. Perfect start to the day! Since this isn’t a blog about cars I won’t spend too much time on the day other than to say it was amazing. So many friends I haven’t seen in ages. Beautiful cars as always and even an award for Aimee and I. One of the biggest pleasures I have at these events is having the opportunity to share our story and our cars with the next generation of collectors and restorers, the kids. Aimee and I were asked to be part of the youth judging event which is by far my favorite thing to do.
Not only did we share our story but we won Youth Award for the Conours de Sport! So great. To bring this back a bit, it’s important to note that I still got pretty tired on Saturday, enough where I had to go back and lay down for the afternoon and call the day short around 6pm. Even a week plus after chemo the fatigue is no joke. Not horrible but definitely not my normal Energizer self.
Sunday was more relaxed. Went back to the field to see some friends and more of the amazing cars and then made our trip back home. But we couldn’t pass by New Haven without a stop at Pepe’s for pizza and some treats from the Italian pastry shop next door.
Two hours later we arrived home, car tucked away, and put myself on the sofa. This truly was a great weekend for my heart and soul.
Next stop, cycle 2!!!!
Driving to a Cure 
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