9/20/2010 Family Update

It's been far too long since we've sent out a family update so here goes. 

Life is going pretty well for both of us. 

Susan is still enrolled in another photography courses at Red Rocks. She's been going there for 2 years and has a long-term goal of getting a photography certificate. She enjoys the classes and I'm glad it keeps her active in her hobby.

Remember those two pictures of Satchel and Tweetie hanging over our fireplace? We donated them to be sold via silent auction at this year's Pugs in the Park. Pugs in the Park is an annual fund raising event for the Colorado Pug Rescue. Hundreds of pugs and their owners come together to mingle and check each other out. It's probably the cutest event that exists.

The final race of the autocross season was yesterday. We had a good time zipping around and sometimes through cones. It seems we're going to be more involved in the events going forward by sharing the role of Chief of Workers. Basically we'll make sure all the necessary jobs are filled at each event. This wasn't something we were necessarily looking to do but it will be satisfying to have larger role in the sport.

The weekend before last we went out to High Plains Raceway (HPR) for our Nissan clubs September meet and greet. The Z Car Club of Colorado had rented the track for the day and we tagged along to hang out and watch. I ended up taking my 350Z on the track for 20 minutes. I was in the beginner group as it was my first time and Susan rode along to help me around the track (she had taken some ride-alongs earlier). I think I did alright as I caught up to two other cars and was waived by one (this was non-competitive driving). Towards the end all the dummy lights in the car came on but nothing felt strange so we finished the driving session. I heard from another driver that the lights meant my car was about to overheat and go into limp mode where it won't rev above 2000 rpm. I was glad that didn't happen. Unfortunately the aggressive driving (I hit 115 in the straight!) was enough to finish off my rear brakes and I had to change them out (this was another first for me). Driving on a real track was immensely fun and I think we may make an effort to go to HPR a few times a year going forward.

The basement studio/rehearsal room is almost complete. We finished installing the carpet last week and moved in our equipment. All we have left to do is mount a second door and finish some small things. We are extremely excited to finally be able to play again. Susan is very happy to not have to keep cleaning her darkroom equipment of our work dust.

That's all from us.
Max and Susan