Healy-Guttman Blog

2007 was a blur.  Before we set off to New Zealand I wanted to post a few photos of some end of year “happenings” in our world - Thanksgiving in SoCal with Suzanne’s side of the family, a trip to Hawaii with a visit from parents and friends, updated “Love Shack” photos, a visit from Bo and the new “rally car” just added to the stable.

Al & Bea came up to Whidbey Island for a brief visit and caught my last race of the year (Sovren Fall Finale) at Pacific Raceways.  Bea was introduced to the new pit vehicle by Suzanne:

 

I told Al to keep his hands off the car so he used his elbow instead….

….and I did finally win the overall seasons points championship.  It was a great weekend and a satisfying end to the season.  …sadly, nobody really cares….

After recovering from a trip to Vegas with friends Ron & Joy Todd, we headed down to Newport Beach where Thanksgiving this year was graciously hosted by Brenda & Joe Colgate.  Suzanne and Bren in the kitchen putting together the feast:

Joe and Sara messing up the feast:

Rachel & Jackie after the feast:

Bea tried to hold it together but something under Al’s arm was getting to her:

OK - sorry, Bea - here’s a better photo of you and Al after you ditched the family and headed out on your cruise:

 

From Newport Beach and too much food, we waddled directly to Kona for a few weeks and had a visit from Bev & Chuck and longtime family friends Bill & Joyce Beckman.  This was a crazy few weeks on the Big Island where we experienced some major storms complete with “100 year flooding” and power outages (we were done for several days).  It was during this horrendous weather that the folks decide to visit for the first time so we’re not sure when they will be back… 

From left to right - moi’, Joyce, Bill, Bev and Suzanne - at the Love Shack for their first visit:

With help from cousins Cameron and Suzy, we managed to put together a meal with no power - just gas stoves and a BBQ.  The good news was the rain had subsided (and we had plenty of wine).  Cameron, Mom and me:

….and Suzy:

Bill and Joyce Beckman were true sports about the whole adventure.  The first night we tried to distract their attention from the rain and wind with some lei’s - here is Bill sporting his - mine is plastered all over my shirt…

Mom & Chuck are all smiles - I think the power had just come back on…:

While I’m at this - here are some updated photos of the “Love Shack” - our home away from home on Kealakekua Bay:

 

Crusty recently had a “heart transplant” (new engine) :

Looking down our street (Kahauloa Rd.):

The grass has now filled in and the fruit trees have been providing an abundant supply of lemons, tangerines and soon limes:

Looking out the back of the house towards “Pali”:

The inside has had a “makeover” and things are pretty comfortable:

During our time there when the weather was a little nicer, I went for a hike with friends Pete and Cheryl from the “City of Refuge” 4 miles south of our village back to K-Bay.  We hiked up a rugged coastline that isn’t often trekked but was one of the more spectacular hikes I’ve had on the big island.  On one of the many beautiful rock formations:

After this trip we went home to our “other island” where Bo joined us for his Christmas break from UND.  During this time we travelled to Portland to be with family and join in the fun of Mom’s annual Christmas Party.  Here in her kitchen, Suzanne and I did our obligatory kodak moment with the rest of the “fam”:

Bo does the same with his generation:

Back at the ranch, Bo and girlfriend Jen decided to escape the parents and do some trekking in he Cascades.  They look pretty happy to be on their own…

Before I left back to Kona where I will spend most of January, I went over to Racecraft to take a look at the new “rally car” which we will be modifying and campaigning in the Targa Newfoundland event (2009).  Right now its a little rough and the striping leaves a bit to be desired - but there’s potential!  Jim Froula contemplating the list of “to-do’s”:

Ed Millman will be my chief navigator and rally mentor for some practice events in 2008 and the ultimate rally of Targa Newfoundland in 2009.  Here he is showing Jim where to put the fancy new “computer” - or is he just trying to figure out how to fit in this thing…  

Well that wraps up 2007…  What a year and what great memories!