Bugs Palace!

Today marks week 34 of Shannons pregnancy, and it looks like it may be marked with good news. We had a regular checkup with the doctor this morning, and it looks as though the baby may have finally flipped into the right position, and is no longer breach. Won’t know for sure until we see the specialist (September 4th), but with any luck, she will simply confirm what our family doctor told us today.

Been crazy busy working 2 jobs lately, but I was finally able to spend a few nights on the bug. Kevin came over a week or so ago, and we tightenned, tested, and finally called it quits. Dead steering box. So, last Friday I went to Niagara Falls and purchased a new box from the Bug Shop. Saturday Am, I installed it. Unfortunatly, while installing I realized the coupler (piece which hold the steering box to the steering column) was also worn beyond its life. So, Dad was nice enough to pick a new one up for me, and I installed it one night last week. Now, Im left with one sleeve that just won’t tighten enough, but at least I can see exactly where the slack is, and I have some solutions to fix it. Hopefully by the end of this weekend, I will have it all together. I am fairly confident this will finally solve the wobbly steering play.

Once the steering is sorted out, I go back to Paul to have my seat mounts adjusted, then install my carpetting, door panels, and shes pretty much road worthy. Only other things I need to do this year, will be to have Dion lower the rear end for me, and hopefully have Johns Bug Shop adjust my door windows. Yes, I have finally given up and will be callin in the pros to finish them.

Been a while since the last update. Holy shit has life ever gotten in the way. As the topic indicates, baby is coming in about two months. Due date is still September 28th. Shannon and I have been slowly getting things ready. Her Grandmother bought us a crib, and her Dad/Cathy bought us the matching dresser. They are beautiful and look great in our slime line green baby room.  Also, my Mom/Dad/Donna/Katie/Grant sent us to pick up our stroller and car seat the other night. I promptly assembled it and took Chewie for a walk around the kitchen.  We also went shopping for overnight stuff to take to the hospital, and finished pre-natal classes in Caledonia. We learned some interesting stuff, and feel a bit better prepared to have this little bugger invade our lives. Special thanks to everyone for the wonderful gifts. Babies aren’t cheap and we appreciate the help you have all given us. LOVE YOU GUYS!

Two weekends ago was Fisherville Funday. We had an great time at the Wilsons celebrating Grandma and Grants birthdays. As if that wasn’t reason enough to celebrate, Grant finally got up the courage (after several months of waiting for the right moment), to propose to Donna. She said yes. Congratulations guys, Shannon and I couldn’t be happier for you.  You two are great together, and Grant makes an excellent addition to the family.

Last weekend was the Drinkwater family reunion. It was a lot of fun getting together with extended family members who we haven’t seen in years.  The following day, everyone came to my parents place for a BBQ. Another fantastic day of family fun. It looks like the bocce set that Grant and I picked up was a success. Several games were played through out the day. Brett brought his guitar, and he and I played a little bit. I think I need some more practice before we do that again. To say he is a bit better then me, would be a gross understatement.  Time to upgrade my 30mins a day to an hour or two 🙂

Summer hours have finally started. Fridays are my only real day off this year. I took Monday and Tuesday for holidays all of July and August, but silly me offered to work 12hr shifts at ALNC both days. With the baby coming, we can use all the extra cash we can get. As busy as it has been there, I can actually say i’ve enjoyed the change of pace from my normal job.  

As if all that stuff wasn’t enough for a jam packed month, I haven’t even updated you about the beetle! The car came back from Cayuga, with the headlights mounted, underside painted, and running board mounted. Looks awesome. Kev came over the next day and we went crazy on it. Pretty much finished the wiring, and made it look fairly good as well. Still needs some tidying, but that may wait till over the winter. Gas tank went in, seat went in, and the new ignition went in. Much to the shock of both Kevin and I, when the key turned, the fuel pump sucked fuel, and the car actually started. The first time! It idled like shit, but a quick and dirty tune of the carb left the car running somewhat smoothly.  Needless to say, it wasn’t long until we put the hood on the car, jumped in, and drove it around the block. What a rush. Loud, slow, rough, and horribly loose steering, but it drove on its own! I couldn’t have been happier. Thanks for all the help Kev. I couldnt have done it without you!  Hopefully I can get you over again soon, so we can sort out this steering issue, and tie up some other loose ends. Once thats done, interior, lower the rear, and shes done for the year.

Until next time, Autobots, transform and roll out!

 Pics will be posted soon. Need to upload them. I will edit this post when they are ready

Lots of updates, so I will try and get them all in one post. If I missed anything, feel free to leave a comment to let me know.  

Happy Fathers Day to all the fathers/grand fathers out there. (Especially mine!) Hope you all have a great day with your families and friends. Also, while i’m on it, happy birthday to my Grandpa, my father-in-law Jeff, and also brother-in-law Jordon.

Next up. Andrew and Lonnie’s wedding reception was a couple weeks ago. The crazy kids got themselves married in the tropics. This reception was for those of us who weren’t on the island to see it. Had an awesome time, as we always do with the group. Thanks kids!

Speaking of weddings, Jeff and Nicole got married this past weekend up in Manatoulin Islands. Sadly, given the distance Shannon and I was not able to attend, as long car rides + 6 months pregnant aren’t going well together lately. I’ve seen some pics, and talked to some who attended, and apparently it was a crazy good time up in the islands. Congrats to you guys, and sorry again we didn’t make it.

The only upside to not going to Jeff’s wedding, is that I was able to attend the June Jitterbug car show in Niagara Falls. Shannon, Alex and I headed up around 11am. It was the largest dub show they have had yet. I heard 350-400 cars. All I know was there was a pile of cars. I didn’t get as many pictures as I had wanted, but I got some good ones anyways.  Pictures are HERE

Speaking of VW’s, mine is coming along nicely. Currently, the car is back in Cayuga with Paul having the headlights, and running boards mounted, as well as some black paint going under the hoods, and under fenders.  For the week between the headliner shop and going back to Pauls place, I got a bit of work done. Bryan and Kevin came over one night. Brakes have been bled and adjusted, new ignition switch installed, and the wiring has been sorted out to the point that I can actually turn the key, and start the car. Once it comes back from Pauls place, theres a bit of wiring cleanup to do, install the interior, and lower the back and and she will be ready to drive!

Last and certainly not least, Shannon and I got together with some friends we haven’t seen as often as we would like. Rob Rankin was in from the UK for Jeffs wedding. Even tho we didn’t get to go to the wedding with them, we all met up in Burlington at Emma’s restaraunt and were able to get together with Rob and the crew for food and drinks.  We cut dinner a bit short to meet up at a VW get-together, also in Burlington where two good friends were in from New Brunswick for holidays. Mike and Shelly (with a friend of theirs who I can’t remember his name, but was a cool guy just the same), made the long drive from NB to Ontario to partake in the June Jitterbug. Rob, Mike and Shelly: it was awesome seeing you guys. Hope you all had a safe drive/flight home, and that you will be back again soon!