Well, the gears all packed, the trailer's waiting at Uhaul for tomorrow morning and the road north lies ahead. After 9 months here in the Peach State, it's quite simply time to go home. Being away from Celeste, Gump and Sarah has finally run it's limit. I came here looking for a new direction for my career and some doors have opened, but not as many as I'd hoped.
Some of the highlights...
Being able to sit down a spell with Sonny and Dusty and not feel so out of place. Thanks guys!
PiZings...my home away from home. Thanks to Lonnie, Margie, Larry and all the regulars.
Meeting singer/songwriter Joe South. I've been singing the Deep Purple version of "Hush" (one of Joe's many hits) for years at karoke nights and he's a great guy.
Joining the pinstripers in February and later hanging with the "paint gang" at the International Car Show, both at the Georgia World Congress Center. Atlanta is a world class city. Special thanks to Kevin and Matt at One Shot for letting me dive into both events.
Working with, Billy, "Biscut", Chris, Troy, Robbie, Danny, Billy Joe, and all of the gang at Jackson County Streetrods these last few months. It's not only been fun, but I've made some good friends there I'm never going to forget. Southern hospitality is the best!
And most of all Karen "Kwunchie" Wunch who has helped me so much. There are very few people in this world who are willing to give of themselves without hesitation, but Karen's support, kindness and patience with my occasional fits has been nothing short of phenominal. She's got a heart bigger than Georgia itself. Thanks a ton, roomie!
There's no place like home...catch you all after the red shoes kick in. Clickin' my heels......... Rapid
Posted by Dave Grundy (Member # 103) on :
Ray..After having had the privelidge of meeting you at Jill's meet last year..
I am sure that you will be leaving Georgia with as much of a positive impression of you as you have gotten from them..
YOU are a positive person!!!
Hope I said that correctly.
Posted by Sonny Franks (Member # 588) on :
Georgia will never be the same - happy trails, Rapid..... see you again at the Dixie Meet in October.
Posted by Dawud Shaheed (Member # 5719) on :
well, from a guy who just left South Carolina and is now back in Massachusetts,(where I'm from)
(even though I don't know you) Welcome back, Rapid. It smells different down there. I hope the ride was worth it.
Posted by Michael Berry (Member # 2604) on :
Drive safely Ray. We welcome you back home!!! Look out New Hampshire...he's back!
Posted by Catharine C. Kennedy (Member # 4459) on :
Continue your travels safely, Rapid!
Posted by Jill Marie Welsh (Member # 1912) on :
But whatever you do...DON'T SPEED! I just got back from two weeks down there...man it's HOT. love....Jill
Posted by Ricky Jackson (Member # 5082) on :
Dang it Ray, we never got together. I hope you can make it down in October for Sonny's meet. The heat this year is exceptionally hot, not at all typical of most years. Have a safe and happy trip back hom; I know you miss the family. Hopefully you got some answers down here in Dixie and enjoyed your time here. Don't forget to take some peaches with you; they are just about gone now.
Posted by Bobbie Rochow (Member # 3341) on :
I am glad you are going home to be with your family, Ray. And the way you talk about Gump, I bet he misses you & needs you, they all do!
Have a safe trip home!
Posted by Sal Cabrera (Member # 1236) on :
Hey Ray have a nice trip and drive safe. Do not forget to stop and smell the flowers around you.
Take care! Sal....
Posted by Kimmy Fitzgerald (Member # 5109) on :
Ray,
If you need a place to crash on your way up north ...we have a Room for you!
.....Have a safe trip..See you soon!
Posted by Nancie W. Phillips (Member # 3484) on :
Well darn Ray!... I didn't get 2 meet you in person either. Hope you'll be back for the meet in October... Nevertheless, Happy trails.
Posted by Dusty Campbell (Member # 4601) on :
Glad to have met you, and even though we didn't hang out much, I count you as a friend. Thanks for putting a striping brush in my hand, and leaving it with me no less. Little gestures like that mean alot to me. Thanks.
Wishing you safe travel. Talk to you soon.
Posted by Cis Pack (Member # 2011) on :
I just had ice cream with Ray as he is making his way back home. He helped me with my computer and we just talked for about 1 1/2 hours. It was a thrill to meet my first letterhead and I think he has talked me into going to the Oct. Meet. I don't have the talent everyone else has and that has kept me away. Ray said it didn't matter just to come and learn. What I have learned has come from this board because there is not another sign person in the area unless they are competition. They won't share any secrets. I will look for someone to ride with and share the fun. Thanks to Ray.
Posted by Ray Rheaume (Member # 3794) on :
Made it home safe and sound... ...and probably a few pounds thinner, too.
Thanks for the ice cream, Cis. It was a pleasure meeting you and Woody.
Thanks also to Checkers and Steve for a great time last night in PA.
Temperastures were floating at or above 100 degrees the whole way so I opted to push it a little and finish the trip during the cooler night hours. Got in about 6 AM and grabbed a few winks before heading out to the shop. With all the rain up here in New Egland over the last few months, there was a little flooding here and there's a little more work to do before getting back into full time biz again.
Oh well. No rest for the weary... Rapid
Posted by Checkers (Member # 63) on :
Hey Ray, I'm glad you got home ok. Chatting over dinner was a blast. Let me know, ahead of time next time, when you're passing through and I'll order some better weather for ya
Cheers,
Checkers
Posted by William Holohan (Member # 2514) on :
Cis Pac, Ray is a gem of a gent. Go to the meet(s). Great sign painting ability is not a necessity. I have none at all and have always felt more than welcome at the meets I've been lucky enough to attend. You will absolutely come away from any meet a more knowledgeable sign writer. Even better than that, you WILL meet and become friends with some of the nicest people in the world.
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