Barnstorming Volvos celebrate at the Hartwell's

By Russ Orrell
 

   It was a beautiful winter day, well, at least as much as we have winter in San Diego. The family was excited, as we got ready to head to Bud and Christine Hartwell's beautiful home in the hills of Crest. "Alright, do we have the directions, the stuffed toy for our Volvo club's Christmas donation, the white elephant gifts and the miracle cookies?" Check, check, check and check. Let's go!

   When we arrived there were several Volvos already parked and displayed proudly out in front of Bud's car barn. As we parked our non-Volvo family car out in the street (shameful, I know) we could see Goran Freske over by the wine table (a true Vol-vino). As oohs and aahs were heard floating amongst the fabulous autos in Bud's garage, several lively conversations were going on discussing the merits of this parts manufacturer over that one or whether someone had gotten all of their Christmas shopping done. Yours truly was maintaining a position near the delicious cheeses, crackers, dips, bread and beverages while casting a covetous glance at the Mercedes Gull Wing in the corner. I was also impressed by one of Bud's projects (he has several). I won't go into detail but I think this modified 1800 ES is going to do for Volvo what the El Camino did for Chevrolet and the Ranchero did for Ford. 

   As the afternoon wore on and the group got larger, our illustrious historian, Jeff Perry, managed to get us all together for a group picture (page 6, bottom).

   Back in the car barn, it seemed the party was getting larger and louder until; at long last, the dinner bell was rung. YES!!!! Please don't get the wrong picture; I eat like a bird, a famished, 240 lb. bird, but a bird nonetheless. Several of the members picked up the coolers containing the drinks, Goran, naturlich, grabbed the wine and we headed en masse for the house. As we entered via the patio door, through the kitchen and into the dining room, a fabulous repast awaited us. Carnitas so tender you could cut it with a fork, turkey, cranberry, stuffing, casseroles and all the other goodies that go along with a holiday feast. With the fabulous desserts afterwards, it was truly a meal fit for a king and queen. 

   After the dinner, we gathered in the living room and a presentation was made to honor Bob Skoog (who unfortunately could not be there) for his contributions to the club. A certificate and club gift (a pneumatic gasket remover) was presented to him later at the December monthly meeting. 

   Now it was time for fun and games, the infamous white elephant gift exchange. For those that don't know, this is where you get to pick a gift, unwrap it and see the chrome lug nuts that you were lucky enough to pick get stolen right out from under you. The gift can be stolen three times before it becomes frozen with the final owner. I was lucky enough to "transfer" a headlamp called the "Third Eye" for its 3rd time from my son's James hands to mine. Dastardly? Hardly, what else are Dads for but to make their children's lives miserable!?! Besides, it's great for reading in bed when your partner's trying to sleep. Another one of the more memorable gifts was the retro ceramic black cat with one eye winking. 

   After the gift exchange, Mark Jankowski invited us outside to look at Saturn and Jupiter through his 8-inch Cassagrain telescope that he had thoughtfully brought to the party. 

   Wow, good cars, good food, good gifts, good people and a good view of the heavens! What a great party! Thank you very much Bud and Christine, you have a beautiful home and you were the most gracious of hosts.