Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
What is the significance of the first Saturday in May, you ask? It’s Worldwide Naked Gardening Day, yes, it is a real thing!!
World Naked Gardening Day (WNGD) is an annual, international event held on the first Saturday of May that encourages people to garden in their “birthday suit”. Mary’s and my birthday suits have collected 155 candles between us. It promotes body positivity, self-acceptance, and a deeper, more natural connection to the environment, allowing gardeners to experience the sun and soil directly.
NOTE: That’s exactly what I am going to tell the cops should they show up!
We had to wait until the outside temperature got into the 70s before joining the fun!
Finally, we managed to sneak outside and snap a few photos! I went first, just in case the veggies were so startled they’d drop their fruit out of pure panic.
I did mention to Mary, DO NOT HARVEST ANYTHING BUT GREEN CUCUMBERS!
This activity reminds me of the 1960s, when I was a Flower Child! Mary mentioned that we DO NOT NEED TO BUY A SCARCROW now. It was an interesting observation!
Thinking to myself: “Life’s too short for tight clothes.”
The flowers were magnificent! I strutted my stuff, dropping a few petals along the way.
Some people are rooted in tradition. I’m rooted in absurdity.
Short, I hope there are no bees inside!
Then Mary, today’s photographer, came out into the vegetable garden looking for some tall tomatoes. Our approach to gardening is rather minimal, in every sense.
I buzzed right over!
Using the telephoto lenses has its advantages.
I explained the proper use of grape leaves, and Mary acted like the mystery of the century had been solved. Note to self: plant grapes later in the year so the leaves will be smaller!
Out came the camera, and I found a grape leaf, which seemed to do the trick.
Speaking about “tricks,” I posed for another picture, which amazed Mary because she couldn’t figure out what was holding the hat up, since it obviously wasn’t my arms.
How is this accomplished? Ask me when you see me!
On the way inside, Mary stopped to pick some flowers for the kitchen.
We had to cease the exploits because our window washer, John Maldonado, was coming to clean all the windows, which were needed after the painting activities. John has been doing our windows for over 20 years, and he is OUTSTANDING. We didn’t want him falling off the roof after spotting the animals in their wild habitat.
The windows around the house are now spotless!
After the window washer departed, Robin popped over for a visit. Robin stayed while the Spectrum technician was troubleshooting the network. He replaced the modem, and after some rebooting, we are now back to 400 Mbps download speed instead of 2.5 Mbps.
Robin and Bob are joining us tomorrow for an early dinner at Darya in Orange. We enjoy this restaurant especially early in the afternoon, when it is quiet, and we have time to dine, enjoy a glass of wine, and tell stories about things that never happened!
Filet Mignon Shish Kabob
We got ready and again headed to The Hyatt Regency Hotel in Newport Beach for the awards dinner with the Packards Club of SoCal.
Dianne and Fast Eddie joined us for another rollicking evening of fun!
Dianne saved us a place at her table along with Fast Eddie and several folks we have grown to know over the years!
It was a fun evening, and my favorite Packard model won several prizes.
That vehicle is on my bucket list, so do NOT be surprised if I roll up into your driveway driving one of their amazing cars.
A 1955 Packard Caribbean convertible is a rare collector car so that prices can vary widely based on condition, originality, and documentation.
Rough price range
• Project / rough driver: about $40,000–$80,000
• Good driver / presentable: about $90,000–$150,000
• Excellent / fully restored: about $150,000–$250,000+
What affects the price most
• Originality: original engine, trim, and interior can add value
• Rust and body condition: These cars are expensive to restore
• Quality of restoration: concours-level work can push prices up a lot
• Rarity and provenance: history, ownership records, awards, or famous previous owners
• Mechanical condition: drivability matters, especially for a car this old
Important note
A 1955 Caribbean is not a cheap restoration candidate. Even a “bargain” car can need six figures in parts and labor to bring it to top condition.
Tonight was 1950s night, so Mary found her 1950s semi-formal outfit. I do NOT remember the 1950s looking so good!
Looking good!
All I can say is I am a very lucky man!!
Remember the 1950s???
Departing the hotel, we headed home, arriving at 10:00 pm. At that time, we took a vote, and it was unanimous… head for the sack!
