Born and raised in Virginia, I am of an older generation. At 60-something years of age, I’ve had a lot of time to learn, succeed, fail and enjoy many things. First, and foremost, I am a rabid music lover, and have been since before I could walk. I started piano lessons at 5, and continued on through my studies at Old Dominion University, majoring in Music Education. Music has always been what moves me. It’s always with me, whether I’m listening to it in some fashion, or a song is in my head (on continuous repeat).
While I did not pursue a professional life as a full-time musician (or teacher) after my studies, I do continue to use my education each week as a church organist (self-taught) and choir director.
I eventually met the man that would walk the rest of my life’s journey with me. Jamie and I met in early-1994, and have been together since. While we have very different interests, we do come together in many ways on many things, and we fervently support each other in our varied interests. One of those ways was a love of the water. In 1998, we purchased our first boat. Eventually, that first runabout would lead to the purchase of 3 separate Chris Craft fiberglass cabin cruisers manufactured in the mid- to late-60’s (officially their “Commander” line of boats). We restored all 3, the last being a 42′ double cabin motor yacht. We owned “Command Performance” for 10 years, and eventually sold it after our time and interests moved onto other things.
After a respite from continuous refurbishing these large, aged cruisers, it was time to move onto the next hobby. Cars. In the late-80’s I took a fancy to the Swedish automobile, the 240. It was a very popular, well made vehicle known for its heft, its safety and its iconic look. A design from the early 70’s, the Volvo 240 can still be seen in television and motion pictures depicting a tried and true piece of automotive history. Many are still on the road today, given their build quality and durability.
I purchased my first 240 in 1988. After a couple of year of ownership, I traded it for something newer and shinier, although I missed it soon thereafter. It wasn’t until 2022 I decided to see if they were still around and if there was one that could still be driven from time to time. It was an opportunity to own something of my youth, and provide me the opportunity to take something “old” and make it “new” again. I found one just outside of Washington, DC. This car (1992 model) was in rough shape, but its bones were solid. It didn’t take long to get it back into excellent working order and looking sharp. Not long after, I was pointed in the direction of another – identical to the first one. Literally identical with the exception of it being a 1990. But from the outside, you could not tell the difference. The owner wanted it gone. It didn’t run, and it had sat underneath a tree for about 4 years. I put an offer on the table and the owner immediately took it. I was now the owner of 2 Volvo 240’s, identical to each other. Once again, I placed the car in the hands of my buddy Randy, who has been a Volvo mechanic since these cars were on the road new.