Thanks Ron, for giving some of the back story on JDL. For awhile, JDL became a "project" for the Stovebolt Collective. Some one sent him a camera, I recall (maybe more than one) so he could take pictures of his truck (and anything else!). People sent him parts and other things like that. We only new he was a young Bolter and we wanted to encourage him. Many of our Bolters had been involved with him from the get-go in 2007. For those who are wondering,
here's JDL's first post in the Welcome Centre in December 2007.
I recall some funds were offered to help cover his expenses to be at the Reunion.
John and I were wondering if JDL's Mom was going to be okay with all this: letting her young son go off with a perfect stranger ... an older man ... for a weekend ... to another state. We ended up calling the Mom to let her know the event and the group were all legit. We gave her as much background information as possible before she fell asleep on the phone. Happens. (Only kidding - I don't talk THAT much. Do I?
)
We did our best to convince her that you (Ron) were in the okay category.
Only kidding, Again. But we didn't tell her all the things WE knew about you. Just the up-standing stuff.
In Kansas City, JDL was a treat to meet. He was so shy and had that look like he was just soaking it all in. A joy to watch.
Glad to hear from your report that JDL is going great things.
Pulled up some pictures from 2011.
First one is JDL (far right) with that pleasant smile. Ron is in the back, standing in the sun (with the cap on)
Second one is JDL holding up a prize he got. I believe that is Ron directly behind him.
Third is JDL looking at a second prize he got.
Fourth -- part of the weekend was a tour to Tony "4-5-6 Chevy Truck" Smith's place. Tony is on the left, uncertain who is next, then JDL, someone behind him, me, then Rusty Rod on the right.
Fifth -- still at Tony's. JDL looking at some of Tony's stuff. Mike "Ol Trucks" Taylor, and Baby Bear(? - Larry "Poppa Bear" Bear's grandson) on the right.
