Steve-o & Shellbells Go To Reno

Editor's note: Last week, my mom and dad pulled up stakes in Prunedale, CA and headed for Nash Rambler collectors' holy grail of old car shows: The Yerington High Roller in Reno, Nevada. The following collection of emails is an unedited excerpt from my mother's travel notes, which she sent dutifully to me, my sister and brother. As of this time, Steve-o is still alive and has not received either medical or psychiatric care.


 
Subject line: It Ain't without drama

Steve-o during a recent pole dance on public transport

Date: Jun 21 (3 days ago)
To: kim, Dana, bj

Hi guys. We are still home as I anticipated.  Well, the saga begins in our attempt to get to Reno on time for this National Meet.  Dad is working on the car right now, took the back seat out to fix something and can't get it back. Oh dear....So he is arranging to go to his mechanic to fix the problem.  That will take awhile.  Hopefully we make it to Sacto for dinner and a comfortable hotel.  We have already been to ACE this morning for screws.  I am packed and ready of course. Dad has to pack, etc. It's a trip with Dad. Pun intended. Can't wait to play the slots even if I lose. Promise not to lose your inheritance. I usually set a max of $20. big spender that I am.  Actually $20 can go a long way if you are playing the nickel slots, that is if they have nickel slots anymore.I'll keep in touch. Love, Mum

Subject line: Massive headwound Harry
Jun 22 (2 days ago)

The car aficionado in his natural habitat

To: kim, Dana, bj

Okay: Can't we have a normal respite, little vacation, like normal people.?  Well dad spent the morning emailing a report to work.  Unfortunately the Wifi isn't cooperating and refused to send it according to the computer message we received.  Dad was pissed.  You know dad when he is pissed.  Hopefully the walls are soundproofed.  Roscoe hid under the bed.  Dad went out to check the oil in the car.  Some older mechanic comes over to talk about the car and you know dad.  They have been talking for 45 minutes.  Well, I conned dad into coming in and checking on his email.  He manages to hit his head of the corner of the trunk lid.  Bad, bad.......he comes in bleeding like a pig, yelling profanities with blood all over.  You know head wounds bleed.  So, I take a deep breadth and try to stop the bleeding.  The maids are going to think there was a murder in the room.  So I suggest calling the paramedics or something but dad says no because he said that he bleeds more because he is on blood thinners.  Oh, wonderful, huh?  Anyhow, we're still in Dixon and dad is going to shower now.  We might get out in an hour or so.  Hopefully dad won't faint while we are driving to Reno.  He says he is okay so don't worry.  I hope we get there without anymore swearing.  Unlikely........Well, I can say, so far our little excursion has been quite memorable.  Poor Roscoe he knows from nothing. Maybe better that way.  I'll email from Reno.  I am heading for the slots.
Love, Mum

Subject line: None
Date: Jun 22 (2 days ago)
To: kim, Dana, bj

OMG: Finally made it to Reno and recuperating in Nuggets lobby. We did great on the highway. HWY 80 is a much easier ride then 50. I think going downhill is more nerve racking then up. I start to think about runaway cars with no brakes and toonces at the wheel. We stopped in Donner Summit to pee and eat at an old old restaurant which caters to the local alcoholics.  We were the only couple eating lunch.  We could see outside through the window and watch people stare at the car. Highlight was watching two girls take a dump at the near abandoned gas station because the restaurant didn't allow anyone to use the bathrooms who didn't order. Dad and I had a laugh. Dad's head is okay, but I thought maybe not when I asked him at lunch if he was ready to order and he answered yes and then asked him what he is having and he responded with, I don't know. Weird but funny.  So I am actually going to enjoy myself with a nice hot bath, relaxing, looking at old cars, having nice meals, losing money and hoping  our return drive is uneventful.
Love, mum

 
Subject line: none
Date: June 22
To: Shellbells
From: Kim

A superb update. Do u mind if I publish these on my blog with photos?
Kim

Via iPhone


Subject line: none
Date: June 22
To: #1 daughter
From: Shellbells

I don't mind.  What pics would you use? Please don't be too crass.
Love, mum


Subject line: Gambling not what it used to be
Date: Jun 23
To: kim, Dana, bj

Shellbells and Roscoe during simpler times

 
Well it has been a long time since I've played the slots but the whole process has changed.  I am so bummed and disappointed.  None of the machines take change anymore. Hard to find those nickel slots.  You can only play dollar bills.  No sounds of money coming out of the slot when you win.  No lights going off when you win big.  No buckets to hold your change.  No more dirty hands and worst of all no handles on the slot machines just buttons to press.  This is no fun, dammit.  Oh well I guess I can't lose any of your inheritance now. 
Shucks, mum


Subject line: none
Date: Jun 24
To: kim, Dana, bj

If anyone has a moment fill me in on the weekend activities. I am in the hotel room relaxing after sitting at the pool and watching kids.  I refuse to use the slots, which I looked forward to, because they are boring and not old fashioned. So tonight is the banquet and they hand out awards.  Dad will get one in Class A because he is the only car in that group.  And tomorrow we keep our fingers crossed that we make it home okay.  I am a little nervous because the alignment is off, and one hose has a tiny leak.  Eek..........love, mum

Subject line: none
Date: Jun 25
To: kim, Dana, bj

Well dads car was a huge hit.  Everybody thinks it's so cute.  He won first place in his Class.  However, he was the only car in that class, but I think he would have won anyway if others showed up.  We are heading back home tomorrow. Love, Mum

The pink monster

Subject line: none
Date: Jun 25
From: Dana
6:42 AM (14 hours ago)
to Shelley, Kim, bjgreensf

omg, Dad is totally vindicated. Maybe the other people at the meet also got struck in the head while innocently checking the oil at their hotels.

good updates, Mom, glad to hear Dad is Best in Show.


Subject line: Home sweet home
From: Shelley Green
8:34 PM (15 minutes ago)
to kim, Dana, bj

Made It......Hip hip hooray.  And we made it without a hitch.  Car performed perfectly.  Dad did all the driving.  There are little tricks one needs to know driving an old vehicle up hills and distances.  Of course dad knows all the little intricacies.  I am certainly happy to be home. What I thought might be a suicide mission was quite an enjoyable ride. Anyhow thought you guys might want to know we are home.  Hope all the little kiddies enjoy their week with rock climbing and swimming lessons.  Enjoy y'all. Love, mum