Happy New Year everyone!
It was another fun year of travel, jeeps, and interesting posts. Our trip east was a lot of fun and we got to meet a variety of readers along the way. Here’s the final map of our April/May/June trip.
Now, anytime we sit at the kitchen table, we can look at the painting Ann bought in Spanish Fork and think fondly of our trip, especially of our flat tire, her lost purse, and that rough first day.
HEALTH ISSUES:
Ann’s ongoing ankle and other health problems kept us from traveling much of the rest of the year. The good news is that we hope that her upcoming surgery in three weeks will fix some female issues that will get he back on track to address her ankle issue.
Dad’s health took a big dip at year’s end. We’ve decided to support him with in-home care, along with family-care, in hopes he doesn’t have to go to a nursing home. His inability to walk at this point (though he can stand) will insure we’ll be around him a lot until his end. Meanwhile, my mother has hip surgery in two days, so the family will have our hands full in January for sure!
I wish I’d had time to get more done on my jeeps in 2018, but time demands and distance kept that from happening. However, rest assured, we do have a plan in place to make that happen.
CHANGES:
The good news is that, eWillys will be around for all of 2019. However, assuming everything happens as we expect, in 2020, probably around April or so, eWillys will transform from a system of daily updates to more of an occasional blog.
In fact, the 2020 FC Roundup will be Jesse’s last one and that will likely be where I will end the daily eWillys reporting as well (at least that’s what I’m telling myself right now). Because of some upcoming, most excellent (stealing Jesse Ybarra’s phrase) changes to our lives, we’ll be moving to a new place where I’ll be able to work on my jeeps and get a couple more.
Even better, our goal is to have the room, facilities, and space to begin hosting an annual vintage jeep event somewhere in the Pacific Northwest (we aren’t sure where exactly we’ll end up). The first year could be in 2020, but more likely in 2021. And, again if everything happens as we expect, that’s just the beginning …. So, stay tuned!
What a Plan! It is good news, and bad news at the same time. The good news, Ann, your dad and mom are al getting help to mend their lives for the better. I’m sure I’m speaking for most of your silent followers too that WE ALL pray for success for all of you. The bad news, “no daily eWillys”??? will be like taking the sugar out of my daily morning coffee and the stuffing out of my morning doughnuts. Life will never be the same, but I certainly can appreciate your deire for Bigger and Better Lives and ambitions.
Thanks for all you do and cover, and all you will do to represent Willys enthusiasts. It is too bad I can’t just pop in to visit your proposed location, but you could hardly get any further away from South Florida than your NW area of the USA. GOD’s Speed all in recovery and to your destinations, and that is meant for your readers too. Happy New Year 2019!!!
Happy new year!!
What will a man do with his mornings in 2020????
Jay
Happy New Year Dave and Ann ! Interesting about ewillys change . I hope all goes well with your Dad and Ann’s sugery . My wife Sarah and l are planing a trip to PNW at some point , and would love to attend the some of the vintage jeep events you may have . I love this sight and will always check to see what you are doing next . best Gray
Like the painting as well !!!
dear david and ann belgium wish you all the best for 2019 –charles + ann – best greetz
Big changes coming down the pike indeed! Hope everything goes well in the coming months. Jesse’s 2020 event will be epic indeed. If you have to sign off I can’t think of a better place to do it. Have really enjoyed all the Jeep stuff and leads you have provided over the years! Remember, when you get your new place it’s quality over quantity when it comes to Jeeps. I’m struggling with that lesson as we speak. Happy New Year!!!!
Happy New Year everyone. Dave, thanks for posting over nine years of progress of my never ending Willys rebuild. I wish you and Ann Good Luck with your life changes and additional strength to deal with family and medical issues. Thanks again…. Alaska Paul, the Goddess and Samson the Wonder Parrot.
Happy New Year
Dave, Happy New Year and all that jazz, NJ saying. Speaking of New Jersey, judging from you spring trip map to the east coast, looks like you may be making some stops in NJ, YES? If so, There are some old Jeep connections off the beaten path that are worth while. P.S. If you should ever need a volunteer for posts, I’m you guy. Peace & well being in the New Year. MIKE
Happy New Year, Dave and Ann. Thanks for all that you do with eWillys. It’s been a great constant over the years. All good things must come to an end, though. Looking forward to seeing what’s next.
Dave,
eWillys has become a part of my daily routine. I continue to marvel at how you have been able to continue the grind (and it is work) all this time. Sounds like a great plan and I look forward to the coming changes. Take care of yourself while you are caring for others. And call on all of us if we can help.
Barry
Happy New Year Dave and Ann, change sure can be both daunting and exciting at the same time! I have included eWillys in my daily routine for some years now, and I have always appreciated how much work you put into the effort. You have done an amazing job connecting Willys Jeep lovers from all over the world.
Dave, Ann and family……best wishes for a Happy and HEALTHY New Year in 2019 !! As others have stated……I don’t know how you manage to juggle all that you have going on. I know you will keep your priorities properly stacked.
But…..but…..I’m having withdrawal symptoms already ! As some others have stated, my coffee and protein bar (OK…..an occasional pastry as well) will never be the same after Apr. 2020.
I does sound like you may be getting more land and building(s)…….if that is correct…..I could not be happier for both of you. Please share details as they unfold.
Best wishes to Ann for a quick recovery! Thanks for this great site!
Sorry to hear about your dads turn over the holidays. Keep me in the loop please. Congrats and keep up the good work on the other fronts!!
Dave , Hope you and your family have a happy and healthy New Year ! I can’t thank you enough for the Ewillys web site. Rick Farquhar