The year 2021 was a bitter sweet year for us. We lost two people we love (our moms), gained a new home in Prosser, brought to that home the jeeps, yet to make everything work, I’ve had to let eWillys go, or at least leave it on life support. In fact, over the last six months I’ve used my computer less than I have since sometime in the late 1990s when I was using an iMac, one of those Bondi Blue iMacs; that was 2 x-wives ago! Wow, time flies.
Instead of working on the computer improving eWillys, I’m outside removing stumps, inside remodeling another of our interior spaces, or pondering where we are going to put a new barn. Instead of doing updates in the early AM, I am walking the dogs down the driveway to open the gate, eating breakfast, and doing some puzzles on my phone. Instead of pondering the narrative structure of my next book–October Gold, a book that intertwines Japanese Gold, American POWs used as Slave Labor, and the State Department’s denial of their reparations from their use as slave labor–I am wondering if I should just get an old jeep with a snow plow or get a snow plow for my tractor.
In other words, my mind is simply not focused on ewillys or jeeps. This isn’t just an isolated moment; It isn’t the result of contemplation following our mother’s deaths. It also isn’t the result of the fact that at age 56 I am now fully retired, meaning I don’t have to work (but being a work-a-holic, I have to be doing something). Instead, it’s been true since we bought this place.
This doesn’t mean eWillys will come to a dead stop. But, updates will continue to be infrequent and I don’t expect them ever to return to their full glory (Unless someone else wants to step in and do it). I guess the question is, what do I do with all the bits and bytes that constitute eWillys?
That is the big question, a question for which the answer has been elusive. Perhaps I can answer that question in 2022?
In the meantime, we’ll continue to remodel. This summer I hope to do more about redoing the shop area; My hope is to set this place up so we we can entertain folks, so we can hold some kind of annual vintage jeep event, something a little different and unique, hopefully in 2023. But, we’ll see how 2022 progresses.
I hope everyone’s 2022 is fantastic!
Well Dave, now that you mention it, I’d be more than HAPPY to take over the duties of EWILLYS. I’m serious, I could add a new dimension to EWILLYS with my never ending saga of Jeep Tales from the past. We all need some emotional relief in these difficult times, and my off beat sense of humor could be just the TONIC to add to the EWILLYS following. For a reference point, check out my Facebook page, Clifton The Golden Years, as an example of my ability, my 7th year of administering this page. Think about it, but don’t think too long, this offer may get you back into the swing of things, time waits for no one, and as they say in NJ, “Make me an offer I can’t refuse”. Peace & well being in the New Year.
Dave,
First, I want to wish you a Happy New Year that is filled with fun and pleasure like that you have given us for years! Life can’t be stress-free but stepping back sometimes and just enjoying what we have is something we all need to do.
As I read your note, I was trying to just figure out all the bits and pieces of eWillys. I suspect every reader has a different take, but I have probably benefited more than most from your research work. I have purchased a Jeep that you listed, and I’ve always enjoyed your travel stories. But it is those post featuring an ad, a brochure, or a newspaper article that sends me off on a quest to learn more.
As you know, several my posts on farmjeep.com have been sparked by an eWillys article. In addition, I’ve learned to search eWillys early in my research. I am always amazed and amused to learn that my latest “discovery” was posted on eWillys a decade ago.
I’m hoping I might be able to give back a little bit with an occasional post (or just a link to farmjeep.com) of, in your parlance, an “update” to an article. As an example, last March you posted an article about a Farm Jeep ad that appeared in the 1954 “Tractor Field Book.” I had never heard of the “Tractor Field Book” but now own two volumes. I just posted about them today.
Just let me know and I’ll send something your way.
Barry
Happy New Year Dave and Ann!!!!!🎊🎉🎉🎉🎈🎈🎈❤️❤️
Happy new year. I’m sorry to hear about ewillys. I look forward to seeing your post every day. As I’m looking for an old Willy’s. Just haven’t seen the right one at my price . Hope someday things will work out for you to come back. And be able to spend more time on the computer posting . In the mean time you and Ann enjoy each other and life. If you guys ever get to Shelton stop by and take a look at some of our old jeeping pics. I think you would enjoy them. Jeri.
hello , i’d take over the ewillys for you , but i’m deaf , dumb and blind
Hi Dave and Anne-
Happy New Year!
As one of your longtime loyal readers and a friend, I know the loss of two loved ones puts you in a different mind set for quite a while. We lost our oldest son to cancer on Jan. 1, 2018 and it took me a long time to put my mind in a position where I wanted to tackle some of the vehicle projects he and I had worked on together. As time passed, decisions were made about those projects and for the most part, they were passed on to individuals who would take over the finishing of those projects and allow our daughter in law to have less to worry about.
With that being said, I think that you and Anne may need to take some time away, but not totally, from eWillys. With your new location/home and the need to make some changes for future use at your new place, you have new things to keep your mind working, so maybe just a few hours a week with eWillys would give you the time to work on the home front and those other few hours would keep you in touch with all your fans our here who have followed you over the years. You are still a fairly young man and as you work around your place, you will find that a couple of hours here on a project, then a couple of hours there on another will give you time to devote to things where you can sit down and either read, research or even work on eWillys. I have over two decades on you and I find that after some physical exertion, I need to take a break for an hour or so, and that gives me time to work on one or two of my other “jobs” that I have been doing for many years, keeping up to date on those. Just sayin’!
Whatever your decision, those of us out here on the other end of your keyboard will still remain your buddies and loyal to your decision!
Colin
Happy New Year, Dave (and Ann). Thanks for taking all of us on the ride so far. We look forward to the future, whatever changes that may bring.
Cheers!
Dave, I’ll never forget the day you called me on my birthday, at the request of my wife, who eventually noticed that the first thing I did everyday was put on my glasses and dial up EWillys for my daily fix. Before even Coffee!
You were kind and considerate to speak personally to one of your many loyal EWillys fans.
You have given so much to all of us and it’s only fair for you to give some thought to where your interests now lie. Whatever you do, it will be done well and with a keen eye for detail. You have many years of life ahead so best wishes for your future, wherever it takes you and Ann!
Hayes
Thanks everyone!
Hayes: That was pretty cool of your wife to setup. 🙂
Colin: There has been plenty of physical exertion projects here! The latest is snow removal with a hand shovel (I will be investing in some kind of motorized plow for next year!).
Jeri: If we get to Shelton, I’ll let you know. We aren’t quite as foot-loose as we used to be. The property and our nutty dogs are keeping us around home these days. I bet it has been at least 30 years since I’ve been to Shelton.
Barry: I’ve emailed you about the Tractor Book.
Dan: Many thanks for your long time support!
“The report of my death was an exaggeration.” Is this the Mark e Twainwilly site now?
Another Clemens quote;
“Grief can take care of itself, but to get the full value of joy you must have somebody to divide it with.”
Happy to see you’re back on the horse, this 1st week of the year Dave. I be 4x joyful 4 all you do. Hope all yer dreams come true, in ’22!