"NEW" gas tank for my 750 Honda

Finished Tank
Primed tank

Tank before

The Twelve Days of Christmas

There is one Christmas Carol that has always baffled me. What in the world do leaping lords, French hens, swimming swans, and especially the partridge who won't come outof the pear tree have to do with Christmas?
Today, I found out.>From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England werenot permitted to practice their faith openly. Someoneduring that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Eachelement in the carol has a code word for a religious realitywhich the children could remember.


-The Partridge in a Pear tree was Jesus Christ.

-Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.
-Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.
-The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.
-The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.
-The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.
-Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit--Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.
-The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.
-Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit--Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control.
-The ten lords a-leaping were the ten commandments.
-The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.
-The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.
So there is your history for today. This knowledge was shared with me and I found it interesting and enlightening and now I know how that strange song became a Christmas Carol...

Merry (Twelve Days of) Christmas Everyone.....

Chrome Divas Christmas Party

The Christmas Party for the North Platte, Nebraska Chapter of the Chrome Divas will be at 7:00 p.m. Sunday, December 16, 2007. Every body will bring a covered dish and dress in style, bring a guest and party hearty.

Chrome Divas are a ladies only motorcycle group, consisting of both riders and passengers and even some non-riding women who just love motorcycles and participating in charity functions. Originating in Tallahassee, Florida in 2002, Chrome Divas, a female motorcycle organization, was formed to provide a means of camaraderie, community participation, and a national link to all women who ride motorcycles and strive to be known as outstanding citizens in their communities with a preference to ride, have fun and share their talents and compassion in group effort. Chrome Divas are incorporated and has a trademark logo that identifies them as a female motorcycle organization. However, Chrome Divas do not wear colors and is not a "MC." Chrome Divas support many worthwhile causes; including breast cancer, Children’s Home Society, rape crisis center, Angel Flight, and juvenile diabetes to name a few. Diva fundraisers have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for local charities, with more events on the horizon. Chrome Divas are indeed “on a roll” and rolling into Europe, Canada and parts unknown! Take a look at our site and if you think you might be Chrome Diva material ... make contact at http://www.chromedivas.com/ Check us out.

Chrome Divas---Aren't We Great?

This is a picture of our Ladies in the North Platte, Nebraska Chrome Divas Chapter on the day of the NebraskaLand Days Parade in 2007. This was our second year to ride in the parade. Our group has only been together since May 2006 and we were only four strong at the time, we have grown some in the last year.

the top picture of the two "old" ladies (One on the bide & one in the side car) are my step mom and me during the 2006 parade. We made the front page of the paper-the whole top half and on the same day Miss Nebraska was a 4X4 inch on the bottom half of the paper in a small article. Pretty cool-huh-that two old women got top billing in the news.

In the last Year we have raised a couple truck loads of food for a local food pantry, we raised $1,200 for the Rape and Domestic Abuse Center and have helped with other charities and fund raisers hosted by other groups.

This year for Christmas we are "adopting" a family of 10 and we plan to gather together everything they will need for a very nice Christmas for all of them.

In the next couple of days I will put our mission statement on here so you will know what we are out to accomplish. We owe it all to the ladies in Florida who started the Chrome Divas. They now have chapters like ours all over the United States and Canada. THANKS LADIES.

We are in the process now of planning our first Chrome Diva (No. Platte Chapter) hog roast and poker run. I'll keep you posted as to time and place. We are also looking for ideas for our next NebraskaLand Days Parade Float. Got any suggestions?

Our Oldest member is my step mom who is 80 years YOUNG and doesn't mind letting you know that she is young, although she doesn't "ride her own" because of hip problems. Our youngest "WANNA BE" member is only 7 years OLD and she doesn't mind letting you know that she is OLD. She rides on the back of grandmas bike, my daughter being the grandma.

I am just learning this Blog Stuff so bear with me. I may eventually work up a decent page. GOD BLESS you all --until next time-- I am the Honda Lady.

The Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary

The First Luminous Mystery THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD -John is baptizing in the Jordan proclaiming a baptism of repentance. -"I am the voice of one crying in the desert, make straight the way ofthe Lord." -"One mightier than I is coming after me." -"I have baptized you with water, He will baptize you with the HolySpirit." -Seeing Jesus, John exclaims: "Behold the Lamb of God." -After Jesus' baptism a voice from Heaven: "This is my beloved Son inwhom I am well pleased." -The Spirit descends upon Jesus in the form of a dove. -In this heavenly manifestation is instituted the sacrament of baptism.-The divine Trinity is manifested: the voice of the Father is heard asthe Spirit descends upon the Son. -Filled with the Holy Spirit, Jesus was led by the Spirit into thedesert for 40 days. Spiritual Fruit: Gratitude for the gift of FaithThe Second Luminous Mystery THE WEDDING OF CANA -Jesus, His Mother and disciples were invited to a wedding in Cana. -During the wedding feast the wine ran short. -Mary turned to Jesus: "They have no wine." -Jesus replied: "What would you have me do? My hour has not yet come." -Mary said to the waiters: "Do whatever he tells you." -There were six stone water jars, each holding fifteen to twentygallons. -Jesus bids the waiters to fill the jars with water, and then draw someout and take it to the chief steward. -The chief steward said to the groom: "Every man serves the good winefirst... but you have saved the good wine until now." -At Mary’s request, Jesus worked His first miracle. -By His presence, Christian marriage was raised to the dignity of aSacrament. Spiritual Fruit: FidelityThe Third Luminous Mystery THE PROCLAMATION OF THE KINGDOM -"Repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand." -"My kingdom is not of this world." -"Unless a man be born again of water and the Spirit, he cannot enterthe kingdom of heaven." -"Whoever does not accept the kingdom of God as a little child will notenter into it." -"I have come to call sinners, not the just." -"Love your enemies, pray for those who persecute you." -"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."-"Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for justice, for they shall besatisfied." -"Blessed are they who suffer persecution for justice' sake, for theirsis the kingdom of heaven." -"You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church... I willgive you the keys of the kingdom of heaven." Spiritual Fruit: Desire for HolinessThe Fourth Luminous Mystery THE TRANSFIGURATION -Jesus took Peter, James and John up a high mountain to pray. -Jesus was transfigured before them. -"His face became as dazzling as the sun, his clothes as radiant aslight." -This was to fortify their faith to withstand the coming tragedy of thePassion. -Jesus foresaw the 'scandal of the cross,' and prepared them for it bythis manifestation of His glory. -Moses and Elias (representing the Law and the prophets of the OldTestament) were conversing with Jesus about His passion. -"Do not think I have come to destroy the Law or the Prophets... but tofulfill them." -From a cloud came a voice: "This is my beloved Son, listen to Him." -Jesus admonishes them not to tell the vision to anyone until the Sonof Man rises from the dead. -We too will behold the transfigured Jesus on the Last Day. Spiritual Fruit: Spiritual CourageThe Fifth Luminous Mystery THE INSTITUTION OF THE EUCHARIST -I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. -Jesus took bread, blessed it: "Take and eat, this is My Body." -Taking the wine: "This cup is the new covenant in my Blood, shed foryou." -At that eucharistic meal, Jesus celebrated the first Mass. -At every Mass the sacrifice of Calvary is made present. -At the Last Supper Jesus instituted the sacrament of Holy Orders toperpetuate this sacrifice. -"Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I inhim." -The Eucharist is a sacrifice inasmuch as it is offered up, and asacrament inasmuch as it is received. -In the Mass we offer ourselves to God, and God gives himself to us. -The Mass will be fruitful in the measure of our surrender to theFather. Spiritual Fruit: Love of our Eucharistic Lord

A Different Kind kof Christmas Poem

A Different Christmas Poem - please read
The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,Transforming the yard to a winter delight.The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know, Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,And I crept to the door just to see who was near.Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.
A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child."What are you doing?" I asked without fear,"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts..To the window that danced with a warm fire's lightThen he sighed and he said "Its really all right, I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night." "It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,That separates you from the darkest of times.No one had to ask or beg or implore me,I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.My Gramps died at ' Pearl on a day in December,"Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."My dad stood his watch in the jungles of ' Nam ',And now it is my turn and so, here I am.I've not seen my own son in more than a while,But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,The red, white, and blue... an American flag.I can live through the cold and the being alone,Away from my family, my house and my home.I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,I can sleep in a foxhole wit h little to eat.I can carry the weight of killing another,Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..Who stand at the front against any and all,To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall.""So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,Your family is waiting and I'll be all right.""But isn't there something I can do, at the least,"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?It seems all too little for all that you've done,For being away from your wife and your son."Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,"Just tell us you love us, and never forget.To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,To stand your own watch, no matter how long.For when we come home, either standing or dead,To know you remember we fought and we bled.Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."PLEASE, Would you do me the kind favor of sending this to as many people as you can? Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to our U.S.service men and women for our being able to celebrate these festivities. Let's try in this small way to pay a tiny bit of what we owe. Make people stop and think of our heroes, living and dead, who sacrificed themselves for us.LCDR Jeff Giles, SC, USN30t h Naval Construc tion RegimentOIC, Logistics Cell OneAl Taqqadum , Iraq

A Soldier's Last Words

>>>>A Soldier's Last Words: Listen Up CBS, CNN, Cindy Sheehan, Al Franken>>by Louisa Centanni>>>>SGT. Edmund John Jeffer's last few words were some of the most >>touching, inspiring and most truthful words spoken since the >>tragedy of 9/11 - and since our nation went to war.>>>>SGT. Jeffers was a strong soldier and talented writer. He died in >>Iraq on September 19, 2007. He was a loving husband, brother and >>son. His service was more than this country could ever grasp - but >>the least you can do for the man who sacrificed his life for you >>... is listen to what he had to say.>>>>Listen up and pay attention to all of the Cindy Sheehans and Al >>Frankens of the world. To MSNBC, CNN, and CBS. To all who call >>themselves Americans ... Hope Rides Alone.>>>>Hope Rides Alone>>>>By Eddie Jeffers>>>>I stare out into the darkness from my post, and I watch the city >>burn to the ground. I smell the familiar smells, I walk through the >>familiar rubble, and I look at the frightened faces that watch me >>pass down the streets of their neighborhoods. My nerves hardly >>rest; my hands are steady on a device that has been given to me >>from my government for the purpose of taking the lives of others.>>>>I sweat, and I am tired. My back aches from the loads I carry. >>Young American boys look to me to direct them in a manner that will >>someday allow them to see their families again...and yet, I too, am >>just a boy....my age not but a few years more than that of the ones >>I lead. I am stressed, I am scared, and I am paranoid...because >>death is everywhere. It waits for me, it calls to me from around >>street corners and windows, and it is always there.>>>>There are the demons that follow me, and tempt me into thoughts and >>actions that are not my own...but that are necessary for survival. >>I've made compromises with my humanity. And I am not alone in this. >>Miles from me are my brethren in this world, who walk in the same >>streets...who feel the same things, whether they admit to it or not.>>>>And to think, I volunteered for this...>>>>And I am ignorant to the rest of the world...or so I thought.>>>>But even thousands of miles away, in Ramadi , Iraq , the cries and >>screams and complaints of the ungrateful reach me. In a year, I >>will be thrust back into society from a life and mentality that >>doesn't fit your average man. And then, I will be alone. And then, >>I will walk down the streets of America , and see the yellow ribbon >>stickers on the cars of the same people who compare our President to Hitler.>>>>I will watch the television and watch the Cindy Sheehans, and the >>Al Frankens, and the rest of the ignorant sheep of America spout >>off their mouths about a subject they know nothing about. It is >>their right, however, and it is a right that is defended by >>hundreds of thousands of boys and girls scattered across the world, >>far from home. I use the word boys and girls, because that's what >>they are. In the Army, the average age of the infantryman is >>nineteen years old. The average rank of soldiers killed in action >>is Private First Class.>>>>People like Cindy Sheehan are ignorant. Not just to this war, but >>to the results of their idiotic ramblings, or at least I hope they >>are. They don't realize its effects on this war. In this war, there >>are no Geneva Conventions, no cease fires. Medics and Chaplains are >>not spared from the enemy's brutality because it's against the >>rules. I can only imagine the horrors a military Chaplain would >>experience at the hands of the enemy. The enemy slinks in the >>shadows and fights a coward's war against us. It is effective >>though, as many men and women have died since the start of this >>war. And the memory of their service to America is tainted by the >>inconsiderate remarks on our nation's news outlets. And every day, >>the enemy changes...only now, the enemy is becoming something new. >>The enemy is transitioning from the Muslim extremists to Americans. >>The enemy is becoming the very people whom we defend with our >>lives. And they do not realize it.>>But in denouncing our actions, denouncing our leaders, denouncing >>the war we live and fight, they are isolating the military from >>society...and they are becoming our enemy.>>>>Democrats and peace activists like to toss the word "quagmire" >>around and compare this war to Vietnam . In a way they are right, >>this war is becoming like Vietnam . Not the actual war, but in the >>isolation of country and military. America is not a nation at war; >>they are a nation with its military at war. Like it or not, we are >>here, some of us for our second, or third times; some even for >>their fourth and so on. Americans are so concerned now with >>politics, that it is interfering with our war.>>>>Terrorists cut the heads off of American citizens on the >>Internet...and there is no outrage, but an American soldier kills >>an Iraqi in the midst of battle, and there are investigations, and >>sometimes soldiers are even jailed...for doing their job.>>>>It is absolutely sickening to me to think our country has come to >>this. Why are we so obsessed with the bad news? Why will people >>stop at nothing to be against this war, no matter how much evidence >>of the good we've done is thrown in their face? When is the last >>time CNN or MSNBC or CBS reported the opening of schools and >>hospitals in Iraq ? Or the leaders of terror cells being detained >>or killed? It's all happening, but people will not let up their >>hatred of Bush. They will ignore the good news, because it just >>might show people that Bush was right.>>>>America has lost its will to fight. It has lost its will to defend >>what is right and just in the world. The crazy thing of it all is >>that the American people have not even been asked to sacrifice a >>single thing. It's not like World War Two, where people rationed >>food, and turned in cars to be made into metal for tanks. The >>American people have not been asked to sacrifice anything. Unless >>you are in the military or the family member of a service member, >>its life as usual...the war doesn't affect you.>>>>But it affects us. And when it is over, and the troops come home, >>and they try to piece together what's left of them after their >>service...where will the detractors be then? Where will the Cindy >>Sheehans be to comfort and talk to soldiers and help them sort out >>the last couple years of their lives, most of which have been spent >>dodging death and wading through the deaths of their friends? They >>will be where they always are, somewhere far away, where the >>horrors of the world can't touch them. Somewhere where they can >>complain about things they will never experience in their lifetime; >>things that the young men and women of America have willingly taken >>upon their shoulders.>>>>We are the hope of the Iraqi people. They want what everyone else >>wants in life: safety, security, somewhere to call home. They want >>a country that is safe to raise their children in. Not a place >>where their children will be abducted, raped, and murdered if they >>do not comply with the terrorists demands. They want to live on, >>rebuild and prosper. And America has given them the opportunity, >>but only if we stay true to the cause, and see it to its end. But >>the country must unite in this endeavor...we cannot place the >>burden on our military alone. We must all stand up and fight, >>whether in uniform or not. And supporting us is more than sticking >>yellow ribbon stickers on your cars. It's supporting our President, >>our troops and our cause.>>>>Right now, the burden is all on the American soldiers. Right now, >>hope rides alone. But it can change, it must change. Because there >>is only failure and darkness ahead for us as a country, as a >>people, if it doesn't.>>>>Let's stop all the political nonsense, let's stop all the >>bickering, let's stop all the bad news, and let's stand and fight!>>>>>>Eddie's father, David Jeffers, writes:>>>>I'm not sure how many letters or articles you've ever read from the >>genre of "News from the Front," but this is one of the best I've >>ever read, including all of America's wars. As I was reading this, >>I forgot that it was my son who had written it. My emotions range >>from great pride to great sorrow, knowing that my little boy (22 >>years old) has become this man.>>>>He is my hero. Thank all of you for your prayers for him; he needs >>them now more than ever. God bless.>>>>Though Eddie is no longer with us, you can help to let his voice be heard.>>

1. Four wheels move the body but two wheels move the soul2. Life may begin at 30, but it doesn't get real interesting until about 60 in a corner.3. If you wait, all that happens is... you get older.4. Saddlebags can never hold everything you want, but they can hold everything you need.5. Never be afraid to slow down.6. Riding faster than everyone else only guarantees you'll ride alone.7. If you don't ride in the rain, you don't ride.8. A bike on the road is worth two in the shed.9. Respect the person who has seen the dark side of motorcycling and lived.10. Some riders pick a destination and go... Real riders pick a direction and go.11. A good mechanic will let you watch without charging you for it.12. Sometimes, the best communication happens when you're on separate bikes.13. A friend is someone who'll get out of bed at 2 am to drive his pickup to the middle of nowhere to get you if you're bike breaks.14. Don't lead the ride if you don't know where you're going.15. Don't argue with an 18-wheeler.16. If you can't get it going with bungee cords and electrician' s tape, it's serious.17. If you ride like there's no tomorrow, there won't be.18. There are old riders. There are bold riders. But there aren’t many old, bold riders.19. The best modifications cannot be seen from the outside.20. Only a biker knows why a dog sticks his head out of a car window.

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Harley Wreath

This was last years turkey.

So What do you all think about the candidates for the presidency?