Guys,
After composing this message and going back to re-read, I find that I have really dumped a load here..
I got a call from my sister telling me of Thomas' note. My apologies for causing any concern..
I have had to step back from my online activities for a number of reasons, most of all to focus on my job and family and also to reflect on just where I am in life and what are my priorities.
Last April I turned 60 and have started looking more in earnest about how much longer I can manage to stay in the work-force. I've a lot of responsibility and many people relying upon me and quite frankly, it's a struggle. While some memory lapses are normal, my memory is starting to fail on a more regular basis. Once upon a time I could track 5 or 6 very complex processes and projects simultaneously. Not anymore as my ability to multi-task is slipping as well.
As far as retirement - well - my financial position is not anywhere near what it should be due to a few bad choices in investment strategies as well as some unwise purchases.
So where am I headed then?
I've officially retired from driving racecars and have aborted my plans to build a vintage Trans Am car. The competitive fire that used to burn within me has gone out. I've started liquidating all those parts and the donor car and am even now considering abandoning hope of building my life-long dream car - the GT40 which has turned from a source of enjoyment into one of regret.
I took delivery of my GT40 chassis in July, 2007. While I never did put a date on when the car would be done, I never thought I would be posting 6+ years later telling the world that my car is roughly 1/2 the way to complete. I can do just about anything I put my mind to and can take piles of raw materials and turn them into something useable. But, I've never mastered body and paint.. It's been waiting for body and paint for over 3 years and that work is roughly 20% done. Too many other competing priorities I guess. All of the setbacks I've just taken in stride.
Have I been too picky? Probably. Too much a perfectionist? Probably. Too understanding? Probably.
I've spent more that twice the initial cost of the "kit" and have yet to turn a wheel under power. Right now, I feel that I've wasted a lot of time and money and am trying hard to justify continuing or just cutting and accepting my losses by capping the expenses and sell it for what I can get for it..
Yes, I realize I'll lose a lot of money if I toss in the towel now, but without a crystal ball, all I can see in my future is some of the same maladies that many others have experienced with the growing pains of their cars.. More money.
Enough of the whining. I'll do my best to get back to the forum and moderating when possible.
Thanks for your concern fellas..