You couldn't ask for a more perfect day this past Sunday at Allandale Mansion. The combination of sunshine, warm weather, and the shiny polished details on a hundred plus spectacular antique autos was an excellent way to conjure some memories and make a new wish list.

I got there just as the national anthem was being performed in front of Kingsport's favorite event facility. On the lawn were antique cars and trucks from all around the region. Some are local, and others are from as far as Knoxville and Dickson County, VA.

I had a few favorites, and I told Rick Barger about that feeling you get when you see something you love. That feeling was probably shared by many people attending the show today. That was the way I looked at the 1964 Thunderbird on display. I should never have sold that car. 

Of course, before me was a meticulous black pearl, and I never was a good mechanic and a surplus in my bank account to take on the task.

This was my first car show at Allandale, and it won't be my last. I enjoyed talking with owners and car fans about memories amid a music soundtrack of classic oldies from Creedence, Stray Cats, and all the best driving songs playing on the outdoor sound system. There were young and old alike.

One of my favorite moments other than the Thunderbird longing was meeting Cecil and Betty Perrigan. Cecil was in the 9th Infantry according to the Veteran's cap he wore on his head. We talked about his experiences and his 65-year marriage to his wife. She had a Betty Boop tee shirt and asked me, "I bet you can't tell what her name is."

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