Birthday and Graduation

[valley]

Our oldest daughter turned 17 and graduated from high school a few days ago. She was home schooled from grade 1 to grade12 through an Australian school. We helped bring that school into the computer age, it has existed for years over short wave and mail for the kids Outback and abroad.
{Their State Schools are changing in morale tone as ours have but we have been able to select alternative material in most cases.}

Well, we were offered a free car that needed an engine by our neighbor in Nevada, while I prefered an American car, we could afford this now.
A 1997, 4 wheel drive, 4 door, Automatic transmission Sidekick.
We, our friend and neighbor and I found a engine out of a 94. We removed the engine and installed new seals in all around and in the trany and set it in.
This was kept secret from our girl, she thought I was helping our neighbor build a car for himself.

Our neighbor who was suppose to come to the birthday party, called and said he had broken down, so we drove down to help him, I when over to his place and he and I drove the car back.

She was so suprised!

She and her sister are looking it over.

[Sweyn]

That's a nice but lavish idea. What does your daughter think of it?

[valley]

She was thrilled. Had no idea it was coming. Lavish? I don't thinks so. The engine was not expensive. The family is together always, if we don't have to haul lumber or feed we go in her car, and she drives, she has a license now.

Richard

[Sweyn]

Good for her. Just encourage her to drive safely.

It seemed a bit lavish to me because, I haven't known anyone to have a car at 17. It must be very helpful.

[ElizabethB]

Richard - I am sure your daughter was thrilled. Good job!!!

[valley]

We, whole family, took mama to work, she's teaching skiing, daughter drove. It was snowing so we were in 4 wheel drive. I was tempted to drive because of the snow, she drives well and listens when we advise her. She had been raised, well, Old Country style, she goes no place without us.

She went with her moma to in put applications for work at a couple places for part time work, so she can take a couple classes at the same time. Makes me nervous, don't think I want her to work outside.

Sweyn, I had a car at 16, in rural settings, you kinda need a to drive. I owned a 49 ford, the girls called it" Smily Ford," frenched headlight, nosed and decked, lowered slightly in the back, smily had a 50 hood and a straight bar grill looked like a big smile. Wish I had it now.

Richard