I read your post regarding your love for old MG's. True story ... In 1965 I drove past a car dealership in Orange County, CA and spotted a red MGA on the lot. What caught my eye was the knock-off wheels. I turned around and went into the lot to see the car. When the salesman came out, I asked him if I could see the engine. Sure enough, the knock off's were the clue ... it was a twin cam in all of its glory. I asked the salesman the price and he said: "750.00." Of course, I bought it on the spot. He had no idea what he had. A mechanic friend was an expert at tuning SU carbs ... and he had that MGA running like a Swiss watch. The car ran like a normal MGA up to 4000 rpm, at which point the cams kicked in ... and walla, it went like a big Austin Healy.
Back yard astronomy when I have the opportunity for it, which has not been that often the last decade or so. But, I'm dusting off a planetary Newtonian telescope that I built in 1994 (not quite as difficult as you might think) and will be getting it back into shape this year.
Another gardener here. My garden is really quite lovely. A garden is never finished. It's a work n progress, always evolving. In gardening I have found my creativity.
I collect and restore and play pinball machines. Have been into owning them for over 20 years now. Would have been in the hobby longer but didn’t know you could actually own them. Mostly mechanical games from the 60’s and 70’s but also a handful from the 90’s. They really fill the gearhead bent easier than cars if you are so inclined. You usually end up with something more valuable if you fix it up. And you can work on them in the comfort of your home.
Really interesting. Audio gear has taken over the #1 spot from golf and sports cars, Vintage Porsche 911's to be precise. I just got tired of working on them. I still play golf twice a week but not as pationate about it since audio took over.
Also spend alot of time with my 3 year old grand daughter. That is truly the most important and fun thing I do.
Before Audio and Marriage/Kids(listed in order of discovery): Guitar(age 12), Chess(age 16), Table Tennis(age 18), Photography(age 18), Cycling((age 22)and Weight Lifting(age 24...wanted to impress a girl that worked at the local Gym).
After: Chess, Table Tennis. About to jump back into the Camera/thing again along with lifting. Need Knee surgery(again)to force me to aquire a new bike with Campy Record 10 carbon(which I had).I still think about playing guitar everyday.
Mine is fishing. I find it very relaxing to go drift in a boat or sit along the bank of a river and wait for the rod to bend. I try to go at least twice a week as weather permits.
I also maintain care of 4 lawns, so that keeps me busy too, but I can't say it is one of my favorite things to do.
Seems as if a lot of Agonners like photography :) Me too, I shoot with a Canon 5D but I have been thinking of getting that Leica M8. Been eyeing the Leica system for a long time because i'm sick of SLR's.
Also like skiing - just got back from a ski trip. Don't be so surprised - i'm in Australia!
Cooking - French, Italian, and Chinese. The three greatest cuisines in the world (all IMHO of course). I can also do passable Indian.
Also love history, philosophy, and current events. All 3 go hand in hand - you need history and philosophy to understand the world.
I love sports cars as well. Currently have a Porsche, but i've always wanted a Ferrari.
Actually I try and hit the gym three to four times a week for my regular weight training.Lately I 've been bad and slack off a bit and down to 2 -3 times a week of training.I 've used all kinds of natural supplements and in general they help to body build,I am happy with my psysique and my progress so far (it's been almost 10 years since I got into it)but my mid section is a far cry from the ideal six pack or washboard .LOL.One day I might try a real diet or get some 'roids. Best George
Music and high-end audio occupy most of my non-work time, but I love reading all kinds of books, playing football, and watching sports on TV. Marine biology is a particular passion of mine.
I guess you could call alpine skiing a hobby, but I consider it a religion. Upcoming religious experiences- Dec - Utah (powder), Jan - Vail (back bowls), Feb - Squaw (sunshine)/Whistler(not), March - Vail/A-Basin (50th birthday present to myself), April - tbd, May - Whistler or Mammoth. And then there's also a season's pass for 6 areas in the Vermont / Maine. You gotta love well planned "business" travel.
Kayaking in the summer when the darned snow won't stick.
To echo KKltam - My 12-14 year-old boys respect my system and can operate it without problem. My 14 year-old is the AV specialist in his school - will he inherit the disease?
Photography, another hobby where equipment and art are intimately intertwined. Hobbies where my passion has faded with age but where I still have a small flame burning: reading science fiction, playing chess, and playing table tennis.
Doing fun things with my children/family. I know most audiophiles have this phobia of kids around their equipment but my two boys have never bothered my tube amp or any part of my set-up. I also love tennis, archery, and yes, cognac.
Love sports cars mostly. Have a Ferrari Dino and Carrera 993 911 Cab. Had lots of old clunkers from the '60's on. Didn't run half of the time but loved them anyway. Mostly follow vintage racing now. Still love my Hi Fi addiction. Mostly tubes and vintage speakers. Gotta love it...
Speeking of bikes, I was stopped by a particularly large motorcycle this morning. It was a Triumph with a 2,200 cc. engine. Gee, times were that a bike with a 1,200 cc. engine was considered about as quick as they gotiten. the thinh had a rear tire withthat wiould been apporp
I love to cook, ride my road bicycle (knees won't handle mountain riding any more...) Love fast cars, and apparently spending money as no matter how much I make I seem to come out even..... I collect watches and good old 35 mm cameras, though I mainly shoot digital nowadays, and traveling, which should come above the rest...
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