Special Holiday Issue! December 2012 Official Newsletter of the Bluebonnet MX-5 Miata Club Still Free! 2012 Was Fun Filled, 2013??? It s up to YOU!

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1 In The Breeze In The B Special Holiday Issue! December 2012 Official Newsletter of the Bluebonnet MX-5 Miata Club Still Free! 2012 Was Fun Filled, 2013??? It s up to YOU! Wow, what a year, right? We had a year full of fun runs, lots of new members and those members leading runs...fantastic! And, of course, it s not over yet! We have lots of fun things planned for this December including the annual run to Camp Verde for the Open House festivities at the store, including lots of food, everything on sale and more room this year as they have doubled their size to include a really nice large dining room! Oh, and don t forget, complimentary photograph with Santa! And the Christmas party at Rio Cibolo Ranch, too! Even though the January weather wasn t the best, Jerry and Kay Todd hosted a run to Medina and the Apple Store. Great job, Jerry and Kay! January also saw us meeting for our annual planning meeting. By the way, that will be coming up again in January, watch your Yahoo Groups for when and where. More about that elsewhere in this issue of ITB. The month of February saw many of our members going on yet another Caribbean cruise. So much fun was had, it took me three pages to do it justice photo-wise! And, of course, there was the You Cruise You Lose run hosted by yours truly and there was a record turnout! Betty and Ronnie Fields hosted the Valentine Run, followed by a hilarious game of Newlywed Game with three unsuspecting couples. February was wrapped up by the notorious M&M gals, Marilyns McCullen and Hamilton. A much anticipated Tech Day kicked off March as many of us gathered at Jack s Paint Place. I might add this was the first year that Jeff Holbrook was the man in charge as his parents, Jack and Candy, retired to the Hill Country. As always, lots of projects were completed and a pizza feast followed! Bowling with Betty was next up as she and Ronnie provided lots of fun with gag gifts for the bowling winners and losers! Tim and Ennie McCurdy took time out from their move preparations to host a Breakfast Run. Tim is the original Road Master as he always knows the good roads to take. April was ushered in with a BBQ run to Coopers in New Braunfels. Hosted by David and Marilyn Hamilton, there was a short run before we all had great BBQ at Cooper s! North Park Mazda, our gracious sponsor, had an Open House, launching the new CX-5 and we were invited to enjoy the festivities. There was food, music and good times. Thanks for the invitation, North Park! Betty Fields organized our participation is a special Fiesta Parade benefiting handicapped children. Most of us had some of those special needs kids ride with us and they were thrilled to ride in a Miata! Later in the month, Paul and Judy Faulkner took us on a Wildflower run. It was nice to finally get to see some wildflowers as years past bluebonnets have been pretty scarce. Lunch at the Rathskeller in Fredericksburg capped off that fine day. May kicked off with the big rally in Moab, Utah. There was a pretty large crowd that went testified by the large amount of photos in the Gallery on our site. Next up was an Impromptu Run by Jerry and Kay Todd. My hat is off to anyone that steps up and fills in the calendar with an impromptu run! Way to go, Jerry and Kay! Next up was my first attempt at a Star Party, Hill Country Style. Even if I say so myself, it was a big hit. Thanks to the Holbrooks for opening up their property for this event!. In June I was excited to venture up to the Miatas in Eureka Springs with Gayle. Neither of us had ever been to Arkansas and were thrilled with the gorgeous roads; what a great way to spend a long weekend! June also brought Paul and Judy Faulkner s retirement run and was capped off with a trip to their new house. Not finished yet, they promised a housewarming party soon! Joe Steiner had his first run, to Luckenbach (That I can recollect) to finish off June. Thanks, Joe! July opened up with a small but enthusiastic group attending the Summer Picnic in Freisenhahn Park, hosted by Betty and Ronnie. Jim and Freda Treat hosted their annual Chicken Fried Steak Run the following weekend. Next up was Pat Franklin and Jeff and Diane Holbrook s Photo Safari. People really got in to it this year, complete with costumes. It was great, even though everyone cheated (but me) :-) Mike and Betty Jackson held an Older Than Dirt run honoring Mike s 60th birthday to finish off the month. August started off with George Briscoe s Bat Cave Run, but was quiet for the rest of the month. That is, until Labor Day rolled around and we Headed for the Mountains in Alpine. The entire weekend was filled with runs and events. After finishing up the Alpine run, which spilled over into September, another new run, the Fly A Kite run, was hosted by Dave and Marilyn Hamilton. This turned out to be a big success and I look forward to another such run this coming year! Completing the month, Jim and Freda hosted the annual NASCAR run. October proved to be a really busy month kicking off with the Statewide Round Up in Galveston. Held at a different city and a new venue, it was a welcome event. I m proud to say I survived the Crocodile Gap event, hosted by Gene and Marcia Carlow, as things got pretty wild and wooly on the go kart track. All in good fun, though. After the Classic Cars and BBQ run, October was finished off with the Twisted Sisters Run. There is almost too much to tell here...more later. November was truly A maize ing, as Craig and Lisa Martin treated us to yet another new run to the Maize Field in Hondo. Great job, Craig and Lisa!!! Betty and Ronnie Fields had their much anticipated Hobo Run and the final run of the month I led a group to Comfort to a new spot to eat on my Get On Your High Horse Run. While the year was full of fun events, we would still like to see new runs led by people that haven t led a run before. As the ad says, Just Do It! -Ed

PAGE 2 2012 Club Officers President Betty Fields president@bluebonnetmiata.org Vice President Tony Munro vicepresident@bluebonnetmiata.org Secretary Stephanie Turner secretary@bluebonnetmiata.

2 PAGE Club Officers President Betty Fields president@bluebonnetmiata.org Vice President Tony Munro vicepresident@bluebonnetmiata.org Secretary Stephanie Turner secretary@bluebonnetmiata.org Treasurer Marilyn McCullen treasurer@bluebonnetmiata.org Membership Barbara Thompson membership@bluebonnetmiata.org Webmaster Don Privett webmaster@bluebonnetmiata.org Newsletter Editor George Lucas newsletter@bluebonnetmiata.org Velocity Read Club participation will most certainly be the way to get the most out of your membership. I know everyone is different, some are content to let others decide the runs and events and that s okay, really. Some, like me, stick my neck out almost every opportunity I see. I see an open date on the calendar and I think, Hmmm, where can we go that day? I guess my point is...unless you jump in and have a voice on when and where we go for runs, you ll be left to follow the leader, so to speak. Trust me on this: Once you ve led a successful run, it s a thrill that s difficult to explain. Betty Fields has been our president for two years. I d like to take this opportunity to thank her for all her hard work and planning to make our club and our activities fun and exciting. Betty loves to plan and organize and that s what it takes to be a good leader in a car club...or for any club, for that matter. At any rate, thanks Betty, we ll love you forever! You know, I m not much of a mechanic, but I still like to tackle small projects and like helping others do the same too. I know it s a royal pain for Jeff to open up his shop for us and he s gracious when he does. But, this year, I m going to try to find a place where we can have mini tech events. I know lots of garages and I m going to try to see if I can hold special tech events. Maybe it s installing horns, installing trunk lights, etc. I m sure you have a small DIY project you d want to start but would feel better if someone was there to lend a hand. Inside this issue 2012 Wrap Up.....Front Page Presidents Message Hobo Run Story and Photos....3, 4 Italian Miata?.5 Maize Run and Photos...6, Photo Memories ,9 Twisted Sisters, AKA Jimbos Misadventures...10,11 Dave and Gene s Excellent Adventure..12 Get On Your High Horse Run 13 Crossword Fun.14 Upcoming Runs and Events..Back Page I ve got lots of things up my sleeve for 2013, look out! New Members Carlos Chavez-Trevino & Linda Montez San Antonio 1993 LE Brilliant Black Rick and Sherry Knight San Antonio 2001 BRG Ron Conner San Antonio 2008 Galaxy Grey Welcome to the Club! -Ed

President s Message by Betty Fields PAGE 3 Once again we find ourselves looking back over a year that has gone by quickly funny the older you get the faster it goes.

3 President s Message by Betty Fields PAGE 3 Once again we find ourselves looking back over a year that has gone by quickly funny the older you get the faster it goes. There were so many Miata runs and events this year from short drives, to long hauls, cruising, flying kites, picnics, car shows, hamburgers, fireworks and much more. We have the greatest bunch of enthusiast in the country. This past year was a rough one personally but because of your support it made gloomy days brighter. I wasn t able to make many runs/events but because of the great members in our club our run leaders did an awesome job. We set a goal of having 1200 people attend Miata led events and we way surpassed that! GREAT JOB! As your president for the last two years I would like to thank each of you for your constant support. I don t believe in any other club would you find such a diverse group of people who care more about their members than the Bluebonnet Miata Club, I know this first-hand. There are no words to express my gratitude for your belief in me. It has been a pleasure serving you and my hat is off to our newly elected president. Hobo Run With the 1 st Hobo Convention under our suspenders it was a great time of driving, fun, food & fellowship. Congrats to our Hobo brother Joe Knight for winning our look like a hobo contest. The blowed-in-the-glass Bindlestiffs ended up at the Fields soup bowl prison, and brought their bullets, gump and all sorts of cans for the mulligan feast. Some pretended to chuck a dummy when they saw the mulligan on the fire, thinking that some of the bo s brought sparebiscuits. Betty got out the banjo and made some ho cakes to share so there was no stemming going on. It was a beautiful night out in the jungle and the sky pilot played his music to everyone s delight. We look forward to seeing all the Hobo s at the next convention. Editors note: Photos of this run can be found on the following page..

4 PAGE 4 Hobo Run photos

5 PAGE 5 This story from... Headlining today s Out of Left Field News is an announcement from Mazda and Fiat that the two companies will collaborate on the development and manufacture of a small rear-drive roadster. Yes, that rear-drive roadster: The plan has Mazda s next-gen Miata serving as the basis for a future Alfa Romeo roadster due in (The next Miata is expected to go on sale by mid-2014.) Of course, the two cars will be brand-specific and get unique styling and engines. Good thing, too, because we aren t sure how to say Skyactiv in Italian. Mazda hitching up with Alfa Romeo may seem a bit odd, but the move makes sense for both companies. Alfa Romeo has a history of small rear-drive roadsters to bank on but no platform to build one on, and Mazda is in need of the cash and volume that a tie-up like this would bring the deal essentially lets Mazda amortize the cost of the world s bestselling niche vehicle. Mazda will build the two cars at its Hiroshima assembly plant, which suggests that the Japanese company will be contributing more to this program. Unlike the Subaru/Toyota tie-up, however, the cars will each use engines distinct to the badges they wear; the Miata will get one of Mazda s new Skyactiv engines while the Alfa will get a Fiat-sourced power train, likely a small turbo four. This reborn Spider, or whatever Alfa decides to call it, could mean the Alfa 4C concept a showstopper at last year s Geneva auto show is off the table. At the very least, that car s mid-engine layout and carbon-fiber-intensive construction mean it won t become a front-engine roadster. We see the Alfa RoMazda replacing it instead, since it s hard to imagine two small, rear-drive Alfas joining the lineup in such short order. The announcement of the preliminary, non-binding agreement over the Miata platform also includes a note from Alfa Romeo that reiterates the Italian brand s intentions to expand globally. While this could indicate, once again, Alfa s possible impending return to the U.S. market, we remain skeptical given the number of delays the automaker has already faced in getting back here. That said, since the next Miata is being designed for U.S. certification, it wouldn t be too hard for Alfa to sell its version here as well. If all goes to plan, the deal will be finalized this year.

6 PAGE 6 AMAIZE-ing time at the South Texas Maize By Craig Martin What an amaizing time at the BBMC s first outing to the South Texas Maize Nov. 3 in Hondo. I think it s safe to say that everyone had a cornucopia of fun. This was our first official run, even though the run itself was only 11 miles, but we were so excited when 18 cars and 31 people turned out on the beautiful, sunny Saturday morning for our first event. The maze itself was divided into two mazes, each with instructions on how to get out of the maze. Without giving anything away for a possible future event, let s just say that some people got cornfused with the instructions and may have taken a wrong turn or two. Some of the more adventurous of the group went through the maze backward! There was great food (love the hand-made and fried potato chips), a corn cannon (we had four winners!) a hay ride, a cow train, a petting zoo, and the bladder buster bouncing thing. There also were several cornundrums. No cheating was allowed in the maze, so that left some club members at a disadvantage (smile). It truly was fun navigating through the maze. The hay ride stopped at a cowch for a photo shoot. Only a few people were able to stay standing er, bouncing on the bladder buster without falling and not being able to get back up, and the cow train well, more on that in another story. And the food, well, anyone who has been in this club for any amount of time knows how much we like food! Thank you to everyone who came and made our first run a huge success! By Lisa Martin Head Em Up, Move em Out Rough Riders Marilyn Hamilton, Betty Jackson, Dave Hamilton, Linda Morrow and Lisa Martin rode the South Texas Maize Cow Barrel Train, and it was udderly hilarious! Who says you can t have fun, just like when you were a kid. After the hayride, Linda Morrow and myself noticed the cow train, and Linda (inquiring minds want to know), wondered if adults could ride this train. We walked over and asked the young teenage boy who was driving the tractor that pulled the train, if we could have a ride. He gave us a strange look, wondering if we were really serious about this, and then said he wasn t sure and that he would have to ask his boss. I think he thought we were a little bit crazy,. Well, we got permission from the boss and we loaded up in the train. We managed to fit our adult size bodies into the barrels, (meant for the kiddos), and off we went. It was the bumpiest ever train ride, we drove around in circles, bouncing all over the place, jarring our necks and backs, and laughing our heads off! I am thankful to know such a great group of people who want to enjoy life and find joy in some of the simple pleasures in life.

7 AMAIZE-ing Photos PAGE 7

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PAGE 10 We did the Three Twisted Sis No wait, they did us!! By Jimbo Treat On Oct 27 th, a joint Club run was arranged by Paul Bellew from Austin to go to the Three Twisted Sisters around Leakey, TX.

I was able to mount my video camera on the nose of the car, so we were able to shoot some great video.

10 PAGE 10 We did the Three Twisted Sis No wait, they did us!! By Jimbo Treat On Oct 27 th, a joint Club run was arranged by Paul Bellew from Austin to go to the Three Twisted Sisters around Leakey, TX. I believe we had nearly 30 cars show up from all over. After having a nice drive over to Medina, we split up into different driving groups to navigate the twisties around Leakey. I was able to mount my video camera on the nose of the car, so we were able to shoot some great video. After regrouping in Camp Wood, we headed out to RR 335 for some more twisties and curves and whoop-de-doos. A few miles later, I see Jon Etkins dodge something, but I didn t have time to move out of the way, and so the right front wheel hit a large rock that had fallen from a cliff wall on the opposite side of the road. It didn t hurt the tire, but it punched a hole in the barrel of the wheel. We pulled over safely and found the damage in the wheel. Luckily it didn t hit the brake caliper or it could have been really bad. After deciding to drive to a major intersection for easier tow truck locating, Ed Smith found that there was a Discount Tire in Kerrville that could replace the wheel and tire. Ed s wife Barbara and Rohm Thompson stayed with Freda while Ed and I drove 60+ miles to Discount to get the replacement wheel and tire, came back and put it on the car and then met the rest of the crew at The Lake House restaurant. Except for being an expensive day, it was still a lot of fun driving the twisties up until THE ROCK! I m just glad we had our friends with us to help. Miata Owners Rock!! I would like to especially thank Rohm Thompson and Ed & Barbara Smith for staying with Freda and for driving me to fix everything.

11 PAGE 11 Twisted Sisters Run Photos

PAGE 12 Dave and Gene s Excellent Adventure By Dave Hamilton Gene Carlow and I have been avid Formula 1 racing fans for a number of years.

Prix. We decided to make regular trips to the track area to watch it being built.

Slowly, over many months, we watched the step-by-step construction of the track.

We also befriended a landowner next to the track who allowed us access to his property to watch the construction in the Turn 11 area.

Our new friend was very amused by the fact that we found this interesting and entertaining. Eventually, the track was completed and approved as race ready.

Marcia was unexpectedly offered a cruise hosting position on a fantastic cruise ship that would cause him to miss part of the race weekend.

He wisely decided to go on the cruise and subsequently Marilyn used his ticket to attend the F1 Qualifying Session on Saturday.

Our secret way to the track worked perfectly and we avoided all major traffic.

12 PAGE 12 Dave and Gene s Excellent Adventure By Dave Hamilton Gene Carlow and I have been avid Formula 1 racing fans for a number of years. We were delighted when we learned that they were going to build the Circuit of the Americas near Austin and that it would host the F1 United States Grand Prix. We decided to make regular trips to the track area to watch it being built. Several years before the race we made our first trip to the area that was just a desolate looking plot of raw land at the time. Slowly, over many months, we watched the step-by-step construction of the track. We explored numerous back roads in the area and eventually we developed a secret way to reach the track that avoided all major highways and roads. We also befriended a landowner next to the track who allowed us access to his property to watch the construction in the Turn 11 area. Over the next year, we spent many hours sitting in camping chairs while watching the development through binoculars and camera lenses. Our new friend was very amused by the fact that we found this interesting and entertaining. Eventually, the track was completed and approved as race ready. Gene and I happily purchased our tickets and parking pass. As the race rapidly approached Gene suddenly had a decision to make. Marcia was unexpectedly offered a cruise hosting position on a fantastic cruise ship that would cause him to miss part of the race weekend. The weekend actually consists of practice on Friday, qualifying on Saturday and the race on Sunday. The F1 admission ticket is good for all three days. He wisely decided to go on the cruise and subsequently Marilyn used his ticket to attend the F1 Qualifying Session on Saturday. Gene returned from the cruise on Saturday evening and was ready to go to the track on Sunday morning. Our secret way to the track worked perfectly and we avoided all major traffic. Approximately 118,000 people attended the race on Sunday and the lines for food and drink were incredible! The race was fantastic and we had a great time. We were able to exit the track quickly and easily on our secret road. Our F1 experience was truly an excellent adventure. We are already looking forward to attending next year. P.S. Mike Lucas, the brother of George, was selected to be the track announcer for the Circuit of the Americas. He does a fantastic job of entertaining the crowd and keeping everyone informed about all the action. We really enjoyed listening to him.

13 PAGE 13 In a never ending effort to go on exhilarating roads and find a new place to eat, I chose High s Café and Store in Comfort, Texas to take 15 Miatas. The day was beautiful, the fall colors were spectacular and the food was, shall we say...a bit less mainstream than many of us are used to. But we had a great time!

14 PAGE 14 DECEMBER ACCROSS 1 - Rats! 3 - Paint your wagon here 5 - Power Retractable 6 - Once a year DIY 7 - Paul Faulkner's favorite run 9 - Leon Franklin's 2nd love 10 - Craig Martin plays one 11 - Stammer 12 - This stew had everything 14 - This year's Statewide location 19 - Hand shifter 21 - Jeff says "pick it up" 22 - You can post here 26 - Next Cruise Destination 28 - George L. takes you here every year 30 - Yearly Ye haw gathering 32 - Miata! (Pat Franklin's motto) 33 - Jimbo doesn't like these 35 - The lane to be in when the race is over 36 - Mike and Betty Jackson have one of these two 37 - Don's Privett's forte DOWN 1 - Let's meet at this Valero 2 - Christmas Party Site 4 - Lisa accompanies Craig this way 5 - Dave Hamilton's favorite 6 - Toys For 8 - The new MX-5 trim name 13 - George B. takes you here every year 15 - Our Sponsor 16 - NC shoes 17 - The fastest red 18 - Tom and Sandee Lemasters have three of these 20 - Check your Miata's Power on this 23 - Miata Metalic 24 - Tire part in road 25 - The YO is there 26 - A mountain getaway 27 - Jimbo thinks George's horn sounds like this 29 - Where we get lots of our toys 31 - Can't be a member without these 32 - Newsletter editor 34 - Nix Answers can be found on our website!

15 PAGE 15 Last month s meeting minutes were not supplied by press time. I apologize for the inconvenience Thank You Sponsors and Friends

In The Breeze Bluebonnet Miata Club San Antonio, Texas http://www.bluebonnetmiata.

16 In The Breeze Bluebonnet Miata Club San Antonio, Texas To join club or renew dues, open the above web site and click on the membership tab Check your mailing label for your renewal date. Please renew your membership promptly! Upcoming Runs and Events Wednesday, November 28th, Lunar Zoomer Dinner, hosted by George Lucas. Meet at 7 p.m. at Longhorn Café, Blanco Road North (Just south of 1604). Big juicy burgers and a full moon...what could be better? Be there! Saturday, December 1st, Toys for Tots at North Park Mazda. Show up with a new, unopened toy and receive a card for a free oil change! Tonight a leader will be asked to lead our group to the dealership. Sunday, December 2nd, Willow City Loop/Wine Run, led by Paul and Yong Ballew. Meet at Hwy 281N and FM2766 at the Exxon station at 12 noon. Stock up for the holidays with your favorite wine! Sundaes on Monday, December 3rd, hosted by Tom and Sandee LeMasters. Details TBA. Saturday, December 8th, Camp Verde Christmas Open House, led by George Lucas. We ll meet behind the Whataburger at Bandera Road and 1604 at 9:00 a.m. for a 9:30 a.m. departure. After a short run through some always fun roads, we ll arrive at the Camp Verde General Store for their Christmas festivities. Lots of bargains, complimentary food and get your picture taken with Santa! Sunday, December 9th, Annual Christmas party, organized by Betty Fields. Rio Cibolo Ranch is the site again for this year s party. Betty will provide details at tonight s meeting! Saturday, December 15th. Christmas Lights Run, led by Stephanie Turner. Details TBA at tonight s meeting. Monday, December 31st. New Year s Eve party, hosted by Dave and Marilyn Hamilton. Details may be forthcoming at tonight s meeting!

Happy Thanksgiving! November 2010 Newsletter of the Bluebonnet MX-5 Miata Club Still Free! It s Our Turn To Shine...Again!

In The Breeze In The B Happy Thanksgiving! November 2010 Newsletter of the Bluebonnet MX-5 Miata Club Still Free! It s Our Turn To Shine...Again! It s been a long time since we last hosted the State Wide