The Microcar Minicar World Meet 2010 was a fabulous event! It was a wonderful opportunity to see a lot of cars that you just don’t see on the road, much less at your regular car shows. The fascinating array included Vespas, Skodas, Reliants, Crosleys, Rutes, Nashes, Berkleys, Wolseleys, Citroens and even Lloyds. View photos…

After the show, the heat chased us to near-by Kaleidoscoops for ice cream. The cool treat was a welcome respite from the sun. View photos…

Surprisingly, there were a lot less potentially fatal accidents this year at State Fair. I almost got one group, but they narrowly escaped. Not that I was aiming for them, no. More like, I was busy doing my parade duties of waving, grinning, steering, keeping an eye out for danger, while they did their anti-parade maneuver of jumping out in front of a moving vehicle. Other than that, the parade went off without a hitch. I feel like the Milwaukee Minis really know what their doing now and could just randomly gather, throw on some decorations and start a parade. We’ll have to start the world’s first MINI motoring band. I promise not to play, drive and take photos. Anyway, view State Fair photos…

John’s Drive-In is the only place I’ve seen carrying the Root Beer Frosty. Basically, it’s a blended root beer float/milk shake made with ice cream and their homemade root beer. It was delicious and they’ll even make it with chocolate, if you ask. The other foods we tried were excellent and of the usual drive-in fare. View photos…

We were dubious about trying pizza from a shack. However, we were pleasantly surprised by how all around terrific Mary’s Pizza Shack in Rohnert Park, California, is. The decor was vintage kitchen, our waiter was a half-empty-time-for-a-refill optimist, the food was delicious and the prices just right. Our only regret was we didn’t get to go again and try the meatballs that we heard were also great. When do we get one in Wisconsin? View photos…

After winding through the Sonoma County scenery, we decided to take a break in lovely Calistoga, California. The hot sun blazed down on us as we dashed between shady spots and air conditioned shops. Around a corner of downtown was a tourist office with water, information and ice cream suggestions. We decided to try the newest ice cream shop Scoops & Swirls, so new it isn’t on Google maps. It’s a nice little shop with lots of choices. The seating inside is sparse, but there’s plenty of umbrellaed tables just outside. I had a “one scoop” of vanilla coupled with Maui Waui Sherbet. It was delightful, tropical fruit blend! Thanks to the server who suggested half scoops! Also, a few photos of the neighborhood surrounding the downtown. View photos…

One thing that struck me about California – all the drivers stopped when you got anywhere near the crosswalk. It was amazing! I can’t tell you how many times drivers have tried to splatter me on the pavement in Wisconsin. I must not be as notorious in California…

Bessie’s lucky day turned out to be June 20th at the British Car Field Day show in Sussex, Wisconsin. Not only did her number come up for a door prize, she also won second place in the new MINI class! Amazing! The door prize is head light stone guards for the classic BRG Mini, who was also in attendance. Both Bessie and the Classic BRG went through intensive beauty treatments for the show. Check out the Classic BRG’s new mirrors! The usual favorites showed up and quite a few uncommon beauties. View photos…

It’s girl’s night out and Bessie knows what this crowd likes – Pizza! We went to a favorite local place, Marty’s Pizza, for their delicious cheesy garlic bread. Also, we had a wonderful pepperoni and sausage pizza teaming with toppings. We rounded off the evening with Beatles’ Rock Band – too bad you missed it! View photos…

Our Classic BRG Mini successfully completed her first real long drive out to Greendale, Wisconsin, to sample the wares of Ferch’s Malt Shoppe & Grille. The event nearly started with a bang when an old lady started backing into the Mini. Fortunately, my dad was quick, the day was saved, and we enjoyed a lovely evening with other members of the Milwaukee Minis Club. View photos…

Our British Racing Green Mini went to her first car show! The Kiltie Cruise Night at our local drive-in restaurant in Oconomowoc was filled with great classic cars, hot rods and trucks. She may have been the smallest car there, but she still got some big looks. View photos…

What a day to enjoy the perfect weather in a great city with delicious food and wonderful company! What a day to own a MINI! We joined the Milwaukee Minis for a tour around our fair city to sample treats from pastries to cheese to donuts. View photos…

I also got a parking ticket If anyone knows how to get out of it, please, please, please, let me know!