knightfan26917

* 30 people attended the 1st of this year's events, 04.18.2026's "Spring Spirit Chitown Meet'n'Greet", in 22 vehicles! All 32 pictures, with links to collages posted on social media, here: https://www.oldcarsstronghearts.com/ocsh-cruise-nights/2026-ocsh-steaknshake-events/ Next up? Cruise Nights, starting 05.09.2026 PEACE | Cort, pig and cow valves with pacemaker 2003 MGM LS + 1981 cmc SC; need 1975 Chrysler Cordoba "You'll be doing fine when the music starts" | El Debarge | 'Rhythm Of The Night'

* 22 vehicles brought 30 people to the 1st of this year's events! All 32 pictures, with links to collages posted on social media, here: https://www.oldcarsstronghearts.com/ocsh-cruise-nights/2026-ocsh-steaknshake-events/ Next up? Cruise Nights, starting 05.09.2026 PEACE | Cort, pig and cow valves with pacemaker 2003 MGM LS + 1981 cmc SC; need 1975 Chrysler Cordoba "Don't let your life pass you by" | Sarah McLachlan | 'I Will Remember You'

Ha ... no, wrong kind of models. I brought diecast models, tho I also have a number of dealer promos I could've brought, too. Are your tentative plans to be in town just that one day? If not ... Saturday Cruise Nights begin 05.09.2026. Thank you ... was a good turn out: https://www.oldcarsstronghearts.com/ocsh-cruise-nights/2026-ocsh-steaknshake-events/ PEACE | Cort, pig and cow valves with pacemaker 2003 MGM LS + 1981 cmc SC; need 1975 Chrysler Cordoba "The more things change the more they stay the same" | Kenny Chesney | 'Summertime'

Thank you! Definitely agree more people like him in life are needed. Oh. My. Goodness, yes! That tan MC is my 1981 Monte Carlo SC. Mom & Dad bought it brand new. It is at Brendan's place awaiting some work for me to be able to drive it to cruise nights & events. Maybe yet this year. Happy Belated New Year to you, too. * The 1st event of 2026 at Elgin IL's Steak'n'Shake is THIS weekend, 04.18.2026. ALL welcome, rain or shine. I will be in my 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis LS with some model cars & other items. Newest website entry: https://www.oldcarsstronghearts.com/2026/04/14/invite-posts/ # to TEXT me is on this page, under CONTACT & LINKS: https://www.oldcarsstronghearts.com/ocsh-cruise-nights/2026-ocsh-steaknshake-events/ PEACE | Cort, pig and cow valves with pacemaker 2003 MGM LS + 1981 cmc SC; need 1975 Chrysler Cordoba "The world rolls by a million miles away" | James Taylor | 'Our Town'

* THIS weekend, 04.18.2026. ALL welcome, rain or shine. I will be in my 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis LS with some model cars & other items. # to TEXT me is on this page, under CONTACT & LINKS: https://www.oldcarsstronghearts.com/ocsh-cruise-nights/2026-ocsh-steaknshake-events/ PEACE | Cort, pig and cow valves with pacemaker 2003 MGM LS + 1981 cmc SC; need 1975 Chrysler Cordoba "You take the good, you take the bad" | Gloria Loring | 'The Facts Of Life'

I've a BUNCH of saved email notifications to reply to things in here ... one of these days I'll reply to them.............. *grins devilishly* PEACE | Cort, pig and cow valves with pacemaker 2003 MGM LS + 1981 cmc SC; need 1975 Chrysler Cordoba "All your lies somehow left me blind" | George Ducas | 'Lipstick Promises'

Same. Brendan & I really like this show. PEACE | Cort, pig and cow valves with pacemaker 2003 MGM LS + 1981 cmc SC; need 1975 Chrysler Cordoba "Fire me up" | Def Leppard | 'Pour Some Sugar On Me'

* ___WHEN?___ 11.07.2026 Saturday 11a-10p+ RAIN OR SHINE ___WHAT?___ Lunch Meet'n'Greet Dinner Cruise Night While everyone here the entire day would be wonderful, this is not always possible; thus, this is designed so people can come-go as wanted-needed. ___WHO?___ You and everyone! ALL vehicles (makes-models-years) WELCOME FAMILY EVENT ___WHY?___ Meeting new people, seeing vintage vehicles and spending time with friends is awesome! ___WHERE?___ Steak'n'Shake 290 S RANDALL RD ELGIN IL 60123 ...just south of historic US Rt 20 ___CONSIDER!___ Valley Model RR sessions, S Elgin IL, Friday night or Sunday afternoon ___INSPIRATION!___ 11.08.2025 "FALL FUN Chitown Meet'n'Greet" ___REFERENCE!___ Details - photos - links: https://www.oldcarsstronghearts.com/ocsh-cruise-nights/2026-ocsh-steaknshake-events/ PEACE | Cort, pig and cow valves with pacemaker 2003 MGM LS + 1981 cmc SC; need 1975 Chrysler Cordoba "There's a freeway runnin' through the yard" | Tom Petty | 'Free Fallin''

* ___WHEN?___ 07.25.2026 Saturday 11a-10p+ RAIN OR SHINE ___WHAT?___ Lunch Gathering Dinner Cruise Night While everyone here the entire day would be wonderful, this is not always possible; thus, this is designed so people can come-go as wanted-needed. ___WHO?___ You and everyone! ALL vehicles (makes-models-years) WELCOME FAMILY EVENT ___WHY?___ Meeting new people, seeing vintage vehicles and spending time with friends is awesome! ___WHERE?___ Steak'n'Shake 290 S RANDALL RD ELGIN IL 60123 ...just south of historic US Rt 20 ___CONSIDER!___ Turning Back Time annual show, Sycamore IL, 07.26.2026 ___INSPIRATION!___ Prior MidSummer Chitown Gatherings: 07.26.2008 07.25.2009 07.24.2010 Quote from an attendee, ChitownChevy: "It would take hell or high water for me to miss this. This is such a great event ... I highly suggest everyone try to make this even if it is for only a short time just to say hi. This is such a laid back friendly group of people." ___REFERENCE!___ Details - photos - links: https://www.oldcarsstronghearts.com/ocsh-cruise-nights/2026-ocsh-steaknshake-events/ PEACE | Cort, pig and cow valves with pacemaker 2003 MGM LS + 1981 cmc SC; need 1975 Chrysler Cordoba "We were shinin' like lighters in the dark in the middle of a rock show" | Jake Owen | 'Barefoot Blue Jean Night'

* ___WHEN?___ 05.09.2026 - 10.24.2026 Saturdays 4p-11p ___WHAT?___ Cruise Night Dinner Gathering Lengthy hours to accommodate "early birds" and "night owls". ___WHO?___ You and everyone! ALL vehicles (makes-models-years) WELCOME FAMILY EVENT ___WHY?___ Meeting new people, seeing vintage vehicles and spending time with friends is awesome! ___WHERE?___ Steak'n'Shake 290 S RANDALL RD ELGIN IL 60123 ...just south of historic US Rt 20 ___CONSIDER!___ Make it a get-away weekend. ___INSPIRATION!___ The former Kane County Gearheads Saturday cruise nights at the former S Elgin IL Beef Villa. ___REFERENCE!___ Details - photos - links: https://www.oldcarsstronghearts.com/ocsh-cruise-nights/2026-ocsh-steaknshake-events/ PEACE | Cort, pig and cow valves with pacemaker 2003 MGM LS + 1981 cmc SC; need 1975 Chrysler Cordoba "Let me get behind the wheel before I lose control" | Barbara Mandrell | 'Fast Lanes & Country Roads'

* ___WHEN?___ 04.18.2026 Saturday 11a-10p+ RAIN OR SHINE ___WHAT?___ Lunch Meet'n'Greet Dinner Cruise Night While everyone here the entire day would be wonderful, this is not always possible; thus, this is designed so people can come-go as wanted-needed. ___WHO?___ You and everyone! ALL vehicles (makes-models-years) WELCOME FAMILY EVENT ___WHY?___ Meeting new people, seeing vintage vehicles and spending time with friends is awesome! ___WHERE?___ Steak'n'Shake 290 S RANDALL RD ELGIN IL 60123 ...just south of historic US Rt 20 ___CONSIDER!___ 25N Coworking Free Friday, Geneva IL, 04.17.2026 Valley Model RR sessions, S Elgin IL, Friday or Sunday ___INSPIRATION!___ Kick off the automotive season with enthusiasts. ___REFERENCE!___ Details - photos - links: https://www.oldcarsstronghearts.com/ocsh-cruise-nights/2026-ocsh-steaknshake-events/ PEACE | Cort, pig and cow valves with pacemaker 2003 MGM LS + 1981 cmc SC; need 1975 Chrysler Cordoba "An open road & a road that's hidden" | Steve Wariner | 'Brand New Life (Who's The Boss?)'

* Hope your 2026 is good so far. On New Year's Day, longtime friend - fellow automotive enthusiast Phil K died. He and his wife, Sandy, owned the garage where my family of cars were stored for years. I posted a tribute, with a collage, here: https://www.oldcarsstronghearts.com/2026/01/08/heart-matters-85/ OFFICIAL INVITE Several people enjoyed the 11.08.2025 "Fall Fun Chitown Meet'n'Greet"! Will you join us for 2026 events? 04.18 "Spring Spirit Chitown Meet'n'Greet" 05.09-10.24 Saturday Cruise Nights 07.25 "MisSummer Chitown Gathering" 11.07 "Fall Fun Chitown Meet'n'Greet" Steak'nShake started February 1934 along famed Route 66, celebrating its Centennial this year. Elgin IL's location is situated along Randall Rd, just south of historic US 20, also celebrating its Centennial this year. US 20 spans from Boston MA's Rt 2 to Newport OR's US 101 and goes right through Elgin, crossing IL RTs 25 and 31 along the way. DETAILS, including photos from November 2025, here: https://www.oldcarsstronghearts.com/ocsh-cruise-nights/2026-ocsh-steaknshake-events/ MILESTONE 01.19.2026 marked 11 years for my OC,SH website, which I launched 01.19.2015 from the Facebook page started December 2012. PEACE | Cort, pig and cow valves with pacemaker 2003 MGM LS + 1981 cmc SC; need 1975 Chrysler Cordoba "My heart would always be behind the wheel" | Ronnie Milsap | 'Prisoner Of The Highway'

feeling helpless PEACE | Cort, pig and cow valves with pacemaker 2003 MGM LS + 1981 cmc SC; need 1975 Chrysler Cordoba "Something's wrong in the world today" | Aerosmith | 'Living On The Edge'

* I have thought about visiting-posting many times the last couple months, but despite having actually drafted a post or 2 [including choice responses in the Random Thoughts Thread], did not. So, why now? To invite you to a gathering I am hosting THIS weekend! Short notice, but sometimes impromptu-spontaneous gatherings are needed. 2 experiences prompted this last-minute decision. First, just over a month go, I found out the restaurant that hosted my MidSummer Chitown Gatherings ~20 years ago is under new ownership interested in hosting events in 2026 [details on those later]. Second, among developing health issues (including a hernia), I had a scare a week or so ago relative to heart failure. Sparing you the long story (written on social media), bottom line, luckily, no heart failure (at least not yet, ha). But, the thought of that sparked wakeup calls. Thus, my decision to forge ahead with a gathering yet this year. DETAILS 11.08.2025 Saturday 11a-8p+ Steak'n'Shake 290 S RANDALL RD ELGIN IL 60123 [just south of HISTORIC US 20] text 847.337.9897 "OPEN HOUSE" style; come-go as you please ALSO CONSIDER (out-of-towners especially) ...a FALL COLOR DRIVE ...TOY & PROMO SHOW, Dekalb IL, Sunday, 11.09.2025 For more, see either of these links: https://www.facebook.com/events/1001766425473208/ (or) https://business.elginchamber.com/events/Details/fall-fun-chitown-meet-n-greet-1545539 POSITIVE VIBE Don’t know who needs to read this, but start living. Days are flying by, so enjoy what you can: walks, sunsets, nature, laughter, vehicles, friends'n'family, events, etc. Happiness highlights need not be expensive. PEACE | Cort, pig and cow valves with pacemaker 2003 MGM LS + 1981 cmc SC; need 1975 Chrysler Cordoba "Traveled down the road & back again" | Andrew Gold | 'Thank You For Being A Friend (Golden Girls)'

* About a month ago, I finally published a new entry on my OC,SH website for the 1st time in 4 years; I wrote about... ...my 1981 Monte Carlo SC returning home to northern IL, reminding me of a Restless Heart song (5 photos) ...an overdue mile marker celebration for my 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis LS (bought 10.20.2016 with 165,609 miles) ...heart notes (including the retirement of my cardiologist of ~25 years) ...& 2 tidbits. LINK TO READ MORE: https://www.oldcarsstronghearts.com/2025/07/22/of-cars-hearts/ FOOD FOR THOUGHT Memories are complicated: cool, yet stark reminders of people no longer with us, awesome times forgotten, music not heard anymore; memories also provide awesome shared stories to reconnect, faith to keep dreams-goals alive, & fuel to do more, with life adding new experiences to the history catalog. We go through life believing we will undoubtedly experience what we've scheduled for the next day, the next week, the next month or even the next year. Truth is, tho, life may have other plans. We never know when a visit, event, phone call, email, text or social media post will be the last one we ever share with someone. PEACE | Cort, pig and cow valves with pacemaker 2003 MGM LS + 1981 cmc SC; need 1975 Chrysler Cordoba "Help me leave behind some reasons to be missed" | Linkin Park | 'Leave Out All The Rest'