November 1, 2011:
Another new sales category
MINI Coupe sales appear on October’s MINI USA sales figures, just over 400 so far – a record number of Countrymans sold too, though nowhere near the highest number of MINIs sold in one month …
Head over here to see the detailed numbers
October 28, 2011:
From Wet to Cold …
Weather is changing fast here now! Just 2-1/2 weeks ago it was mid 80s, and now we had overnight snow (in Essex, where GPMINI was, though we did not get snow in Gloucester) …
Nice frost patterns (click for bigger view):
I think GP wants to go back to Florida!
October 27, 2011:
Wet GPMINI
We’re getting worse weather now – and GPMINI is wet!
Could be worse, they’re threatening overnight snow as the temperatures drop to freezing …
October 23, 2011:
(No) Apples, but Sundaes!
It’s Fall again and that means another pretty drive through the Fall colors of Massachusetts, following Sheena to George Hill Orchard and then on to ice cream! Even though it’s late October now, Fall colors also are late this year, and the weather was a comfortable mid-50s, bringing out 6 MINIs (and an Audi TT) – and one benefit of missing Mickey & MINI in Florida is that GPMINI is still up here to join in …
As always, Sheena led us down some beautiful twisty roads (including the obligatory “U-turn”) – which my GP seemed to really enjoy, increasing MPG during the day even while running at higher than normal RPMs 
At George Hill Orchard, few Apples were picked – but we sampled the food (hot dogs, cider donuts …) and visited the “Pets”:
Found some Apples, but didn’t pick them!
Then back to the MINIs for a short trip to ice cream at Cold Stone – and Armen got to drive GPMINI!
Cold Stone ice-cream was excellent; my traditional sweet cream ice cream with caramel and banana – which I ate before taking the picture!
Great fun to run in the GP again, and enjoy the company of good friends – thanks Sheena, and everyone!
More pictures in the Gallery (previous years 2010, 2008, 2007, 2006)
October 7, 2011:
20,000 Audi miles
After 2-1/2 years of ownership, my Q5 reached 20,000 today!
(closer view)
Interestingly in the same time, GPMINI has covered almost 20,000 miles, even though she spent a lot of time parked up in Florida – but driving coast to coast and back, as well as a few Florida to New Hampshire trips, help add the miles … My Q5 averages 21.3mpg (calculated, not the OBC) over that time (GPMINI averages 27.3mpg from new).
Last weekend I attended an Audi drive event where I got to test drive the latest A6 and A7 cars, more expensive than my Q5 (double the cost of my GP) – neither car was anywhere near as nice to drive as the Q5! And the BMW 5GT I tried a while back is not as good either … I wonder what else I should test drive, offering comfort, good steering, and excellent cabin tech?
