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Amidst the fire engines, lift trucks and street sweepers were some real gems. Call it an event within a event. About 60 vintage vehicles were showing their Sunday best on Saturday during the city of Merced's annual open house at the municipal corporation yard on Grogan Avenue. Despite some toasty triple-digit temperatures building in the early afternoon, the car show produced some great sightings, terrific fellowship and good eating in the area where the Merced Police Department's Crown Victorias are maintained. Sitting in the shade or in one of the city buildings, things were quite pleasant, facilitating many great discussions between car fanciers.

A stay in the hospital isn't necessarily something one equates with fun, but my recent three-day visit to Mercy Medical Center Merced certainly had its pleasurable moments. Looking back, it was a good experience even if it's not something I'm eager to repeat. All the nurses were kind, courteous, prompt, thorough, considerate, friendly and eager to make me comfortable--and that goes a long way to make things bearable. Thanks to anesthesia, I didn't feel a thing from the surgery, and postoperative discomfort didn't really settle in until I had gone home from the hospital. Thankfully, that's just about over.