I just got the first pictures of the Clubbie – it arrived at the dealership today and I’m picking it up on Saturday.  I’m so excited I can’t breathe!

The Union Jack mirror caps haven’t been installed yet but it still looks awesome.  The sales person was all excited because she had never seen a John Cooper Works Clubman – she just kept going on about how great it looks.  And it’s taking all my strength not to jump in the truck and drive down there to see it in person!

(click to enlarge the images)

The interior looks great with the chrome trim and the red stitching:

I honestly don’t know how I’m going to sleep for the next three nights.  And I’m not quite sure how everyone has put up with me being so crazy about this car – I’ve been talking about pretty much non-stop.  I have to say thank you to everyone – it helps so much having family and friends that are willing to put up with me listen.  Only 67 hours and counting!

[4/22/2011, 6:15PM] UPDATE: My motoring advisor just sent me this picture – the car is now fully prepped with the dealer installed options:

So the MINI left the New Jersey distribution center at the end of last week and it's on a truck heading to the dealership – it's supposed to arrive either tomorrow or Wednesday.  And since they need a day or so to prep it, the plan is to pick it up on Saturday.  The end is finally in sight – but this waiting is just killing me.  It's been a long three months with many ups and downs, but this last little stretch is by far the worst.  I really need a way to keep from going completely mental for the next 4 days, 21 hours, 55 minutes and 47 seconds…

I have come across an amazing webcam – and now I can't pull myself away…

The Raptor Resource Project in Iowa has set up a live webcam 80 feet up in a tree to monitor a pair of nesting Bald Eagles.  They are beautiful to watch, but more importantly two chicks were just hatched a couple of days ago and there is still one egg in the nest.  The images are very clear and the folks monitoring the nest have the ability to pan, tilt, and zoom the camera for some amazing shots.  Most of the time the female is on top of the chicks, but periodically she will move and you can see the chicks and see them being fed.  It is really an amazing experience – I started watching this morning and I haven't been able to tear myself away.  And obviously the word is getting out – when I started watching there were about 120,000 people logged in – six hours later there were 170,000 people viewing.  Check it out: http://www.ustream.tv/decoraheagles

Disclaimer: I cannot be held responsible for any loss of productivity due to being captivated by these images. 

[4/5/2011, 6:32PM] UPDATE: This thing has really gone viral – NPR has even picked up the story…