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Blog Entry: I got the Karmann Ghia out of the shop the other day, and am pleased to have the use of my headlights and turn signals at the same time!!  There are a good few glitches I would like worked out –fuel gage, clock, etc.—but those can wait as they aren’t integral to the overall operation of the car.  This past couple of evenings, I took time to install a side-view mirror, my modified grills, the rear nerf bumpers, front seatbelts (recently purchased from Karmann Ghia Parts and Restoration), and hubcaps to my machine.  As far as I was concerned, she was ready to go on her first legal run in almost five years.  Today was perfect for her first official drive… the sun shining in a cloudless sky warmed the day up to over 70 degrees.  I drove across town to my workplace, hogged about three or four parking spots, then went inside to tell everyone that the “new car” was there. Since the car underwent such a drastic metamorphosis, it seemed only right to dub this new creation with a new name.  Using the background information of the body I’d purchased, I decided to name the Karmann Ghia after a woman from Irish folk history…  Long ago there was a King from the house of Ulster named Connacher, who ruled Ireland, and headed a legion of knights known as the Red Branch.  The king's druid, named Cathbad and known for his accurate predictions, made a disturbing prognostication during one of the king’s feasts.  Pointing to the wife of the king’s harpist, who was pregnant, Cathbad made his announcement.  “The child born by this woman will be blessed with great beauty; that beauty, however, will cause the Red Branch to divide… war and strife will follow, and the house of Ulster shall suffer greatly."  The story is too long for the blog; the short run is that tragedy followed many who became involved with the girl.  If you wish to read the entire legend, go to the website listed here… http://members.tripod.com/seanchaidh/deirdre.htm  The previous owner of the body was working with his best friend –Roger Dietz-- to renovate his own 1968 Ghia, modifying it with a Porsche engine, specialty suspension, bodywork, etc.  In the course of the restoration, Roger died.  Disenchanted with the project after that, the man decided to sell off all the parts and pieces… regardless of price.  To return the kindness, I told the man that I would find a way to memorialize his friend.  I decided to rename my vehicle “DEIRDRE” to commemorate the loss that was suffered in the pursuit of beauty.  I’m very pleased to note that, by sheer coincidence, the name also directly memorializes Roger… the middle letter in the new name is an “R.” Thank you, Doug…