It's a big event in our household when we acquire a new vehicle. Our 7 year old Honda Civic was still doing fine, but Jack has wanted a hybrid car for some time. And after much research on the latest plug-in models we chose the 2013 Chevrolet Volt. When we got home it would not charge on the 110 outlet. The salesman even came over from Guntersville on his day off to check and see if he could find the problem, but no luck. The dealer took care of the faulty wiring harness and we have been cruising around town on all electric ever since. So far we really like it.

Yesterday we said farewell to Gregor Robin Jackson. It was a lovely day in Arab, Alabama, with temperatures in the upper 60's. There were many "Gregor Stories" from his family and numerous friends. The United States Air Force honor guard performed their military ceremony leaving no dry eyes in the audience. And to top things off there was a bagpipe player in full attire to honor Gregor's Scottish heritage.

Gregor may be gone, but he is certainly not forgotten.

(Click for a larger image.)

Gregor Robin Jackson, age 69, passed away Saturday, March 2, 2013, at his home. He died peacefully in bed with his dogs early in the morning.

A Memorial Service with Military Honors will be Saturday, March 9, 2013, at 3 PM at Gober Funeral Chapel. Friends may visit with the family from 2 to 3 PM Saturday before the Memorial. The family requests No Flowers Please. Donations may be made to the Local Animal Shelter in care of the Arab Police Department, 740 N. Main St., Arab, AL 35016, In Memory of Gregor Jackson.

Gregor had kidney surgery last month and recovered very quickly. He felt great on Friday when he had both breakfast and lunch with family members. His untimely death came as a great shock to all of us. Gregor always lived life to the fullest and his absence leaves a huge void in Melanie's life. All of us family members mourn Gregor's passing and send our love and support to Melanie.

Gregor called us last night and was in good spirits. Below is what he posted on Facebook early this morning:

"One of two bullet wounds I received from a crazed, unknown black male motorist leaving Birmingham Sunday morning. He pulled up next to me at 55 mph and discharged six 9 mm rounds into my car. I got one in my shoulder and one in my side. They are going to leave both bullets inside me. Hopefully I go home today."

We are all wishing Gregor a speedy and complete recovery!

Wednesday, November 7 Update: Gregor was released from the hospital yesterday and is resting at home. He will return for a progress checkup in two weeks if there are no problems in the interim.

Yesterday morning, Sunday, November 4, Son-in-law Gregor took Melanie to the Birmingham airport for her flight to Tampa. He then drove north on Highway 79 to return to Arab. In a sparsely populated area north of Pinson, a car pulled up beside Gregor and started shooting with a pistol. About 5 bullets hit the car and 2 wounded Gregor. Read More...