Posted by Susan Fischer on 1/26/07 6:00am
Msg #172645
A Story for You:
The best thing about my car isn’t that she’s paid for. Or that she has reclining leather seats, four doors (no waiting), and a big sliding skylight that Dad fixed by cleaning the little electrical connector thingies. Or that she corners like a cheetah, shifts like a magician, or conducts magnificent music throughout every inch of her dynamic shape. The best thing about my car is she cruises me to signings like the one I had tonight.
Earthy, laughing folks, who have this wonderful ‘everything’ tree up against the wall up to the ceiling, this month decorated with gorgeous Heart ornaments. Our last signing was October, a year or two ago, and the tree was all spooky; and once again, a happy cat on the couch in front of a warm fire, in a simply appointed, welcoming home.
The bummer was I pulled into the Last Chance Texaco (Thank you Rickie Lee Jones) but had forgotten my wallet, and had to wrangle some gas to get to Waldport for the deal. I was well suited, clean and shiny, and only had my card and my Stamp for ID. The littleoldlady behind the counter looked me up and down, shrugged, and called the boss at home.
“No, I’ve never seen her before,” she tried to whisper into the phone.
“No, she’s older,” she said, eyeing me sideways.
“And local in Lincoln City.” I grinned wide.
“Five gallons? Ok,” she said, nodding authoritively, and hung up.
Flustered, I forgot she said five gallons, and called out the door to “What’s his name?”
“Cory! Five dollars please!”
She rolled her eyes, I saw it.
“Cory, make that five gallons on two,” she spat into the walkie-talkie, which also reported to the in-store speakers for the line of customers to enjoy.
Thanking her profusely, signing the receipt, adding my license plate number, and assuring her I would go to my appointment, drive to Lincoln City, get my wallet, and return to Newport to pay for the fuel before they closed at 10 PM as promised, I had 20 minutes to make Canal St in Waldport.
Traffic was kind. During the signing, I related my newfound belief in human goodness, whereupon Mr. Borrower whipped out a twenty and insisted I would not drive the 50 mile round trip from home back to Newport for five lousy gallons of gas, and at the end, gave me a Valentine Tootsie Pop as he closed my car door after hugs and good-bys all around.
She’s old, and doesn’t get the mileage she used to, but she is the sweetest ride as she flashes by those dotted yellow lines, zipping up the road behind me - my darling Subaru.
Cheers!
Susie
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Reply by PJM/MI on 1/26/07 6:03am
Msg #172646
That's a cute story, Susan. 
Like you, my trusty Blazer is paid for, has 215,000 miles on it, gets me up the cow paths so many of my borrowers live on, and gets me back home again.
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Reply by MelissaCT on 1/26/07 9:08pm
Msg #172779
Hubby bought us each a keychain hider-thing
out of a magazine. There's a bill tucked inside, can't remember how much, not too much but enough, inside. Whether I have my keys or his, that's always there. I haven't opened it since we stocked it, but if the need arises, it's there. AAA doesn't hurt, either.
I once got a flat 2 blocks from a borrower's home, on my way there. It started pouring rain as I turned onto their street. (I drove very slowly with a flat). Got inside & explained that I had to first call AAA for flat repair. They left the door open, so we could watch for the tow truck. I tipped the driver for his trouble.
Love this work! Never know what will happen & you won't believe the kindness of others on your travels.
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