On the eve of tomorrow's 5:00 a.m. departure to deliver my beloved Scout to its new owner in Cleveland— almost 10 years since I gave in to my dad's "feverish, sentimental, problematic fascination with old cars," as I called it in a magazine story—I drove my five-year-old daughter to school in it, for one last ride.
(Don't tell my wife.)
"We're gonna miss this stinky old truck aren't we?" I said, referring to the noxious mixture of gas, oil, grease, antifreeze and exhaust that I smell on my clothes even now, back at my writing desk.
"It's stinky. But it kind of smells yummy," she said, and then fell silent for 30 seconds before adding thoughtfully, "It kind of smells like candy, or honey."
David – great photo! Love it!!
Oh, and for the love of God!! Please DRIVE CAREFULLY tomorrow!!! We want you back here next week curmudgeoning as usual!
(Psst! David’s Readers: I give this admontion having actually ridden in the Scout – trust me – David needs to be reminded, especially on such a long trip)
I’m with Scout, where the Scout is concerned. Wistful and sad. Reconsider, David. Change for the sake of change is just change.
Wait – WHY? WHY? Can’t we keep it??
Moms:
I made it safe and sound. The Scout ran like a champ all the way. I exchanged it for a fat wad of cash and outran (and out-drank) the feelings.
David
I have seen too many workers injured and even killed working with unsafe construction equipment trucks. It seems to be all about the bottom dollar to most manufacturers which is why you have to be very careful when purchasing new machinery.