Eddie Goes for a Ride

Remember quite some time ago I introduced you to Lucille [Lucy]? She quite the happening gal - and STILL rides in my car. Always.

Well, imagine my surprise when her fourth-cousin, Eddie, showed up the other day. As luck would have it, Eddie came into town right when I needed to make a drive to a church for an event I was attending for my "day job".  I asked Eddie if he wanted to ride along with me. He was ready before me and waiting outside for me.  Here we go.....

Are we about ready to go?

No - I'm a dude. I can do the steps all by myself.

Whew. Lots of steps back here - but I can manage.

Yikers. That's a long way down.

Wait for me....I'm coming!

[The look of full step-determination.]

Finished the steps and now coming along on the pathway. Just about there!

Yay! Finally at the van.

What are all these buttons for?

Can I help drive?

Ok, guess I'm ready to go.

Dang - do I have to wear this dumb seat belt?

No - I'm too excited - I can't stay in that seat!

What! Was that a dog?

What do I see down there? Oh....it's your feet.

Guess we have to run to the bank. Through the drive-through to cash a check.

This is awesome-cool.

La, la, la....I'm at the bank....

Cash. Sweet. Cash.

A little hungry, let's grab some hash browns and a drink from McDonald's.

Mmmm....love that morning soda.

And the hash browns - ooooo, laaa, laaa.

Thanks. I'm full now. Burp.

After the long drive, we are finally at the destination's parking lot.

Yup. I think we'll park here.

I can't go in with you? Wait in the car???

Don't worry -  the windows were cracked open to give me air.

But I'm going to miss you when your'e gone...

Happy to report the event went well - and a few short hours later, we head home. Tired.

[Skip to next morning.] [Oh, oh!]

Ummm, what's keeping you? We're ready for a ride! Hoot hoot!

Pulling Over

A few weeks ago I was driving down the highway as an ambulance came up behind me with their lights on. I did the usual routine - and appropriately pulled over to the side of the road to let them pass safely. Of course, my normal thoughts entered my head and I quickly said a brief prayer that whoever was being transported would be okay.

As I pulled back on the road, I thought to myself - wouldn't it be nice if we would be as considerate to all drivers on the road as we are to the ambulance's that quickly approach in our rear-view mirrors? I mean, if we can automatically pull over so quickly when we see those lights appear, why can't we give that same type of consideration to all drivers instead of getting frustrated, angry, and aggressive at others who aren't driving the same way or same speed as we are?

Just something to think about...

Taking a Drive

What ever happened to just getting in the car and taking a drive?

I remember when I was young, it was a special thing if we "went for a drive". My mom, dad, sister and I would climb into the car. Often on a Sunday. Often after church. Sometimes we'd have an idea where we were headed. Sometimes not.

Last Sunday I decided to take a drive. Ok. I'll be honest and tell you that I did have a destination in mind. But I don't have to tell you where - do I?  More on that later...

So, I grabbed my purse, my camera, a Diet Pepsi and my Charlotte (my black-lab-daughter) - and we were off.

I realized (once again) that I take my beautiful surroundings for granted all too often. The incredible green fields, trees of all kinds and rolling hills were so bold and inspiring that day.

I did something that I'm sure I shouldn't have done. I snapped photos while driving. Yes, while driving. (Please don't tell Oprah. I'm sure it's worse than texting while driving.) But I was very careful to not do it while any other cars were around. And I tried to be very careful.  :-)

NOTE: However, taking photos in this manner does lead to viewing many blurry photos on your camera later.  Thank goodness for digital and the power of "erase".

When driving, I love to look at buildings and their surroundings. Homes, barns, shops, anything. It's so interesting to see all the different dwellings that folks inhabit. It  really is good that we all have different likes and dislikes because the earth is scattered with quite the variety of places people and/or animals call home.  On Sunday, I had my sights on older buildings - and I came across some fun ones.

Oh ya, fine. I'll tell you. I went to the casino. I got a wild hair and decided to try lady-luck. Guess I should have just kept driving...