Somehow a “quick trip to check out a car” turned
into my whole day off in a dealership…

Plus side? We were able to get another needed vehicle that
will make it through the snow.

But when we left, not even 5 minutes after leaving, Mom took
the wrong highway direction (pesky north south east west- who really knows
which way to go?) and my father followed in his new used car. So we took the
first exit to turn around and head the right way. Did I mention the 5 pm rush hour traffic? Yeah, it was fun, and
even with that, my father later said that he saw us on the exit as he passed
by. Smarter people would either take the next exit, or pull over and call or
ask for directions, something other than just keep driving.

It took mom and me an hour to get home, which was double the
time it took to get there in the first place. My father took 2 hours getting
home. How? We are labeling it joyriding in his new car… He pretty much went a
half hour in the opposite direction, before realizing that maybe he should grab
the parkway home. A rant about how the tolls have gone up, and that it cost him
a whole $1.50 (the last time he used the parkway, tolls were a quarter or two…
so many many moons ago) was the only real complaint when he finally figured out
where we live vs where he was driving to. At least it’s a big enough state that
he wasn’t off in New York or Pennsylvania
before he figured out the goof. Good thing the dealer filled the gas tank
though, came in handy!

All’s well that ends well. “The car did OK.” Which
means he is happy enough, and we are all praying to never have to car shop with
him again. My mom and I pick a car for the most random of reasons, and we are
quite happy. My father is forever trying to find a modern day equivalent of
80’s vehicles. Pick ups, broncos, you name it and it could have a snow plow
attached, he thinks he wants it. No we will never be mentioning that the car he
has now could possibly get a small plow attachment. The old man is an overnight
worker, and insisted that the new car be so high off the ground that he won’t
need plowed roads. No point in adding an expensive trophy toy, since he will
always be asleep after the sun comes up.

I share all of this for a few reasons. 1- It has been a
super long 9-9 kind of day, and it feels good to pass it on. 2- Here is one way for you to get
to know me, and my daily life, struggles and all. 3- It’s just not my day off
without spending a little time writing, even if it’s this story, with a place to
look back on in case it ever becomes part of a bigger or better story.

Man I wish I could have been writing all day instead… Anyone
else have characters that live on in your mind with or without paper and
pen/blank document handy?