Cars

Joanna over at Fifty Factor wrote a post the other day that was so fun.  She recounted how she got her first car and what kind it was.   I loved reading it.  It made me think back to my first car.  She named her cars, but I never have really.  Although Buster was driving Little Blue Thunder when I met him.  He names his cars sometimes.

I can not find a picture of my very first car, but here is what it looked like except for the wide green stripe.

  I found this picture on the internet of an original advertisement:

My first car was a 1977 Datsun 200sx.  My dad and I bought this car in 1984 during my sophomore year of college.  So it wasn’t new, but it was a great car and I loved it.  It was sporty and fun.   I remember the top of the back cloth seat was so faded and sun damaged.  You could poke your finger right thru the fabric.  But I didn’t care.   It got me thru the years of college that I attended and then  I rolled into Atlanta at the ripe old age of 19 ready to start working and a new life.

One morning on my way to work, I was in the middle lane of I-285  that loops the perimeter of Atlanta, GA and my car just quit.  It was 7:30 a.m. in rush hour -  bumper to bumper  morning traffic.  I was petrified.  I had no idea what to do.  This was before cell phones of course.  I could not even get to the shoulder of the  road.  I got out of my car and put the hood up and got back in and started crying. 

I remember all I could think of  while I was sitting there in my broken down car was the traffic report on the radio.   I just knew I  would be the one they were talking about.  I would be the one that was making a half million people late for work in Atlanta, Georgia that morning.   TEARS!

Anyway, this wonderful trucker (God Bless him)  came to my rescue.  He stopped his big rig right behind my car and got out and looked at the engine.   He immediately spied the problem.  One of the battery cables had popped off the battery.  He put it back on and tightened best he could by hand and my car cranked. I was so relieved and off and rolling again.  I looked under there too but I guess thru the tears I couldn’t see the dangling battery cable. ha.  I’m such a girl…I’m sorry.

Not too long after that the clutch went out.   I know it was normal wear and tear, but I started thinking I needed a newer car that wouldn’t break down on me.

So in 1986 I  headed out to the Nissan dealership by myself and found the car I wanted.  I fell in love with it. The headlights rolled up at the turn of a switch.  I felt so cool.   It was  a 1985 barely used 200SX, but now it was called Nissan and not Datsun.   I negotiated with a saleslady as I recall.  She was as new to selling cars as I was to purchasing them.   As we finished the negotiation I had the dealership call my dad in Florida and tell him everything they were telling me so I wouldn’t be making any huge mistakes. He felt like they were making me a fair deal so I drove off the lot in the first car I purchased on my own.  With the help of 48 month financing…. 

Here I am the proud owner of my first picked out and purchased myself car:

I wrecked this car (my one and only wreck so far) back in 1987 just  before Buster and I got engaged.

I was fine and it was repaired, but it was never really the same.    We continued to drive it for about a year after we got married and then traded for another car in 1989. 

So there you have it.  The story of my first car(s).

How about you.  I’d love to know about your first car.

Joy

It’s what I wanted….Really

Every year as Mother’s Day approaches, Buster and the girls start asking me over and over what I want for Mother’s Day. 

This year I told them I wanted a wheelbarrow.   I usually borrow my Neighbor Steves.   Neighbor Steve may be moving to Connecticut so I needed my own.

This was not their idea of a Mother’s Day gift,  but they went along with it and I am so happy to have it.  It is perfect to move my compost from my compost pile to the flower beds and garden beds.  So I’m thrilled.

I’m so thankful for these two girls.  I love them more than they will ever know.

They are so big now I can’t carry them in my arms so….

Joy

 

Technorati Tags: My Chickadees

Because Nice Matters

 

(Virginia with the girls)

A few months ago my neighbor and I enlisted the expertise of Virginia Johnson to teach an etiquette class entitled Polish Plus to our daughters and their friends.  Polish Plus has been a  wonderful experience for each of the girls.  They have learned so much from Virginia regarding etiquette and what to do in social situations.  I know it will give them so much confidence as they make their way in the world.  One of the things I love about Virginia is she teaches them above all to be kind.

These pictures are from the formal tea the girls set up and hosted directed by Virginia.   Virginia knew if they were the ones to organize the food, set the table and then serve each other they would learn so much more. They loved it.  I wish I had taken a picture when the table when they first set it. It was so pretty.

Virginia has a blog that features manners and etiquette not just for young people but for all ages.

You can find it at

http://www.nicedoesmatter.blogspot.com/

If you have a etiquette question she will be glad to answer it. 

Go say hello to Virginia on her blog as Virginia says …. because nice matters.

Joy

The Sun is Snowing

Do you remember when you first started blogging?   I know I do and I certainly realize now I had no idea where in the world it would lead and to whom it would lead me to.   I’ve been touched by so many of you who share and write from your heart.

One beautiful favorite of mine is C. Joybell C.  I started reading her blog not too long after I  found out there was a world of blogs out there.  I really can’t recall how I came across her blog, but when I found it I knew she had a way with words and the ability to combine words on a page that does not come naturally to most… especially me.    As we communicated through our blogs we realized we  had some things in common so I felt a true connection with her even though we live on opposite sides of the globe.

God has opened the door for her to publish her first book of poetry and prose recently.  Her beautiful book arrived on my doorstep on Friday.   I’m so happy and excited to have it in my hands.   I’m thrilled for you Girl!

Here is a link to the website if you would like to own your very own copy of

The Sun is Snowing.

http://www.thesunissnowing.com/