July 9, 2017 / Truck Sailing

A story came up after our Tailgate Theology session today.  Catherine and I had been to Mass and the supermarket and she was driving me home.  We stopped at my job site to grab some tools and I said, “Hey, push the button so the hatchback flips up so I can throw this junk in.”  And she replied, “Lift the lever back there, this Prius is groovy but not that groovy.”  Anyway this started this conversation about cars and conveniences.

Somehow this led to my Truck Sailing story.  Catherine liked it so I will try it on you.  I have this old black panel truck that sits in the weeds here.  It used to be a going concern and as a matter of fact I drove it across country at least a dozen times give or take.  It was pretty primitive compared to things these days.  It had no radio (early sound system) but I used to turn the heater on for some distraction for instance.  Anyway on one of my trips going from west to east I was trying to make it on fifty dollars for food and gas which could be done.  At some point the battery gave out and I was running without it which involved getting some jump starts now and then from strangers.

So, that is the background.  And on this trip I was being chased by this storm going through Wyoming.  The wind was howling behind me as I pulled into one of those Little America places with a hundred gas pumps.  I had to shut down the engine before the attendant would pump my fuel ( 33 cents a gallon).  So, I thought that’s cool I will just ask for a jump.  Well the jump cost a dollar.  A dollar!

So I paid the guy five dollars for the gas and jumped in the rig and then a little light bulb came on and I opened the front doors, started rolling and sailed out of there.  Popped the clutch and off I went.  I caught the attendant in the rear-view mirror with his mouth open.  Yea, the old mother of invention thing.    And I made it all the way to New York on my budget but I never had to do that again.

Just goes to show you something, I not exactly sure what at the moment.  OK, have to take off for now.  Love you,  and remember when you get into trouble open your doors and things will come together for you, Felipe.