That old Straight drive

I was a kid when the automatic transmission was becoming ‘the thing’.  One funny thing about the transmissions was the ‘License examiners test drive’. For many years 1940-1960, in North Carolina you were not allowed to take the driver’s test with an automatic transmission.  So I got my license in a straight drive Chevy.  A year or so later, Sherry did the same.  You were also required to parallel park. that was a toughy for most. 

(No big dinner just a snack)

It took me two tries to be my license. The first  time I ‘rolled through’ a stop sign. The examiner had me stop and back up. He pointed to the sign and said,’That means STOP not slow down.’

(If I have to sit here, at least push!)

I did get my license the next week.  I taught Sherry to drive after we were married and she passed  on the first try.

I was telling a friend of mine this morning, I believe Bill Cosby described stopping at a traffic light, on a hill, driving  a straight drive. He did it  perfectly in one of his comedy records.

(He was being helpful, I am sure)

I can remember two traffic lights in Belmont I had problems with (stopping on a hill). I also remember ‘THAT Stop sign’ I rolled thru that failed me on the driver’s test.

Son Mark told Reece (his daughter) he would buy her a new car on graduation. She picked a YELLOW straight drive VW bug.  After a year she was a little tired of it  but held on to it for 10 years.  She only released the VW when Stella was born and needed 4 doors with the child’s seat.

Child seats! Remember when they were novelties with a steering wheel, and not required?

(Two of our grand dogs, Hendrix & Layla)

Your first car, what did you hang from the mirror? I am trying to remember and cannot, except for the air freshener.  Sherry might remember (she doesn’t).

(Again, At times pets can be helpful, right!)

I remember seeing dolls, graduation tassels, dice and yellow ribbons.

I do remember curb feelers and fender skirts very well.

(With a little help from a friend)

But the old straight drive, I will always remember.

Nite Shipslog

PS:

We are trying to plan our trip to the Northeast, but right now there are too many variables.  One is we may lose son Mark as a renter, and have to clean the house and prepare for new occupants.  It will only be family, so we can use our Home port here.

We want to be on the road mid-Jun if possible….

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Is that 3-d paint or the metal?

 

You gotta like this little Wrecker, reckon she does tows?