Owed to Toronado

I thought it interesting that the two cars we have used for the majority of our stay in Georgia both had something to do with bulls. Yes, I do mean as in bovine and not basketball. The purple car is a Taurus and the "other" one an Oldsmobile TOROnado. I have many a time curse the existence of that car in my life. I had had no say in its purchase and I refused to drive it unless I had absolutely no other alternative -- meaning that I would have toted my baby on my hip a mile to have not had to drive this car. I consider myself a fairly good driver. I keep my cool and have confidence in my ability to handle a vehicle. But this car scared me!!

John enjoyed driving -- I haven't determined if it is because it was fun to drive with its failing transmission, no brakes to speak of and rollercoaster effect whenever he hit a bump OR if it was because, for me, it seemed to be cause for a "sigh" every time I had realize its existence.

In reality it became a novel thing for me to insist that any and all who visited us take at least one ride in this vehicle. It was an experience that I am sure none have forgotten. I would tease John that all he needed was a bandana head dress, furry dash cover and set of 4"cubed dice hanging from the rearview mirror with perhaps some sort of music blaring from the radio. He would add to the illusion by slouching way down in the drivers seat with one hand on the steering wheel -- bobbing his head as though listening to music. I have to admit -- it made me smile in spite of myself.

In August, the TOROnado had an issue with its battery and because we had just purchased a suburban -- it had sat in the driveway ever since. I have alluded frequently to the idea of selling it -- but it wasn't something that John was prepared to do yet -- did I mention that he sincerely enjoyed driving that car. Perhaps it was more of the idea that the car was there and if he really wanted to -- he could repair the battery cable and drive it again -- NOT that he would -- but that he could if he wanted to. Well...to John's shagrin -- the TOROnado was sold last night to a man with a truck that could tow it away. It is a true testament to the power of craigslist -- we posted it on Sunday and sold it by 9am Monday morning. The speed of the transaction was probably for the best - because I think that given any more time -- the TOROnado would still have its place in the driveway today -- I say this because as John walked in from work last night - he commented that he almost shed a tear over the vacant spot where the TOROnado has once sat.

I will call the insurance company today to cancel the insurance, file the bill of sale and then go to Lowe's and buy the paint needed to finish painting the house. And that will close the chapter on the TOROnado.

Honestly, for all the mental turmoil that I spent over this vehicle -- I have to admit that not only has it brought joy to my husband and thrilled the kids (free amusement park ride), -- it many a time rescued me when the Taurus failed. So by way of tribute to a faithful -- and sadly under appreciated vehicle -- a long owed "Thank you!" to you - Oldmobile TOROnado.