The Old Folks Home

[getaclue]

We were overseas when I learned to drive, so I had the choice of a Fiat (stick), Volkswagen (stick), or F100 (stick). Yeah, I learned to drive stick, right from the start.

We had indoor plumbing, as did most of the relatives, but some of them had a second bathroom which was an outhouse.

 

[CapricornFarm]

I did my drivers test the day after an ice storm followed by a snow storm. My mom forgot to leave the Toyota, which i was used to driving, so i drove the Cadillac. On the way there, we were crossing a bridge when a truck came barreling toward us. I lightly touched the brakes and the car did a 360, i gained traction just in time and we came through unscathed. Dad was gripping the dash board, white as a sheet but never said a word. After that, a little driving test seemed minor. Passed my first attempt.

 

[Alaskan]

Those giant land yahts.... sheesh.

I remember years back...I was borrowing my parent''s stationwagon. Yep, with Texas tires.

There I was driving, and a tiny bit of ice was on the roads, I barely touched the brake, BARELY!! That thing spun around like a top! That thing had zero grip!

I noticed that when I drove it around a curve, I had to drive close to TEN miles BELOW the "curve speed limit"!

Blew my mind.

My sports car could corner...well...like a sports car.

 

[CapricornFarm]

In some cases you are better off giving them the gas, than hitting the brakes. I tell you, that El Dorado could move!

 

[Alaskan]

Think the trouble was the tires. ..I am pretty sure my parents bought the least expensive ones they could find.

That thing had a giant engine, and yes it had power...but it had zero traction...just did not want to stay anywhere... think greased pigskin instead of rubber.

I was SO good at changing tires by the time I left home...I could change them in no time at all. We just kept putting in plugs and patches until the rubber was in ribbons....then replaced that one. I am pretty sure those tires never matched.

 

[CapricornFarm]

Think the trouble was the tires. ..I am pretty sure my parents bought the least expensive ones they could find.

That thing had a giant engine, and yes it had power...but it had zero traction...just did not want to stay anywhere... think greased pigskin instead of rubber.

I was SO good at changing tires by the time I left home...I could change them in no time at all. We just kept putting in plugs and patches until the rubber was in ribbons....then replaced that one. I am pretty sure those tires never matched.

Ever have those snow tires with the metal studs sticking out?

 

[Alaskan]

Only kind I drive up here in the winter.

I am rural enough we still get to buy and use the ones with hard metal spikes! ! Wahahaha!

Rocking awesome on ice.

 

[Alaskan]

You can still skid in them, but the designs you leave on the ice rock.

 

[CapricornFarm]

This will be our first winter in Virginia. Bought a 4x4 GMC Sierra. That ought to get me where i need to go!

 

[drumstick diva]

All of that is a great reason why I have never driven or had a lesson. I'd be the one screaming like banshee. They'd probably take my shoes too, so I couldn't walk and be hysterical.