beds of snow and stupid tarts

[Dan Simoes <dans@ans.net>]

How's that for a subject line?

As I spent most of today (and the last few weeks) helping my
brother in law pack and move the contents of his home, I
thought about something Igor mentioned, namely, why do so
many Americans drive trucks and then tool around with the beds full
of snow in the winter?
Well, Igor obviously does not own his home and has not
discoved the joys of dropping wads of cash at Home Depot.
As for the snow, well, maybe it helps traction :)

I had a conversation today with my wife's uncle as we drove on
one of several trips today in my Ford Ranger.  I mentioned Phil's
comment about Diana's kids and Charles not buckling up, despite
the obvious lesson in her death.  In fact (he is a police officer)
I remarked that I wear my belt all the time now, where before I
was sometimes lax.

This of course is leading into something :)
I had my belt on during the last trip, where I might not usually,
since I had stopped at my house and was en route to my inlaws,
only a few miles away.
I needed to make a left turn, so checked my mirrors, signalled,
and then waited for oncoming traffic to clear.  Suddenly
I hear a screech, a pause, then BOOM.  Rearended, sort of.
Kid in a Bronco II was flying down the road, grooving along.
Sees me, does a "oh shit", locks up, skids for about 15-20 feet,
off to the shoulder where his front wheel catches a cable that
runs along the shoulder, then his truck whips around and his tail
whacks into mine.  Seriously.

I felt fine at first but soon starting cramping in my neck, so I
went to the OR.  Whiplash, and who knows what else will develop.
But, coulda been worse.

So, moral of the story - wear your seatbelts all the time, they
do come in handy.  As for pickups, I'll probably be replacing mine
with a newer one.  Audis are great but can't hold a yard of topsoil
or a 6 piece antique furniture set :)

Sorely,

| Dan |
-- 
Dan Simoes                                dans@ans.net
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