I went to the dealership. I saw the Chevy Cargo Express Van. Michael wants one of these so bad he salivates just thinking about it. He drove one when he was a bachelor "back in the day" working for Procter and Gamble, going from town to town, all across the U. S. of A., hiring temporary crews and managing them while they hung samples of P&G products on peoples' door handles. Little tiny jugs of Era detergent, for example! He met a lot of facinating people, a few famous people (he sampled Hollywood at one point!) and made some great friends along the way. He started out running one crew, and ended up managing all the crews, nationwide. He still talks about some of the guys who worked with him during those years. He has a LOT of fond memories of those years.....so maybe this is part of it.
Its sure isn't because this vehicle is sexy. Or even moderately hot. Not even mildly cute. Its a cargo van. (Translation: steel box on wheels.)
Its not the
I don't know what it is. I just don't share the anticipation for this particular vehicle.
I duly went with him so he could show it to me. I opened the door, hauled my ample derriere up into the seat and sat in it long enough for the air conditioning to be tested. When I looked like an afghan hound with its ears blowing in the wind while hanging its head out a car window, Michael pronounced it "sufficient". I will admit to being impressed with the air conditioning, and keeping California temperatures, and heck, even my raging hot flashes in mind....this is a good thing.
But every time I turned around to look behind me, where there should be seats, a hatchback, ANYTHING.....there was a huge cave. It even echoed. And the doors in the very back looked soooooooo far away......you could sleep 6 in it easily - if sleeping in metal boxes is your thing....
He just has to go ahead and get this. That's all there is to it. Its one of those things that cannot be explained.
One of his more "out there" reasons for getting is: to be able to leave town in a hurry with all four dogs should the need arise. Well, and the kids and wife too, come to think of it....
You know.....terrorists, wild fires, and all. Four dogs, a few dog crates to separate the ones that don't get along.....and all the things we might want to take with us......
Of course, the last time we had such a need was during the Wildfires of 2005......I calmly (well, the fire was still 500 houses away) went through the house and packed the laptop of the child working across town who might not get to come back and get it, the dog food, the crates, the family pictures and a bit of utilitarian casual clothing......
And my sewing machine and one quilting project. (No, there is no rationale explanation for that. Shut up.)
My father contemplated this whole Flee Van (Michael's name for it) idea on my recent visit home, and pulled on his beard a bit, and stated sagely, "has he thought about the fact that about the time he got to the freeway (2 miles from our house at most) he'll meet up with Seven Million Los Angelinos with the same idea?"
I was hopeful that Dad's question might squash the whole Van Plan, but Michael only sang the praises of the Really Big Gas Tank, which would get us through any bottlenecks and waits on the way Out of Dodge.....I mean, on the way out of Southern California.
Fine. He wants it really badly. We need to replace a car which is contankerous, old and unreliable at best - so - I think he should get it.
Karen and Laurie, in case you'd like the pleasure of feasting your eyes on it BEFORE it is parked in the driveway.... taking up way more than one space.....(its too long to go in the garage)....
I offer this:
http://autos.yahoo.com/2006_chevrolet_truck_express_cargo_van_g1500_regular_wheelbase_rwd/;_ylt=ArJ9CRtQpJlvGyMJTUe29wnChL8F
I would have liked to offer a picture of the car, but Blogger is, as usual, not cooperating. So be it.
I had a sudden mental image while driving home from the dealership, of Michael trying to put the dogs in the new van, and finding my long arm quilting frame and machine already in it......
well, YEAH! If we can afford the van, surely we can afford the long arm frame and machine, its only a tenth of the price.....You like my logic? teehee! (in his defense, he has been saying for a long time that he wants me to get the long arm quilter/frame - we just haven't figured out which adult offspring to kick out of the house to make room for it!)
Seriously - I'm fine about getting it, and I hope he enjoys rolling on down the road in it, to work, and on errands......and maybe bringing home the occasional large item.....and filling the Really Big Gas Tank....that will be fun too......giggle.
I need a name for it. He's been calling it a "Flee Van" so we and the fur balls can flee disaster, no matter what form it may take..... I'd like to call it something a little less indicative of active paranoid ideation....
The Great White Cave? The Overgrown Two Seater? Suggestions please.....anything but "Flee Van". Please comment with your best name suggestion, peoples......
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