One Fine Day or Ode to the Cressida

(Last Week)
It was mid-morning Saturday when we heard the news--the van is in desperate need of a major repair and will not be back in service until Tuesday.

Thankfully we have a backup. The trusty old (and by old I mean a quarter century which translates to at least 100 in car years) Toyota Cressida. A treasured gift from Grandpa Smyth. There is something to say about a car nearing it's twenty-fifth birthday with less than 100,000 miles ticked on the odometer. Its smooth running engine is trusty and efficient--even the service center it impressed with its emissions output. It is a bit, shall we say, cosmetically challenged. With the body (i.e. locks, windows, interior lights etc.) and interior upholstery falling apart I say that someday all we'll have left is 4 wheels and and engine. But at times in need it has proven faithful--for that I am grateful.
So in honor of our beloved backup car I share with you events that leave me grateful for my van.

Today I made a much needed trip to the bank. The only thing I ever go to the bank for these days is quarters--for laundry. (Pause for daydream about a brand new front loading washer with matching dryer.) So with Parker and Brenna loaded somewhat haphazardly into the small backseat we set off in the Cressida.
This was probably not the best idea as the driver side window doesn't roll down, but I figured I could manage--I've done fast food in like manner before (not with out embarassment though). If only I had any idea. . .We pulled up to the bank drive-through just a bit past the little drawer that comes out. It is important to remember this detail because you will never be able to access the drawer through the rear window if you haven't aligned the car just so.

I proceded to recline the seat as far as it goes, right onto Brenna's foot (whoops)--with some quick adjustments we were all set to retrive the quarters. I was stretching and turning around backward to grab the quarters. Half-way between the drawer and the car, "thump" and "clink, clink, clink." Two rolls of quarters slipped out of my fingers and landed on the pavement below. Paper-rolled quarters meet pavement--not a pretty sight. I can't just throw the car in park and jump out to collect the coinage--I have to shift into 1st and turn off the car. The e-brake doesn't work so I can't just jump out in neutral. So I get out and collect the silver nuggets shoving them into my pockets as quickly as I can while trying to make light comments to the teller who I'm sure was dying inside but, was very kind pointing out that at least I wasn't getting rained on. Then I jump back into the car and shut the door. "Clunk!" Driver window falls half-way down into a precarious position. Perfect finishing touch. Bring seat back into upright position, scoot it forward, restart car, pass out suckers, check rearview--no audience--thank goodness.

My next trip to the bank will be in the van :)

Dan loves his Cressida-It will be a sad day when it hits "must retire" status.