When Sal worked at the OLD General Motors; there was a time, or a place in time when he drove all types of 'trial-types of cars'; through this process, we purchased one of those delightful Serviles with the wonderful design of the Back section.
The present-day PT Cruiser recalls that specific design of the 'diesel Seville'
Ours was two-toned Silvered-Blue;
Had that distinctive back comprised of 2 slanted areas;
...one was the back window &;
...the second slant was the actual trunk area. It was so great.
Loved to drive that car;
Loved the way it handled;
Loved the effect it had on 'rude' drivers behind.
Because those first diesel cars did have that "Cloud" of black smoke upon fast accelerations;
when driving it felt it was polite to pull away from stops of any kind
in a steady, deliberate & slowly accelerating manner.
Many times, the drivers behind would get impatient;
They discovered their horns;
They USED their horns.
So---
If that same driver remained behind me for 3 lights and used his/her car horn;
Then--
at the very next light that turned Green,
I would pull away with the speed that they desired;
As they came out of the Noxious Cloud of Diesel Fumes, they had some very interesting reactions.
If it was possible, I would then change into the right hand lane letting them continue in the left one;
Most of those drivers, upon coming along side of me, would smile & indicate that they understood the "WHY" of my driving approach.
Some were so happy to get away that they would give me the "one-finger" wave.
All got the message.
How I hope that this new GM Diesel Chevy has that same 'capability';
Sal claims that GM & the other automakers have fixed that problem;
I, however, LOVED that particular Problem.
Just a laugh to share on a Wednesday Evening
Nesbitt Realty at Condo Alexandria - Alexandria, VA
Nesbitt Realty is a family-run brokerage.
Covina, CA
San Gabriel Valley, CA
Hey Barb, that was then, people were more civil although rude. Today you may get more than the "one-finger' wave so be careful.
Jul 13, 2011 02:49 PM
Uxbridge, ON
Trusted For Experience - Respected For Results
Barb and Sal - I am sure back then the extension of the one finger wave was a way of saying your #1 in our books for not burying us in a cloud of noxious fumes ..... not at all like today's version of the salute
Jul 13, 2011 03:18 PM
NMLS #216987, IL Lic. 031.0006220, WI Licensed. APMC NMLS #175656 - New Lenox, IL
708.921.6331 - 40+ yrs experience
Barb: You and my wife would indeed be friends! I can so see her doing the same thing. Thanks for the great chuckle ...
Gene
Jul 14, 2011 04:45 AM
Macomb, MI
Macomb County Michigan
Will...happy to oblige; these days we can use all the laughs out there. It WAS a very cool car & design; unfortunately, Sal reminded me that the New diesel engine is designed to actually use diesel fuel AND would not result in the 'black cloud effect" sob,sob. But, I can always hope. Thanks for your comment. Have a great rest of this week.
Barb
Jul 14, 2011 06:06 AM
Macomb, MI
Macomb County Michigan
Dee...you are right there; sadly my 'now' car does not have that great function;
Driving on many of our road ways I understand what you are saying. some folks use their cars as weapons while others may actually be 'carrying'--don't want to deal with that.
Thanks for your comment and reminder to us. Have a great rest of the week.
Barb
Jul 14, 2011 06:09 AM
Macomb, MI
Macomb County Michigan
Kathy...actually, I am pretty certain that 'the wave' meant the same then as it does now--especially since the digit utilized was the middle digit. LOL
Thanks for your comment. Have a great rest of this week.
Barb
Jul 14, 2011 06:11 AM
Macomb, MI
Macomb County Michigan
Gene....Ah ! A kindred soul--how great is that. Like her already, please send her my regards and to keep me in mind when she, too, has the opportunity to "indulge" in some driving fun. Happy to provide a chuckle. Thanks for your comment. Have a great rest of this week.
Barb
Jul 14, 2011 06:13 AM
Uxbridge, ON
Trusted For Experience - Respected For Results
Barb - LOL - some people's habits just never change ..... folks like that just don't realize that they accomplish nothing, gain nothing make no impact on the person they are saluting unless they garner a similiar salute in kind.
Jul 14, 2011 11:06 AM
NMLS #216987, IL Lic. 031.0006220, WI Licensed. APMC NMLS #175656 - New Lenox, IL
708.921.6331 - 40+ yrs experience
Barb: Will do! My Marilyn is quite the car lover ... and loves to get behind the wheel. She kids that in a former life she must have been a semi-truck driver. She loves the long drives. When our son attended college at VMI out in Lexington, VA ... Marilyn would take the trip by herself to pick him up or drop him off. Never blinked about making a 11.5 hour drive by herself. She'd take off, go all the way to Virginia, and then back to Kentucky before she'd stop for the night. I think she may be right about that former life thing ...
Gene
Jul 14, 2011 05:01 PM
Macomb, MI
Macomb County Michigan
Kathy....well, not from me, though at times----ah the temptations abound.
If you look at the drivers around, here on our major road ways, so many of them seem to be oblivious of any one else; unless of course, they are giving that 'salute'. Just watched that scene outside by my kitchen window;
couple across the side-street park one of their cars on the side street-well back from the corner or intersection; today 2 dark vans came North on the main street-Napoli Ln.; both turned right onto Nocera-the side street; first van was driving on the correct side of the street--gasp does not happen often---second van moved to the left-wrong side of the street- thus trapping van # 1 behind the parked car. Typical of many drivers--the 2nd van proceeded around both cars, all the time 'gesturing' . To the driver's credit, the 1st van waited and then proceeded. So glad that there was no accident,but would have witnessed to the law enforcement. Fun world out there. Thanks for your comment. Have a great rest of the week.
Barb
Jul 15, 2011 08:47 AM
Macomb, MI
Macomb County Michigan
Gene...ooh, how I really like Marilyn; not only does she admit to a past life that is filled with strength & fun--but she ADMITS to a possible past life. So great.
That was a long trip[s] taken, but it is the 'call of the road; the song of the tires'; & often, the feel of the wind in your hair.'
Sounds good.
May Marilyn experience many more such 'freeing' and productive trips; may she include you on them. I-94' I 75; & other less traveled highways are calling.
Thanks for your answering comment. Both of you have a great rest of the week.
Barb
Jul 15, 2011 08:54 AM
Real Estate Resources
Recent Posts
ActiveRain Community
almost 11 years ago
ActiveRain Community
almost 11 years ago
ActiveRain Community
almost 11 years ago
Life from our view; the forward View that YOU see from behind YOUR steering Wheel; We focus on the "taking control" in our life and passing on this same wish to all of you.
>
Comments (12)Subscribe to CommentsComment