Out and About – Week of April 25th

It’s becoming more and more difficult to tell the difference between the makes of cars these days. Back in the Fifties this problem didn’t exist. Back then there were no KIAs or other many other foreign cars here in the USA. General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler dominated the automotive market. Now, it’s next to impossible to tell the year of almost any car, because the body style doesn’t change that much. A perfect example of change would be the difference between a 1954 and a 1955 Chevrolet.
One of the many questions I’d like answered concerns the fuel port on cars these days. Some of them are on the passenger side of the car, while others are on the driver’s side. I think the best place for the fuel port is behind the license plate, located in the center at the rear of the car. This would solve the problem of pulling in properly to the fuel pump. My current car’s fuel port is on the passenger side, and on my previous car, it was located on the driver’s side. As I age, I have enough things to remember without having to remember which side of the pump to pull into. On the subject of fueling one’s car, does anyone know of a gas station that still pumps gas for you, cleans your windshield, and checks your oil? I didn’t think so. Oh, how I long for the good ‘ole days.
I’ve been very fortunate to meet a lot of wonderful people since returning to Three Rivers in 1996. I know at least two Santa Clauses, two judges, and numerous attorneys. As far as the existence of more than one Santa Claus, please don’t let that get out to the children under ten years old.
There is only one Santa Claus with a split personality. The other personality is Donald Duck and John Kruse knows these two personalities very well. I mention John, because this Thursday, April 28, John turns 80 years young. This is where I get very confused, because I’m sure that Walt Disney created Donald over 80 years ago. Anyway, Happy Birthday, John Kruse, you’re one of the valued icons of Three Rivers. Continue to spread the spirit of the Christmas season as you quack along.
I’ve received my share of citations from law enforcement over the years. They were usually warranted, because I was in a hurry to get somewhere and didn’t think that anyone would notice me traveling ten or fifteen miles over the posted speed limit. I’ve become smarter over the years and have learned from my mistakes. I’d like to share some advice that might save someone additional headaches and grief. It’s important to not argue with the officer who pulled you over. That officer didn’t detain you because he/she didn’t have anything better to do; they detained you because you got their attention. Maybe you failed to stop at a stop sign, perhaps you were exceeding the speed limit, or you were too busy on the phone and weren’t paying attention to your driving. Take my advice and don’t argue your case while you’re parked alongside the highway. You have the right to an excuse for being pulled over, but arguments are meant for the courtroom.
See you Out and About!

Submitted by Norm Stutesman