Put the Brakes On!

This is Joe, giving me a kiss! One of his favorite occupations. I am truly blessed.

The brakes on his pick up truck gave out Friday. He fixes his own brakes which means I am called to assist at the end of the process.

I am completely clueless about cars. I can shock a human heart but change a tire…not so much.

Last night in total darkness at the old house, when the vampire mosquitoes were after us, Joe was under the truck.

He asked me to press down on the brake and then let up. I was to call out when done.

I did this many times while scratching  mosquito bites vigorously, dressed in my thin summer pajamas.

Then……he was mumbling and such.

What?

Joe spoke out and said something was wrong.

He stood up and peered in the truck.

He said, “Olive you are pumping the gas not the brake. No wonder they are not working!”

I am an awesome helper. Yes?

grace surrounds us

Olive

A Motorcycle Story

Joe has a monster of a motorcycle. It's a Moto Guzzi, an Italian bike. We had traveled to Italy one year and saw many of those bikes and he came home and bought one. Men. Motorcycles. What's a girl to do?

First I had to buy some cowboy boots. I am five feet seven inches tall and that is still too short to get on or off that bike with dignity. Hence the boots. Those extra inches give me the boost I need. After riding for seventy miles my everything is numb and dignity is forgotten. But I try.

Joe decided the Guzzi required a custom seat. Having a numb butt convinced him I think. Joe had to measure my butt. Dear Lord. Then photograph me sitting on the old seat. He was measured as well but Joe has no butt to speak of. That must hurt him after a while don't ya think?

The butt photos were sent with the butt measurements to this man in California. He built this tricked out custom leather seat. It is not overly large. Smile. It does feel better. The humiliation was totally worth it.

grace surrounds us
Olive Out

Bob and Sue

I drive a sweet ride. A Mini Cooper. It has that name for obvious reasons. It has a small frame, small tires, and elegant little European headlights. I put a sticker on the back window that says "actual size". I enjoy seeing peoples facial expressions when they read it. Usually they smile.

The first month we had the yellow house I was tasked with taking CC to a church activity at someones house. It was raining kittens. Darkness was about to fall. As I went out the door Joe said, "Call if you need anything". I said, "Okay, but I know exactly where I am going".

We got in the Mini. I proceeded to back off the concrete pad into the wide driveway. Several cars were in the way. I attempted to back straight out. Except the driveway is not straight. It slants ever so slightly. I backed the Mini off a ledge several feet. Enough to be in real trouble. I opened my door and saw nothing. No ground, gravel, or dirt. Just a whole lot of air. I called Joe. "I need help" I said. "Help?"said Joe. "Yes, I'm stuck in the driveway on some cliff" I said. "Your joking, you just left thirty seconds ago!" said Joe. "Nope, I need you like NOW" I said.

CC in the mean time thinks we surely are in danger. I thought for certain the Mini was. CC is above all a loyal daughter and refused to leave her Mother. Her side was on Terra firma.

Joe and his brother, Bob, bolt out the side door. Laughing. I did not see a single thing to laugh about. At that time I didn't realize the yard was terraced. I had driven off a terrace. The back left tire was not on the ground. The guys had to place wood and stuff under the tire and lift whilst I pressed the gas. All this while it was raining and raining. They were no longer laughing.

Anybody looking at the house might wonder how I did this. Especially if they drive a Fuel Sucking Pig. I mean a SUV. In fairness to all, we have a Jeep. As do Bob and Sue. I did not back into theirs that night now did I? Of all the people who potentially had to witness this it had to be them. I dedicate this post to them. I can see Sue right now peeking out the window thinking, "What has she done now? Is she going to back over Bob?". Sweet.

Olive Out