A, B, C, T and X

Do people jump in the car and go for "rides" anymore? We used to do it all the time. I remember many years ago, Dad has us pile in the Packard Clipper, drove us out South, in Dayton, and we went to the Custola, I think it was. A new place, had "Frozen Custard," which was brand new. Also had my first "drive in" hamburger and fries. And, we ate in the car, they put a tray on our window. Still remember that hamburger. I don't think one has ever tasted that good since. What a treat it was in those days, to eat in the car.

It used to be a part of our Sunday, church, drive somewhere to a nice restaurant, have lunch, and then, go for a drive.

Later on, when we had Brad and Melissa, we used to go for drives, or else, "Get in the car, we are going for a drive, gonna sing and have a great time, get in, now." As you can see, they loved it. I bought a used camper once, made the wife and kids come along, drove a few hundred yards, onto a dam, parked, and made pancakes for everyone, in our camper. I think, again, they thought I had "lost it."

One Saturday morning, I got up early, drove to get a haircut, in Tawas, Michigan, about 300 miles or so. On a few occasions I proclaimed an ultimatum, I am leaving in the morning, early, for Michigan. Anyone wanting to go along, be ready. I generally went alone, got there, turned around and came back. I loved the "idea" of heading to Michigan, never really knew why.

During WWII we had a C sticker, for physicians, so we had plenty of gasoline, but tires were scarce, as were cars. I think that '39 Packard got us through the war, a Packard Clipper. In those days, all cars had a windshield sticker. An A got you four gallons of gas a week, a green B was good for I think 8 gallons, and there was a C a T and an X. The T was for truckers and the X for congressmen. I think our C got us more than enough.

I miss those rides, they were good times .....................