Welcome to the Friday mailbag, where you will find some of the comments, questions and ideas sent recently by subscribers of this newsletter. They are edited for space and clarity.
“In 1981, my son was 21, and we always tried to visit with each other (Cat’s in the Cradle, Sept. 15, 2022). But, never seemed to work out. He sent me an audiotape with him singing ‘Cat’s in the Cradle.’ I keep it in my sock drawer so I am reminded of him every day. Forty-one years ago. I am now 86.” - Jim
That’s a wonderful story, Jim. Thanks for sharing it. - Shane
“My father was a sometimes golfer who never learned to master a driver or other woods so his golf bag contained only irons (Stairs, Sept. 20, 2022). My brother and I liked to take out his clubs and chip balls around the back yard while dad was at work. One day I decided to give the two iron a try. I went to the back of the yard and hit the ball back toward the house. That ball went through the storm window and the window pane of the dining room window, across the dining room, across the living room and through the window pane of the living room window that faced the street and lodged itself between the window sash and the storm window. Needless to say, our dad was furious that he had to have three panes of glass replaced. We were banned from playing with his golf clubs. Maybe that is why I never mastered the game.” - Bill
This is why I don’t golf. - Shane
“The gas fill behind the license plate was NOT user friendly (Obsolete car features, Sept. 21, 2022). Car wouldn't start unless seat belt was fastened. I think that requirement only lasted a year and many were ‘modified.’ Catalytic converter test tube. Remember this one? A piece of pipe that could be put in place of the converter to test drive. Funny thing is most of them were never taken back off. I like all the creature comforts of the new vehicles but yearn for the good old days when you could fix your own.” - Steve
That spring-loaded license plate was a pain. - Shane
“Curb feelers, static discharge strip that prevented you and the toll booth attendant tazing each other (Obsolete car features, Sept. 21, 2022), an original cruise control that was just a buzzer you set alerting you of speeding, police car long whip antennas for low band radios, and windows and bumpers covered with attraction or state stickers showing how well traveled you were. Thanks for great memory stimulus. Rock on.” - John
I miss those whip antennas. I almost got one for my last truck when I bought a CB. Jolene said it was “stupid.” - Shane
“In reference to what is missing from vehicles — spare tire and jack (Obsolete car features, Sept. 21, 2022). Assumed I had one, but found out differently when I had a flat tire. These were replaced with a sealant kit. By replacing the tire and jack, it reduces the weight and helps with fuel economy, they say. I rate this idea with the automatic seatbelts. I bought a spare tire for my vehicle!” - Joy
Your note has prompted me to make sure I have a spare and a jack. - Shane
Have a fantastic Friday, and thanks for reading.
Shane Goodman President and Publisher Big Green Umbrella Media shane@dmcityview.com |