I had wanted a Subaru Outback for several years, so I finally decided to look for a nice used one. After checking several used car lots I found a 6 year old Outback that was in great condition. It had quite a few miles on it and the body and engine looked clean and in great shape. The car was a dark Maroon and Silver color; just what I was looking for so I purchased it. I needed to get an all wheel drive because of the mountainous area I live in.
Our city sets right between two mountain ranges and surrounded by mountains on all sides with several ski resorts within a few hours drive. Since our streets are usually covered with snow and ice most of the winter Its almost a must to have all wheel drive capabilities.
I purchased my car in September and drove it all winter. Having no garage I had to park it in the driveway and let it weather the bitter cold and winds. I never had any problems with it not starting or going through any kind of weather. So I was very happy with my latest purchase. We had a fair amount of snow that season and I was loving the way it got around. Like a lot of people I washed and waxed it once a week to keep it looking good and rust free.
Spring had come and the weather was warm when our Daughter and her two girls came to visit.They live about 350 miles away and usually come three or four times a year. The oldest girl, her name is Iz, and she is 5years old and loves to play outside. Iz was in the front yard one day collecting rocks for her collection and we were all in the house visiting.
My nephew looked out the picture window to check on Iz and see that she was ok and still rock collecting. He saw her with a rock in her hand and she was making marks on my nice shiny Maroon and Silver Subaru. He mentioned that Iz was making marks on my car with a rock and her dad immediately went out and shouted at her WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO PAPA'S CAR? Iz stopped and looked at him and said " I was just drawing a picture of mountains".
She had started at the back of the car and scratched marks all along the side and around the hood and along the other side. I thought for sure he was going to spank her butt. As he looked at the marks he could see the landscape of the surroundings of our mountains. He pulled her aside and explained that we do not make marks on anybody's car. Then mama came out and was furious with her. Mom made Iz come inside and apologize to me for drawing pictures on my car. I went out and looked at it, and I could not get angry at her. Even thou it was upsetting, the drawing was a work of art. I came back in the house and got my camera and took a picture to keep as one of those great grand kid memories.
I took my car to the body shop where they were able to buff the marks out. Some of the marks were fairly deep but the polish filled in the gaps. Now it is back in the driveway looking bright and shiny again.
I am so proud of my daughter and son-in law for the way they handled the situation. I know it is difficult to restrain oneself in a time like that. Their visit is over and they are back home, and I have a photo that brings back fond memories and a smile.
Life is full of surprises and I am trying to simply live and enjoy it.
Earl Baldwin
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