It was one of those days. I got up earlier than usual to wash my hair. While it’s thinner than when I was younger, it still takes time. I’m not one to just put on a baseball cap and hope for the best. Nor, did I want to look like someone rescued from a near-drowning. So, I washed, dried and curled, as a public service.
Well, that was all well and good until I took my granddaughter’s car to a body shop. Actually, AAA towed it. Seems the battery died during the winter. First, my friend, John, hooked up gizmos from his car to Lily’s to try to jump start it. No such luck. Winter did her in. Me, too, almost. So I called AAA.
Lets just say, new batteries aren’t cheap. But a car’s meant for more than taking space in my garage. So we did what was necessary to get her up and running. I can identify. But, before I drove home, I needed to clean off the thick layer of pollen from the windshield. Turned on the wipers. Nothing. They rotted over the winter. The wipers slapped at the windshield like flimsy strands of black licorice.
By now, the car and I were an unwanted focal point. The owner came out to help. I thought of the bible verse, “Now we see though a glass darkly.” Well, yellow was the color of the pollen but I was starting to see red between the cost of the battery and now the need for new wipers. Still, I needed to get home and get ready for my small group, which is why I washed my hair in the first place.
So, I told the owner, that I needed new wipers and learned they weren’t in stock. Well, he seemed happy to order some. Then, I pointed to the caked windshield and he looked like, “lets see what I can do to move her and her car on its way.” Next thing I knew, he came out with a bucket of water. Before I could run for cover, he hit the windshield with a minor tsunami and managed to hit me and my clean hair with some of the wave.
He looked sorta sheepish, then asked, “Oh, did some of it get on you?” Meanwhile, I’m wringing out my jacket and dabbing at my dripping hair. But the windshield looked better and I had a few hours left before my small group met. Time to cool off. I mean dry out.
So, for a change, I took the high road (It’s never crowded) and asked, “Do you charge extra for showers?” He laughed nervously and I laughed for no earthly reason. Then, I made an appointment to return in a few days for new wipers and an oil change, which was way overdue.
Yesterday, when I dropped off the car, he took one look at me and started grinning. I laughed and said, “I’m baaack!”
Well, I guess that said enough. Just showing up and giving him and myself another shot at being neighborly. Most of life’s about not letting the small stuff blow up into something too big, or wet, to handle.
But, just in case, next time I’m thinking about wearing a shower cap. Couldn’t hurt and just might make him want to solve my issue really fast.
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12 Comments
Dear Jannie Dawn, as my MIL used to call you, I could picture your beautiful -blonde hair and the way you used to tease it. I think of your mom when I look in the mirror these days, and the way she wore her slicked back hair. Since Covid, I lost so much hair I had nothing left to curl, so I let it grow and found an easy way to brush it up and put a bow-clip on it and voila, the Margaret look. It’s the easiest hair-do I’ve ever dealt with, and everyone thinks I’ve spent hours on it. If you did that, I think you would see Margaret in the mirror.
Well, like someone said, “Hair today, gone tomorrow.” And while the Bible says we’re to be known by our love, I fear some of us are known for our hair. I don’t think I teased my hair back in college, when we were roommates. More like tormented it. Have fun doing the Margaret look with your hair. As for me, I try to avoid mirrors.
Loved “I took the high road (it’s never crowded)” ! So easy to forget that, but so miraculous when we do. Thanks for the reminder!
Well, if it isn’t my favorite Nurse Practitioner plus. Great to hear from you, always, dear Pat. .Often Laughter’s the ramp that works best for merging me onto the high road. Blessings on your day and thanks for years of great care.
Oh, dear Jan! 🙂
I thought I could hear you laughing Rita! Ate some Garrett’s popcorn the other day and thought of you. It’s the best!! But I’d need to sell my car to keep ordering it. It was a Mother’s Day gift to me…..from me. I’ve given up hoping my kids would buy me one of those WORLD’S BEST MOM necklaces. They and I know better, which is the impediment. Meanwhile, I’m loving the popcorn.
Oh why was no one available to take a photo to accompany your description of the Jan Wash?! Thank you for the big smile today.
Well, there’s one more thing to be grateful for today!
Glad to give you a smile, dear Maggie. You do that for so many, so often.
Hahahaha – you’re just the best! ❤️
Hmm….Are you be willing to send a reference to my children? Well, while I’m not the best, for sure I’m the cleanest! Happy Memorial Day weekend to you and Steve. You are two worth remembering, always.
Sure!!! ☺️
Good to know Thanks!!!