Some eons ago, when I was a little girl my parents took us kids out for Sunday drives. Those were always exciting times with donuts as the grand finale.
My parents are long gone, but some of those sweet memories resurface, especially since there has been ample time to reflect on past pleasures.
Nowadays Bill takes Elsa-the-dog and me for “rides in the car.” I think he thinks we need a change of scene and he is so right. These outings expand our world beyond the walls that bind us since Bill and I are among the most vulnerables to the Corona Virus.
Elsa gets beyond excited when we ask, “Wanna go for a ride in the car?” She dashes back and forth barking and whining and eagerly jumps in. But the sad thing is, Elsa does not know how to enjoy life as a dog. She immediately hunkers down as if to hide from imminent danger, rarely looks out the window, and shakes and shivers with her head in my lap no matter where we may wander.
Because she is so frightened I ride in the back seat with her, and off we go, with Bill as the Chauffeur.
Elsa does sit up but only if the car stops. That gives her a window view of sorts with glimpses of an alien world fraught with terror.
- Sometimes Bill stops at an ATM machine and when he gets out, Elsa goes mad with worry – crying and howling in despair that we have lost a pack member to the insane outside world
- The parking lot of Walmart is always interesting too. We went there to see if the GoodWill drop was still open (and it was). Elsa began whining in anticipation of further pack loss, but we had not brought our donations and we all stuck together inside the relative safety of the car.
- The Sheetz gas station is colorful too and very scary indeed. Last time we were there a mask-less fellow was filling up next to us, right by my open window. Suddenly he began yelling at a friend who was some distance away. Being Covid-19- paranoid I feared I might contract the virus from his unmasked yelling vapors (so I held my breath)! I wonder why the CDC has not recommended holding your breath as a preventative measure.
- Another time we drove to Buena Vista (the nearest little town) and we saw whole families out walking with little kids skipping alongside. None of them were wearing masks either (not the parents, kids or dogs) but they were single family units out in the fresh air. It was a heartwarming slice of Americana but maybe Elsa has the right idea about hunkering down and avoiding even looking out the window.
- And our last ride in the car was around our own neighborhood where we saw a new neighbor’s house being built – a lovely A-frame log home atop a hill.
We are hoping Elsa will become accustomed to our outings and will some day enjoy the wind in her hair and the sights (other than a yelling man and an ATV machine) through the window.
In any case, I will remember these precious times, these spontaeous rides, these family/pack trips during a serious pandemic. They were Bill’s idea for a change of scene that has now become a happy tradition.
How about you?
Wanna go for a ride in the car?
Virginia Views 