Carl

 

 

 

"Carl"

Nikon D800
Lensbaby Composer - Double Glass Optic
Lightroom
Silver Efex Pro

 

Carl The Camry is gone now. He was traded in for another vehicle, Ralphie. I don't know where Carl ended up - in a refurbishing shop, a chop shop, or a junkyard somewhere.    He was a steadfast friend who ferried me safely every goddamned fucking day through that soul-crushing commute to the Joe Big-Ass Corp. He never ever broke down.    Carl, for a vehicle of his size, had a modest appetite for regular-grade gasoline (30mpg overall). Even so, he had to bear the barbs slung at him by Astro, our vain Prius, when she was with us.. "I get 50 miles per gallon, Carl. Maybe you should try eating less. Don't you want to be slim like me? Everyone says I look wonderful. Wouldn't you like to be beautiful too??" It was withering and incessant, but he bore it with such equanimity.   Carl was a connection to my Daughter. Carl was her car before he was mine. I know it's stupid and sentimental but I liked driving a car that was hers, especially since we are so far apart now.  Ralphie is an affable, competent vehicle. We're just getting to know each other.. I'm showing him around to all the favorite spots. I've restrained myself from comparing him (out loud) to Carl.. like - "You know, Carl would have taken that corner so much better... and ....Ralphie - c'mon - Carl could fit into this parking space.."   The other thing I haven't told Ralphie - he has huge shoes (tires) to fill... huge.. We'll see how he does..  ~