Stick Shifted

Emily let me drive her car today. The first trip out was, frustrating. I knew what I needed it to, but getting the hands and feet to all work together at the same time was a different story.

But Emily suggested I drive the car on my own. I was a bit dubious, being very conscious of my own limitations. This afternoon she and assorted family members went out to the barn, and I needed to drive out to their house for dinner with everyone. I had planned on driving the slowly dying explorer, but, what the hell, she said I should give it a try on my own.

Attempting to get onto highway 7 (a controlled access 4 lane state road) I was in too high a gear for my low speed. Downshift to 4th, still no power. Downshift to third.

Yeah, I don't think I could by and automatic anymore. The pure fun of revving that little 4cyl and racing up the onramp, riding it's urgent push of torque was too much fun. For anyone who's driven to E's parent's house, the road is fairly twisty. 4th gear is fun, third, leaving turns, is better. I haven't had that much fun in a car since I first learned to drive.

Sure, I may still roll back when I try to start on hills. I suspect the occasional unplanned stop when attempting to start is still in the cards. But I feel like more of a driver now than I ever have.

Wow, didn't plan to being this post with a plug for a judicial blog. But my recently removed from drydock laptop has reminded me why I love Judge Posner. I'm fairly sure he's the only federal judge I'm going to write a special cover letter for. Well, Judge Jolly, but then again, my base letter is going to be written for him. Suffice it to say, Judge Posner rocks.

What I had planned on blogging about was how much I loved E. And no, not the Entourage character, although I am very much looking forward to September 7th at 9 (Cnt). Not an official fan of Medellin yet, but I plan to remedy that soon.

Problems; aging laptop, incomplete clerkship application, scattermind mind, questionable taste, car payment, bourbon (or lack there of), just missed Breeders' Cup fantasy post time at Del Mar for the Rancho Bernardo Handicap.

Not problems, woman I love who, for some reason I can't explain, wants to live with me.

See last problem for reason this post is truncated.

I'm thinking I need something like this. Strictly to tow a horse trailer, of course. That is, assuming I can't find a Cayenne Turbo somewhere...

Hat tip; Hays Burchfield

Death Penalty, "totally badass"

Supreme Court Rules Death Penalty Is 'Totally Badass'

Hat tip, Herb Wilson. Watching 01.01 of Gossip Girl right now.

"Top of the Rock" (viewing platform @ Rockefeller Center) is vastly superior to the one at the Empire State building. Phone died, so no pictures, but E took some on film. More to come, including hotel shots, Strawberry fields and the Met.