"Girls we love for what they are, young men for what they promise to be." - Johann Wolfgan von Goethe

I'm not saying my perception is always spot-on, but I've been in the people business long enough to recognize certain behavior patterns and what they typically signify.
This morning at Starbucks I saw a couple with an adorable girl who looked to be three or four years old. Mom's body language was classic abused wife. She lit up when interacting with her daughter, but she hung back quietly, submissively as he got his drink and decided where they'd sit. No eye contact, very subdued.
Yeah, they might have a free and easy relationship and circumstances on this morning have them both feeling distracted. I hope so. Pam and I have had that experience, and maybe some busybody in the next booth drew all the wrong conclusions. I've just seen too many emotionally and physically abused wives, and know for every one I'm aware of there are dozens more who wear the mask perfectly.
And my stomach hurts for the children of those marriages.

I almost never take the Falcon out but what somebody comments. Today a guy at the gas station came over to ask me about it. I could be accused of pride, but I prefer to think it's joy at finding someone else who responds to the beauty and nostalgia of old cars.

My friend Jim taught me one of those life axioms worth keeping at the ready:
"If the mess doesn't have my name on it I'm not picking it up."
Yesterday in an email conversation I got another from my friend Sherry, a kind of corollary:
"It's time for me to set that down."

Tonight is the VW car show at the dealer 6 miles from our house. Tomorrow night is the large classic car gathering at a nearby K-Mart. I'll be at both with the VW, "For Sale" sign prominently displayed.

Lots of kudos going to David Letterman now that he's announced his retirement sometime next year. I'm not a fan, mostly because of the way he acted when passed over for the Johnny Carson slot that eventually went to Jay Leno. Sour grapes that made him look like a prima donna. Leno acted with class throughout. Besides, Leno is a car guy.
Not that I can stay up late enough to see either one of them.