I want something old...

Guy Clark wrote a song, "Stuff that Works."  Boots, Denim Shirts, Guitars, simple stuff.

Don't get me wrong, I love technology.  It has advanced our lives in so many ways, but there are times I wonder just how far we have come.  My truck key is held together with electrical tape, so last week I stopped by the dealer to see about a new one.

Something Old

Every organization has an anti-sales department.  I ran into this dealership's anti-salesman.  I went to the parts department and asked about a new key.  With the straightest of faces he said,"$169.00."  I had to step back and check my shorts, then I asked, "Really?  $169.00 for a key?"  Looking at me as if I just fell off the turnip truck, he said, "Yes."  Well, I got a new roll of electrical tape.  I e-mailed them and told them if I had to pay that for a new key, I'd make sure it fit their competitor's truck.

I discovered later that these new fangled keys cost!  My neighbor said his Volvo key was $240.00.  My first thought was you deserve that for buying a Volvo.  I guess I am naive, new car keys are loaded with all kinds of computer technology.  For what reason?  My wife offered me her pristine key, but I told her we are putting that one in the safety deposit box.  Next time I have to dicker with a sales person on a new truck, it'll take 2 extra keys to close the deal!                                                                                                                                  

Look at them boots!

I try to save a bit, I want a mid 50's Chevy Pickup.  Something old.  The key cost $2.00 at the hardware store.  I know where the spark plugs are located.  I won't have to take out a loan to tune it up.  My English sockets will fit it and I won't need those damn metric wrenches anymore.

Sir Willow and his son Mojito

It seems the older I get, the more I long for the old stuff.  I'd make a crack about my wife here but she occasionally reads this, not that my wife is old.  Give me the old hymns, hellfire and brimstone preachin' and Hank, good "old" whiskey straight and neat, a $2.00 cigar, a vinyl record with great cover art.  I thank the Good Lord cowboy boots haven't changed and don't contain micro chips!  Cowboy hats, denim shirts, guitars too. (was going to say my dog, but damn if he don't have a micro chip)  I guess give them time though.

I continue to paint and will be posting new work next week.  I sold 4 paintings this week, so Thank God and the collectors who like my work.  Later this week, we'll revisit Guy Clark's "Homegrown Tomatoes."