Sybil

Thank you all for generously donating your time and effort to the naming of Diana's new car and bike. Betty Lou is fine and well, and is tearing up the roads as I write this. Actually, it's on it's way for a little tail end work - the addition of a hitch to which a bike rack is mounted. We'll be going to races in style now, baby!

I have some disturbing news, however. It has come to my attention these past few weeks that Betty Lou is not always herself. It seems that in times of great stress and trepidation, Betty Lou "leaves the building" and becomes a totally different person. A hot car pulls up along side her, and suddenly she's a little faster. A car hogs the fast lane, and Betty Lou is right on it's bumper, almost pushing that sucker out of it's way.

In and out of this dual personality this little car can go at a moment's notice. Get cut off or be the recipient of some other form of driving faux-paux - fugetaboutit - Betty Lou leaves the reservation, no longer to be seen until tucked safely away at the Bigun Driveway. Who is this other personality, you ask? Who kicks Betty Lou in the ass and grabs the wheel and accelerator, forgetting completely about brakes, "the fuzz", speed-limit signs and fuel economy?

DOMINO!

I think that when I'm in her, Betty Lou is happy and completely at ease. I have a calming effect on her that keeps her in control - safe in the eyes of other motorists and old folks crossing the street with their walkers. Every now and again Domino pushes to the surface, and I have to talk nicely and stroke the dashboard to send her back, deep into the transmission or block or where ever she resides when she's not testing the limits of her grippy tires.

Domino....Domino is going to cost me some serious cash one of these days, that bad a$$ bit*&. I can't be in her all the time, like I'd like to be. I'm just a passenger. A bystander. I'm just glad the seat-belt works and she comes with a nifty roll bar thingy. Be strong, Betty Lou - Be strong!