Riding Shotgun - Revisited

[safari57]

Originally Posted by Towster

Referencing the proper responses such as "I'm sorry" - don't ever say "I told you so".

I learned a much better response last summer when I mentioned numerous times that we should replace our 4 year old trailer tires before an upcoming trip and "he" felt that they had plenty of tread left.

We experienced tread separation only 2 hours from home. Thankfully, there was no permanent damage, but we spent several hours at a tire store doing what we should have prior to leaving. My new response is:

"I'm sorry dear, I should have been more insistent."

Virginia

Now that's one I can keep in mind Virginia. I already know of a couple of times it would have been particularly relevant. Mind you, the downside is that I'm sure Donna could have used it back just as quickly in a couple of other situations.

Thanks for the tips.

Barry

[overlander63]

Barry, one more quick tip:
Crow tastes better if you eat it warm, with lots of ketchup.

[safari57]

Originally Posted by overlander63

Barry, one more quick tip:
Crow tastes better if you eat it warm, with lots of ketchup.

We just got back from going for dinner. I guess I "made a recommendation" on the way back that was possibly out of line for a passenger to say. Now I'm in big do-do. The ladies of the car club have decided to get together and put together a "back-seat-driver kit" for my wife. I think I may need more than ketchup on a crow to get me through this one. And just when I had almost convinced her for us to take the '57 and the Flying Cloud instead of her A/C, cruise controlled, leather interior, power everything car back to our old town too.

Now I have my work cut out for me over the next two weeks to get her back on track. I mean, I was already packing the trailer (perhaps a bit prematurely I admit but hey, you can never be too prepared). I just have to figure out how to be an for that period of time. Hey, miracles can happen can't they?

Barry

[Mel]

Now Barry, you need to settle down and behave yourself. It's just a month until the Deming rally - are we going to have to drive up there and pick you up ourselves?

[safari57]

Oh yeah right, Deming! I'd forgotten about that. How quickly time flies. Man, I have got a lot to make up for with the love of my life (no, not the Airstream, '57 wagon or Chevelle - my wife) and only a month to do so. Dang, can I do this? Breakfast in bed perhaps? Naw, she'd hate me waking her up to make it first. Hmmmm, what to do, what to do. Got any great ideas Mel? I'm sure you and your hubby have been through similar situations and may have some lessons learned to share.

Barry

[safari57]

We made it to Deming.

I barely coached. I hardly even flinched, seldom grabbed the dash, and only remember two or three hard presses on the floor until I remembered I didn't have the brake pedal on my side. I thought I did quite well. Donna did as well and heck, in the near future she may even leave the duct tape at home.

Some things I have learned - it does not do much for the conversation after a rest stop if the first thing you do is jump out and kiss the ground. Nor does it help if you gasp suddenly, then try to cover it up like you were taking a deep breath, yawning or having a sudden coughing fit.

Finally taking over and doing the backing up is not considered being negative or pushy, it's just doing it so we can get the tanks dumped and get in out of the rain and head home.

It did not help that on our way down two of US Customs finest, walking around the various cars, stopped to admire the car and trailer and suggested to my wife that they are not single but could be, and could arrange my sudden demise, so they could marry her and take over driving duties.

Having "certain" other forums members at Deming foster my wife's belief that I should just let her drive did not help - now she's thinking I'm redundant other than for hook up and unhooking. . Sure glad it wasn't me caught on Lee's camera blowing up that pink flamingo. Evidence for future use .

We had a wonderful time at the TCT Deming event as did the folks in the other 97 trailers, but what surprised me was that we only saw two other ladies doing the towing. It did do my wife good though to see the lady across the road from us punt her hubby out of the drivers seat when he couldn't back up their rig and she nailed it almost dead on first time. I, of course, told my wife that I'd not noticed. The bruising on my arm will heal eventually.

Barry

[Mel]

Originally Posted by safari57

Finally taking over and doing the backing up is not considered being negative or pushy, it's just doing it so we can get the tanks dumped and get in out of the rain and head home.

I don't believe I was the only casual observer of this incident who skulked quietly back to the safety of their trailer.

Originally Posted by safari57

Sure glad it wasn't me caught on Lee's camera blowing up that pink flamingo. Evidence for future use .

Sure glad it wasn't me caught on Mel's camera wearing a pink flamingo necklace and a silly grin.

[safari57]

Originally Posted by Mel

I don't believe I was the only casual observer of this incident who skulked quietly back to the safety of their trailer.


Sure glad it wasn't me caught on Mel's camera wearing a pink flamingo necklace and a silly grin.

1. Yeah, it was getting frustrating for her. Trying to follow my expert hand signals as well as my well modulated voice commentary to provide additional information didn't work with her window up. I learned how to give trailer directions from her years of doing so (if Donna reads this I'm really toast)

As for the pictures I believe you guys got someone else to pretend they were me as I couldn't find my name tag for several hours, nor my T-shirt. Of course this "could" have happened when I was out walking and exhausted from doing my trailer chores (I'm so overworked) and just about ready for my afternoon nappy and not fully aware of what malicious people were doing to me in this drowsy state . The other thing is that I've always tried to be a good sport, particularly when it is obvious that if I don't cooperate I might end up with MY neck stuffed through the picket fence like that poor PF in front of someone's GT.

Barry

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by safari57

1. Yeah, it was getting frustrating for her. Trying to follow my expert hand signals as well as my well modulated voice commentary to provide additional information didn't work with her window up. I learned how to give trailer directions from her years of doing so (if Donna reads this I'm really toast)

Barry

So Barry, what's it worth to you if Donna DOESN'T find the URL of this thread in an anonymous e-mail?

[norsea]

(SNIP) "I HAVE memorized the married man's most practical response to pretty much anything my wife says in response to anything I happened to have said on the trip and it is now my mantra. It is, or course, "Oh yeah, right, sorry!" Mind you, I think she's getting a tad tired of this so if anyone has any other sayings that will keep me out of trouble and appearing appropriately humble that would be helpful."

My personal favorite:

Right again you are my dear, as you always are!

Jim

[safari57]

Originally Posted by overlander63

So Barry, what's it worth to you if Donna DOESN'T find the URL of this thread in an anonymous e-mail?

All the aluminum dust and shavings I've been collecting in hopes that the scrap prices would go crazy.

[safari57]

Originally Posted by norsea

(SNIP) "I HAVE memorized the married man's most practical response to pretty much anything my wife says in response to anything I happened to have said on the trip and it is now my mantra. It is, or course, "Oh yeah, right, sorry!" Mind you, I think she's getting a tad tired of this so if anyone has any other sayings that will keep me out of trouble and appearing appropriately humble that would be helpful."

My personal favorite:

Right again you are my dear, as you always are!

Jim

Jim, that's a good one. I'm finding "yes dear, sure dear, okay dear" works often but now and then she actually expects more of a response. Then I have to slide into "I guess I didn't quite hear you right dear, could you please repeat that?" and this time I actually listen to what she is saying. Then I can easily get away with either yours or my quote and be reasonably safe that she's not going to catch on.

It pays to think fast in these situations. I have a friend who says he's ordering off the internet a fake hearing aid that he'll wear for a short while, then keep "forgetting" it so his wife will be considerate of this. I know his wife - she'll figure it out real quick.

Barry

[Mrs_RedSHED]

Originally Posted by safari57

and this time I actually listen to what she is saying.

THAT says it all.

[Foiled Again]

Originally Posted by BamCamper

In addition to encouraging him to stuff his face *er* enjoy a snack while on the road, it also helps to let him be in charge of the radio/cd player.

It gives him something to do and is almost as good as letting him hold the remote...

Give him Viagra... all the blood will rush away from his brain and he'll faint.

Paula

[Maybricks]

Hi Barry
My business partner says... Shaving regularly and liberal application of immac before using duct tape will help you no end...
He speaks from vast experience...

Originally Posted by safari57

It has been an interesting year .......

• I have yet to learn the proper technique for duct tape removal. In particular the glue gets stuck in my mustache which is bothersome. I also find that having my hands taped behind my back for long periods of time causes my shoulders to get sore - does anyone have suggestions on these areas? My wife seems to think that a quick rip off of the tape eases the pain but no matter what, it still brings tears to my eyes and it's not just because I can fully breath again............

[safari57]

SilverConnie

Please pass on my sincere hanks for the tips. I have found the only real difficult part now is removing the glue residue. When the family cat decides to wake me early and he rubs his face/whiskers on my face to make me aware that he's there his fur sticks. Also, I've mentioned a time or two to Donna that the same thing happens when she forgets to go to her waxing appointments. More bruising, but well worth the shocked look .

It's funny/sad, a friend from the old home town recently went through some serious medical issues and he told me on Sunday that depending on his wife for transportation was very difficult for him as well. He said he can tell you where every manhole cover between their house and the emergency is because she managed to hit every one of them, every time, on their trips to and from. He had a brief discussion with his doctor and expressed his concerns and the doctor was kind enough to mention to the wife that her husband should probably drive home as it was good distraction for him.

We concurred that riding shotgun is a difficult thing for a guy to handle, it's hard on the vehicles, and the coaching and insight we provide is seldom taken in context. Perhaps it's the fear in our voices as we say something? I always thought when you lost your hair people thought you were wise - particularly ones wife.

Oh, yeah, one more learning piece. Facial expressions. Showing fear by having wide eyes and your mouth wide open even if there's nothing coming out as you are careening into a corner/intersection/merge lane is still apparently considered criticism. So is sweating profusely, taking deep breaths, and putting your head between your knees and covering it with your arms.

and another thing - being caught adding stuff to the cars medical emergency kit is really considered to be a big no-no. Did you know that even when it's 80 degrees out one can still get an icy look and feel a chill?

Barry

[Maybricks]

Hi Barry

I am told lighter fuel works for this as long as u don't smoke straight after...

Originally Posted by safari57

SilverConnie

Please pass on my sincere hanks for the tips. I have found the only real difficult part now is removing the glue residue. When the family cat decides to wake me early and he rubs his face/whiskers on my face to make me aware that he's there his fur sticks. Also, I've mentioned a time or two to Donna that the same thing happens when she forgets to go to her waxing appointments. More bruising, but well worth the shocked look

[Minnie's Mate]

Several years ago before we had children, my wife and I were on a road trip and I got very sleepy so I asked my wife if she would drive for a while. It didn't take long for me to remember why I do all of the driving. I soon told her I could take over again...I thought the risk were worth it.

A few years later while returning from a leaf viewing trip to North Carolina I again felt drowsy and asked my wife to drive for a while. And once again I was reminded why I do all of the driving.

Some years later my wife picked me up after dropping my truck off at the local Ford dealer for repairs and drove us home. The next morning I instituted a new morning routine of praying for my family's safe journey to school and back home. I continue this routine to this day. I have faith and just don't think about it.

[safari57]

Amen, M-M. I hear you and I can relate.

Thanks for sharing. I realize it's very personal for those of us who are forced to ride on "the other side of the TV". Some handle it well, others, like me, say many a silent prayer for the others on the roads.

I'm really getting into trouble here if Donna ever sees this stuff. I'm SOOOO glad I password protected my computer....

Barry