Ermintrude Foggweather

Our address has not changed for almost thirty years. When I stop to think about it, it is really rather amazing we should have lived so long in one spot. We have though and have made a great deal of life-long friends in the process. The friends are as different in temperament, life style, daily organization, work and life’s general outlook as one could expect in a life time.

Many friends have made inroads in our daily lives that truly have enriched our very existence. Others hang on the fringes and add color, flamboyance, texture and above all a greater variety and interest to our daily lives. Each we handle differently. There are a few in our lives that need special nurturing, gentle care and always a softly spoken word of encouragement, always being mindful not to bruise the very tender growth and easily dented spirit. Those are the ones that you enjoy but shy away from when it comes to involving time spent with alone. One rather tends to keep them at a little distance rather than bringing them closer to the core of a friendship.

The ones we enjoy the most are those that will roll with the punches, taking what comes along with a truly great attitude and understanding spirit. These are the ones that consistently and willingly add volumes to our daily survival without asking for anything in return. We happily associate and interact with them without a second thought. Simply put, we enjoy their company. We both sing from the same page, so to speak. You know who they are and how enriched your life has become on account of their being there.

Such is our friend Ermintrude. She has such a stuffy sounding name, but is a wonderfully gifted being that truly has enriched our lives more than we ever expected.
Ermintrude came into our lives about fifteen years ago. She wasn’t much to look at then, rather dumpy and run down at the corners. Her health conditions hadn’t been given adequate attention and it showed in what she was able to do physically. Her movements were somewhat slow and a tad bit sluggish, not “firing on all cylinders” we thought.

We brought her home; well we actually were able to put her into the care of a specialist, who would tend many of her particular needs. She proved to be a bit more finicky than we anticipated, but we were by then, committed to the “project”.

Our specialist outlined a plan of action and made a list of things that needed immediate attention and careful care. She had been neglected for so many years that it was a little difficult knowing where to start in the process. Obviously the immediate health issues were critical. These were charted and we launched out with confidence. Our health care provider assured us we were on the right track and that with time (and expense) she would be almost good as new.

She often visited the clinic for “tune ups” advice and fine tuning, adjusting administered remedies here and there. Each one seemed to bring back some of the past glory and once again the lost luster of youth began to bloom again. Even with her age she had class and an inner beauty that everyone seemed to enjoy.

It wasn’t long until friends were asking us to bring her along to weddings, special parties and in general anywhere that her style and class would add a dimension of elegance and grace. We continued to be pleased with her every improvement and we marveled at her appearance’s improved looks.

She easily outshined us when we made an appearance with her. It was like we were an added lesser mark of distinction. Not that we minded, because we were delighted with her total improvement and comely graceful appearance.

To some functions my wife, Beverly would come in a separate car so she could leave when she wanted without any fanfare. She was always happy to attend with us but somehow didn’t want to intrude in our grand entrance. It became like a Hollywood production when we were asked to attend a wedding or special party. We were even given a special parking space with markers to indicate just where we were to park. Considering all, Ermintrude is old enough to be my mother if one counted years correctly, but she was fun and always the center of attention.

The flashbulbs would pop and everyone asked for pictures to be taken with her. Since I was always there to give consent we got along quite well. I usually stayed in the background and let her have center stage. She had become the star and I was just there to see that everything went OK. Actually I became quite good at staying in the background and don’t mind the attention lavished on Ermintrude. She deserves it all. When I think of where she was when I first was introduced to her and the heights to which she has risen, I am really quite pleased.

She doesn’t like rain and snow is not an option here in Central California. Sunshine and warm weather don’t seem to faze her. She always looks cool and collected even when I know she is a little warm under the collar.

Many have asked about her care and where have I taken her in the past. Who is her health provider? It is not a closely guarded secret.

Oh, have I forgotten to let you know that Ermintrude Foggweather is my old car that I occasionally drive for weddings? I am truly sorry for overlooking that small piece of information.

Ermintrude came into my life without my wife’s approval. In fact there could have been serious consequences of having another female in the family, but she has been won over by the enrichment the car has brought to our family. She (Ermintrude) now has her own building (garage) where she resides in comfort almost dust free and dry. Spiders are about the only thing we have not eliminated from the area but we are working on that too.

Another thing I may have not mentioned was that Ermintrude is a true English lady. She is a 1962 Rolls Royce with a right hand steering wheel. When I first got her, it has been a real hoot to drive up next to someone and be side by side talking to them at a stop light. With all the hand signs now being used while driving, the only ones I get are very positive motions, thumbs up.

Ermintrude is not perfect but she is fun and if you don’t look closely you won’t see her imperfections.

My youngest son first saw her sitting in a dirt lot with a for sale sign in the window. He came home and told me about the car and where it was. I immediately drove with him to have a look for myself. My dream has always been to have a RR of that vintage and perhaps this was the opportunity.

The car had been traded for a debt owed a company and now the company was trying to recoup its expenses. The car was in storage in Arizona and a truck had to be sent there to bring it to our area. It had been for sale for almost six months with no one interested in taking on the expense or effort to restore the classic auto.

We negotiated a fair price and drove the car away after being given a few “right hand” instructions. The first thing was to put gas (petrol) in the vehicle, but where did we put it in. When we found the place how did we get the trap door open? A black button on the dash proved to be the key to replenishing fuel. When pushed the gas cover would pop open with an audible pop. It snaps shut with the same popping sound. After fifteen years I am still learning new things about the car

Ermintrude Foggweather (note the double g in Foggweather) has become part of our family. Occasionally now she still comes out of retirement to grace someone’s wedding or just for fun spin around the country. She is requested for quiet dinners out or sometimes just to sit quietly at a car show for others to gawk at and admire.

I am always careful to never leave her alone when out in public. Parking is prearranged and either I stand close by or sometimes I hire someone to stand guard for me. Either way she is under someone’s surveillance.

My youngest son said that since he found her, she should be his someday; after all he is the only other person, other than the mechanic, to ever drive her. If he can fly multi-million dollar jets why not able to drive a lowly car with safety.