I wrecked my Jeep XJ almost one year ago to the day. After that moment, I started thinking more seriously about getting a motorcycle. That’s what I did the following spring, and it turned out to be not the best decision I’ve made. (In fact, I’ll say it was among my very worst choices.) So, having pretty much given up on motorcycling by the time September rolled around, I gave my dad a call to find out if he’d already gotten rid of the old Honda that’s been in his garage (car-hole for the layman) for some years now. As it turned out, he still had it. And so, not wishing me to have to spend another winter in the saddle (for all you cyclists out there), he set to work on all the necessary repairs to get the Accord up and running in good order.
In December, just about a month gone from writing this, my dad drove down to visit me for a few days. Before he left, I had some time to brush up on my manual driving skills (the Honda having a standard transmission), after which we drove down to Little Rock, and he took a train to Chicago from there. My bicycle has not left my wall since that night.
This car is my first vehicle with a clutch, and I love it. I’m improving every day, and my shifts are only getting smoother. To me, there is something very enjoyable about driving a standard. Not only that, but the car is now twenty-nine years old, and in great shape. I just rolled over 150-thousand miles, the motor runs smooth, and the trans shifts beautifully. And, the interior is impeccable. That’s honestly one of my favourite bits of the car, and I think it really adds to the personality. The seats are a plush maroon fabric — very nineties — and there is hardly a tear or hole in sight anywhere. I haven’t properly cleaned it yet, but will be doing that this week. The outside is white, with black bumpers, trim and wheels, and is reminiscent of a panda bear to me, so I named it The Panda. Combining that with the interior colour got me thinking though, and I decided a few days ago to make its full name The Red Panda. The Panda for short, of course.
On Saturday I got up early and made myself productive. Of all the things I did that day, making these photos was probably my favourite. I hope you enjoy them. And beyond that, I hope you’re able to find enjoyment this week in the simple, everyday things, like driving your car, eating a sandwich, or putting on your favourite pair of shoes.
with love,
— Joel
P.S. I didn’t take any photos of the exterior, but I’m sure you’ll see it in the future.
