Vehicle-less in Central Maryland.
My weekend commenced with a major annoyance, an annoyance which left me without a vehicle. I’m hoping it ends on a more upbeat note.
I was pulled over by a sheriff’s deputy Friday as I was driving around in my brother’s car. I was going to post the whole story, including why I was driving the car, but it’s a long soporific tale, so it won’t be posted for fear of a massive nod out.
“Stay in the car please. May I see your license and registration?”
“Did you know the tags on this car expired on Jan 2nd 2007?”
Yea of course I did I always drive around intentionally on expired tags officer - what stupid question.
“Do Not Get Out of the Car! Do not get out of the car! I’ll be right back”
I must have looked rather criminal sitting there with my bag full of books and papers, dangerous even, for him to talk so sternly to me.
A serious twenty-five minutes later, after a long search of the criminal database failed to bring up the name of me or my brother, the deputy returned with a more jovial disposition. The officer was amazed the car had made it over a year without being impounded, and that anyone bordering on normal would have tags expired for such a long period of time without noticing.
I was not surprised by my brother’s lack of attention to the minutia of everyday life, and though it put me in a bit of a bad vehicle- less place for a couple of days I’m over it. I don’t mind having my brother on the short list of those who owe me one.
As for Valentine’s Day, it’s coming. You all know I don’t care for the holiday. I’m with Plato in thinking “Love is a grave mental disease.”
That having been said, you may send me cards and meatless items if you so desire.
Somewhere around Valentine’s Day I will post my favorite songs with references to “The Heart”. While you wait for that most spectacular post, be thinking about your favorite song with a “heart” reference.
My gift to you, if you haven’t seen it, is this remastered masterpiece.
That old Huck is just a tick on the ass of the Republican party isn’t he?
I just paid for my new tags, they’re two year tags now, it’s easier to forget if the paperwork gets lost in the mail. Going a year seems like a long time if the car is used, because they scan the tags electronically, at least in the city here.
Meatless items?
Is it ok if I smiled a little at your story? I suspect it’s something other than nefariousness that put the cop on offense.
Sorry–vehicheless in Central Maryland. Paying attention to the minutia of daily life should pay off–says she who desperately hopes that’s true
But thanks for the video. It’s amazing and unlike any other version.
Glad you didn’t shoot the sheriff’s deputy–want nothing to come between you running the country one day, and though Eric and Bob Marley give permission to shoot, I’m not certain that defense will hold up
Though if I shoot my “contractor” and my fate is decided by a jury of my peers or even a NY judge, I’m reasonably certain I will walk.
Whenever I see someone pulled over, I always wonder the reason. I’m sure his attention to you staying in the car had more to do with your safety than with anything else.
Meatless items? Who the heck gives a valentine thingie with meat? I go to places like the Wilbur Bud factory in Lititz, Lancaster County, for some great offerings - none of which contain meat.
meat for valentines? blech!
Sorry this happened to you! But you have managed to re-tell it with humor. Love the Valentine quips!
Tags expired over a year ago would be suspicious, you are lucky they didn’t impound the car to make a few bucks, they would have been within their legal right to do so. The budget must be balanced this month, or your huge smile brought out the best in the officer of the law.
“Remastered masterpiece”, checking it out now.
I once drove around for 6 months without a front licence plate, which is required for here. I was pulled over on my way home from filing some paperwork with the city police . . .I think the officer was in a bad mood.
I actually have a friend who quite knowingly has avoided renewing his plate stickers here in IL, and hasn’t been caught yet. It’s a little easier if you have off-street parking and don’t have to do much highway driving. It’s also not hard to sympathize as the fee is up near $100, plus a similarly priced city of Chicago fee on top of that. I’m guessing there are quite a few here who do the same.
I’m with you on the blah Valentine’s sentiments. In that vain, the first song that came to my mind was “I am trying to break your heart” by Wilco.
Cooper - Good thing I wasn’t with you. You’d be on the lam and I’d be looking for that “Get out of Jail Free” card. I wonder if, when applying to become a ‘man of the law’, they give aptitude tests - IQ must be above 90.
Thanks for the Clapton piece. Clapton is God.
Valentine? If I gave my heart to you, I’d have none and you’d have two.
Sweet Clapton, I must have missed this post.
Cooper don’t sweat the small stuf. I went 18 years without an inspection sticker, a few without registration, and 4 with no drivers liscense. I used to love looking at the cops and saying “how bout one of the above” when asked for liscense, registration and insurance. I have some humorous Kevin and the cops stories. May be idea for 2nd blog.