Driving in the Dark

I was driving home late tonight in my smart car with the windows and sunroof open and The Orb’s Toxygene playing (music video provided below for your listening convenience):

I ended up riding tail-to-nose next to a lime green sports car with neon underlights. It was a very pretty effect. We were both doing about 70 on the open, almost deserted night’s highway. Although I cannot know if the driver even noticed me, I would like to imagine that there was a certain camaraderie between us, slipping through the surreal shadowscape like two dogs chasing forgotten rabbits.

At dinner with my superiors that night, we had talked about cars. I’m still very proud of buying Roxy, my smart car, just a few weeks ago. So naturally I end up shifting the conversation toward cars still. I think most of the people at that table made less than 20 mpg on their cars. One lovely young lady was pleased to announce that her car made more than 20. I remember the car I traded in for Roxy: Ruby, a 1995 Ford Escort Station Wagon. Even in her old age that car made 30+ miles to the gallon. I am still startled when people think it’s okay to dip lower than that. I don’t think it’s a very sensible car if it makes less than 30 miles per gallon. The car industry really changed over the past ten years, shifting from economy to flash. And now we pay the price.

On the way home, Roxy put in an outstanding 44 miles per gallon, almost as good as my old motorcycle. Good deal.