The Never Dry Towel

Many years ago my brother in law Bruce would drop in for a visit. Those were the days when he lived in Glen Ellyn and we in Wheaton (Illinois). He’d walk in, go directly to the kitchen, wash his hands and dry his hands. Only he couldn't find a dry towel with the exception of paper towels. He called out, “the house of the never dry towel.” And that phrase stuck in our minds for years.

As well over the years, we've adapted the phrase. Typically for me, Illinois is the Land of the Never Clean Car! In the summer it is dusty, then showery, with the result that cars are muddy, streaked, and rarely shiny clean.

In the winter the ugly increases. Streaked with salt residue, cars are universally gray or white during much of winter. Other times they are snow caked, ice-rimed and in other ways simply filthy. A car wash makes quick work of the dirt, but then the drive home dirties it all over again! Sprayed with salt mist and crud, the car is cleaner, but still quite dirty.

In other climes the car fares better but still dirty. Growing up in southern California I remember volunteering to dust the family car! There rain was fairly rare. So dust was the culprit. Shiny cars were that way only following a wash and polish. The rest of the time they were dusty or faded dim by the strong sun. If you were lucky enough to live close to the ocean, then your car was corroded by the salt air. Not much shine left in that neighborhood!

In the desert our cars were subjected to sand storms. Not good for the paint! Often repainted in that locale; but then windshields needed replacement as well! Sand-blasted don't you know?

This brief accounting for ‘the land of the never clean car’ is brought to you as a reminder that our dirty cars are part and parcel of our native area. Other regions have their own problem. Its just that with our driving conditions, we can’t see past our own dirt to notice others!

Only three more months until spring. But wait! As I write this, the sunrise just broke through. It is mid January. The temp is 19 and going to 5 tonight. So we will have sun, blue skies and…more salt on the roads. Yuck.

Still spring will arrive. Just wait for it a little longer.

January 15, 2015