Red Pepper

Today I spent a ¼ of the tank in the Red Pepper. Thankfully the “pepper” is a misnomer these days as it’s AC has recently been fixed. Before the 100’ weather would only be hotter inside; drier, though, I guess, since the humidity was baked right out. -> SILVER LINING!
The Red Pepper, named after its bright hue of RED, the size of an enlarged chili pepper without the stem, and overall “hotness” (which attracts all the ladies- no worries we have FOUR back seats) ,was a donation to Mirembe house for transportational use…not to be confused with other red peppers which are eaten. The “Pep” is a 1994 15 passenger van with a crumbling ceiling (Jordan will get to that), a passenger seat that is perma-reclined, and speakers to rival the recently released album, “Sounds of the Gravel Road.”

And yet, it treats us well. Out in the boonies, one doesn’t mind how one ventures here and there (at least 20 miles regardless) so long as the GPS is plugged in and the gas tank is full…to start the trip. I don’t think I need to remind the readers of any stellar emissions records made by any said “pepper.” Nor is it important to dwell on the somewhat depressing realities of gas prices. Watch out Europe, we’re finally catching up to you…in prices. We’ll still need time to learn how to use other resources and modes of transport. But I digress from my praise. The pepper is a perfect vehicle for the weekly shopping trip to Sam’s Club. Not just any trunk can fit 14 gallons of milk, 2 watermelons, 20 loaves, of bread and a couple dozen other odds and ends such as 144 rolls of Charmin. What other fine vehicle could take the chaperons out for the night in such class and flare as the Pepper? And nothing says move out of my way like a big chunk of red steel barreling over the rolling hills of North Carolina. We are subtle, humble, and determined to get wherever, whenever as quick as we can so the Pepper can adorn the parking lot like the prized jewel of a crown.

So that was me today. The Princess and the Pepper. (And that’s the truth…look up Sarah and you’ll see what I’m talking about.) I navigated from one highway to the other byway without so much as a blink; I really slept most of the 45-minute drive to the first destination. I thought quite a bit, took in the landscape which is overly luscious and green, and tried not to get lost without the aid of typical landmarks such as a mountain. The two of us conquered the roads and errands list like it was the new world…no no, like it was an unshopped mall with all new summer fashions. (Is that more princess-y?)

I also enjoyed the company of Carl Kassell (Wait Wait) with his perfect “radio” voice and funny limericks. It’s amazing the things one can learn from this clever news game show. One piece of news I gleaned caused me to clap out load. Literally…but I was safe. GM has finally pulled the plug on the HUMMER! Hallelujah! I thought the day would never come. I think even Ol’ Pep, here, gets better gas mileage and doesn’t look half as stupid driving down the road. But again, I’m a princess not a proud, powerful warrior wanting to zoom across city parks, school yards, and hiking trails to make my 8:30 tee time. I ride in class and style.