December 19. That was the day that driving in Scotland changed for a number of people. That was the day that Ouiser (say Weezer -- she is a wee car) hit the road with me behind the wheel. Any defensive driving courses they have taken have been well-used since then.
Ouiser is a 2004 Fiat Panda. She is very small, especially compared to Minnie Pearl, my four-door truck who is now living in Arkansas. She had only 15,000 miles when I got her -- I have probably put more miles on her in two weeks than in six months in her previous life!
Thus far, I have stayed on the correct side of the road. I figure that as long as I don't see cars heading directly at me, I am probably on the right side of the road. It has actually been easier than I had imagined it would be. Of course, I look like a complete idiot as I go along because I am still talking myself through each turn and move. I have apologized to a number of people, though they couldn't hear me. Some of them were busy waving at me with one finger to hear any remorse....
The good part about a very small car is the maneuverability. I had forgotten how small a space a car could fit into! And the insurance costs are a LOT less. My insurance was purchased through the Post Office. It still feels a bit odd to think about the Post Office providing car insurance, but they do -- as do a number of other retailers. One of those things that makes a body say hmmmm.....
Anyway, my new friends Helen and Justin took their lives in their hands on December 19 and took Ouiser's maiden voyage with me. We made it quite well -- until the briefest, most intense blizzard hit Edinburgh at 2:00 p.m. (such that everyone talked about it the next day) while WE WERE OUT IN IT! Bless them. They are very brave.
