Love that last line. This quote reminded me of riding many places with my dog in the back of my dad's pickup while growing up in Montana: "And if you are an insurance agent pooh-poohing and tut-tutting about financial liability and safety, you can kiss my ass. People do what they gotta do."
I think about many things I did as a child that are deemed too dangerous now. Car seats are undoubtedly an improvement.
Interesting contrast between this line and the one about the muffler. Sometimes there's nothing wrong with cursing at misfortune! It doesn't put the muffler back on, but it might make you feel better :)
I love these essays. I read them slow to take it all in and to paint the scenes in my mind. But I also can't wait to get to the end. There is always a treasure at the end that flips the sky as Bob likes to say. This one brought a tear to my eye.
Great piece. My grandpa, also a lifetime Republican, a teacher and farmer who loved his pickup truck, understood the dangers of fascism firsthand, having fought bravely in WWII. He was principal of the Riceville school where Jane Elliott conducted her first Blue Eyes Brown Eyes lesson. He loved his pickup truck, and hated racism, and knew a demagogue when he saw one. Iowa needs more like him, and your dad. God bless them both!
I have liked what I heard or read you saying from the time I first met you. My husband could have had some good discussions with you in the matter of taking care of old things and not looking for ways that one can make the most money, look the most prestigious in your community, and follow the current political trends. When we were on our honeymoon in 1955 somewhere in "the south" he stopped his Mercury to pick up a serviceman who rode with us for a couple of hours. The hitchhiker nearly fainted when he discovered we were on our honeymoon. Being able to be yourself rather than trying to look important and powerful allows one to live a good life no matter what else is going on. And there's way too much going on at this moment in history.
You made me cry Bob. We have my father’s S10 sitting out in the trees. Still has the O’Brien for Secretary of Ag sticker in the back window. Your story is touching and brings back memories of my father - a pretty rocky relationship that ended on good terms.
Such wonderful stories and wonderful writing. Brought back memories of my own dad, memories of Mexico (and piling so many in the back of our trucks). And now I watch Connor unload the trunk of our old 2007 Corolla of their electrician's tools when they get home from work everyday. Thanks for this Bob.
Here’s my TFP conversation with Jane Elliott, where she praises my grandfather for supporting and defending the Blue Eyes Brown Eyes lesson. Sadly, no mention of his beloved 1968 Ford F-100!
Thank you. I loved him and his 1968 Ford pickup and drove it to the U of I in 1985 to attend college, loaded with my belongings. He told me never to go above 50 mph. Should have listened! But that’s a story for another time…
Love that last line. This quote reminded me of riding many places with my dog in the back of my dad's pickup while growing up in Montana: "And if you are an insurance agent pooh-poohing and tut-tutting about financial liability and safety, you can kiss my ass. People do what they gotta do."
I think about many things I did as a child that are deemed too dangerous now. Car seats are undoubtedly an improvement.
Interesting contrast between this line and the one about the muffler. Sometimes there's nothing wrong with cursing at misfortune! It doesn't put the muffler back on, but it might make you feel better :)
I love these essays. I read them slow to take it all in and to paint the scenes in my mind. But I also can't wait to get to the end. There is always a treasure at the end that flips the sky as Bob likes to say. This one brought a tear to my eye.
Great piece. My grandpa, also a lifetime Republican, a teacher and farmer who loved his pickup truck, understood the dangers of fascism firsthand, having fought bravely in WWII. He was principal of the Riceville school where Jane Elliott conducted her first Blue Eyes Brown Eyes lesson. He loved his pickup truck, and hated racism, and knew a demagogue when he saw one. Iowa needs more like him, and your dad. God bless them both!
Who'd a thought that old trucks and dads could inspire such a great piece? But WHO didn't know Bob Leonard! Thanks!
Okay, I’m bawling. That ending was the best ever. Thank you. ❤️
What a fantastic piece Bob.
Man, I love everything about this, the story, every anecdote in it, the people and the themes, and the writing. Thank you.
I loved that. Thank you
I have liked what I heard or read you saying from the time I first met you. My husband could have had some good discussions with you in the matter of taking care of old things and not looking for ways that one can make the most money, look the most prestigious in your community, and follow the current political trends. When we were on our honeymoon in 1955 somewhere in "the south" he stopped his Mercury to pick up a serviceman who rode with us for a couple of hours. The hitchhiker nearly fainted when he discovered we were on our honeymoon. Being able to be yourself rather than trying to look important and powerful allows one to live a good life no matter what else is going on. And there's way too much going on at this moment in history.
I would leave a message but I’m having a good cry first.
Great essay, Bob.
Glad you liked it Kyle...
You made me cry Bob. We have my father’s S10 sitting out in the trees. Still has the O’Brien for Secretary of Ag sticker in the back window. Your story is touching and brings back memories of my father - a pretty rocky relationship that ended on good terms.
Wow. Thanks for sharing. There is so much meaning to unpack with just the S10 and our fathers...
Such wonderful stories and wonderful writing. Brought back memories of my own dad, memories of Mexico (and piling so many in the back of our trucks). And now I watch Connor unload the trunk of our old 2007 Corolla of their electrician's tools when they get home from work everyday. Thanks for this Bob.
Thank you, Marcel...
Absolutely beautiful. Thank you.
nice article. put tears in my eyes
Here’s my TFP conversation with Jane Elliott, where she praises my grandfather for supporting and defending the Blue Eyes Brown Eyes lesson. Sadly, no mention of his beloved 1968 Ford F-100!
https://michaeljudge.substack.com/p/why-blue-eyes-brown-eyes-matters
Wow. So powerful. Great story. Thanks for sharing. I hadn't known all of those details or the power of Jane Elliott.
Thank you. I loved him and his 1968 Ford pickup and drove it to the U of I in 1985 to attend college, loaded with my belongings. He told me never to go above 50 mph. Should have listened! But that’s a story for another time…