Noted in Sorrow

“Any customer can have a car painted any color that he wants so long as it is black” ~ Henry Ford

"Shot through the heart and you're to blame, you give cars a bad name."

A 1997 Toyota Camry died suddenly on Wednesday morning, September 28th during a commute to work. She was 14 and had traveled over 135,000 miles  (112 in car years).  A gallant attempt to transport her to the Intensive Care Unit of a local mechanic by AAA Roadside Assistance was carried out, but sadly she was pronounced dead at the scene due to a blown engine which tore a large hole in her heart, scattering body parts across the rural landscape. The beloved vehicle, known to friends and family as Catherine’s Chariot had lived a full life, affording her original pilot (my mother) trips all over the country, including vacations and drives to visit relatives. In later years, she was mostly spotted on treasure hunts, trips to the senior center, movie theater, or Dutch Neck Village. She will be missed. A closed hood viewing is being held at the Fairfield House. In lieu of flowers, donations are being accepted for a replacement vehicle (preferably a late model Ford Thunderbird convertible; after all, the Camry would want me to carry on driving).

In an entirely unrelated development, a variety of gently used Camry parts have suddenly become available on Craig’s list of Southern New Jersey. Used car parts experts are baffled by the remarkable coincidence. According to Deborah of Fairfield House Auto Emporium, purveyor of fine pre-owned Camry accessories, the sudden surge reflects the keen interest of automotive enthusiasts in just this year and make of automobile. Deborah of Fairfield House Home Decor (no relation) also noted a recent rush of interest in stylish interior design involving vintage Japanese car parts, primarily Toyota branded. “These parts will undoubtedly go fast and are a bargain at any price,” she remarked.