It takes time to form an agreeable relationship with a new car. Vestiges of a former vehicle don't disappear willingly. Technology is far more advanced, even if the new vehicle is only a few years younger than the previous ride. Necessary gear--sunglasses, lip gloss, paper bags, an ice scraper and a paperback book in case I get stuck somewhere with nothing to do--aren't in the same locations any more. And, in my case, my right hand is often waving around uselessly, searching for the manual-transmission gearshift knob that's been a part of every other car I've owned.

This new car is on its best behavior, and we're getting along fine. It's a hybrid, and the gas mileage is incredible. Except for one problem: Like many new cars, it has an aerodynamic front-end design that slopes downward. I can't see where the hood ends. That means when I'm pulling into a parking space, the fear of bashing into another car, a wall or the back of my garage forces me to stop far short of where I should be.

That leaves the rear end of the car........

© Arkansas Online