... for Grace.

Today, under partly cloudy skies, the temperature toyed with 60 degrees in the Philadelphia suburbs. I got out of work a little early and took the train home. Ivelis (my wife) looked at me with surprise.

"You're early."

"I have to put up Grace."

"Oh."

It was already dark by the time I got back out to the garage, the temperatures dropping well into the 50s. I slightly overinflated the tires, put in the appropriate amount of STA-BIL, dropped the top, and pulled the car out of the garage. Gorgeous - she's gorgeous.

I put the old flight jacket on and drove about two miles over to the parents. They peered out the back door as I put the top up. I came in, talked with them for a while, and headed back out. After stopping and filling the tank with Ultra 93, I drove home.

I drove Grace up on the lift, getting it right the first time - unusual. Pulled everything out that shouldn't spend the winter there. Made sure the latest insurance and registration is in, in case there's that unexpected nice day in the early spring when all I want to do is just drive.

Connected her on the battery tender and gave her one more pat on the driver's side door.

"Hope you enjoyed your tenth birthday year."

Then, up went the lift (I really should clean up parts of the underside). I brought the Jaguar in below and turned off the lights.

"You look like you are about to cry."

"Maybe."

"if you have a scotch, I'll have one too."

I got the glasses down. Rituals matter, so I chose the C5 scotch glass and the 50th Anniversary shot glass.

"Which glass would you like?"

"It doesn't really matter."

"Okay. I'll get you the solid axle."

I poured the Chivas, stared pensively at the closed garage door, and was extremely grateful for a wife who understands me.