So I'm sitting here, investigating yet another problem unique to a Mercedes, and I asked myself-What made me say "yes" to this proposition? I mean, had I not traded my motorcycle for Greta, I could be out riding it right now, not elbows-deep in grease and diesel AGAIN as I chase another snickering gremlin from Bavaria out of her innards with a Craftsman tool in hand.

Is it the way a Benz smells after 20 years? That mix of old leather and time? Is it the nods of approval from those in the know? Is it answering the myriad questions about waste oil conversion and how I'm gonna go about it? Is it finally driving the EXACT car I wanted when I was 16?

It's certainly not for the chicks-though Greta has her own MySpace profile, and more female "friends" than male ones. It's not for high performance, because until I can get her to run regularly, or until I meet a Finn with an engineering degree and his own (or, God Willing, HER own! ) tools, I don't see her at the track.

I guess I just like heading out to the garage as the weather gets warmer here in PA, popping open a cheap beer, turning on my ancient stereo in the shop to the Eighties station, and getting dirty for no good reason other than there's an old German girl that needs me to stay alive. I don't have any kids yet, but it feels like someone still depends on me. Am I just nuts?

DS

__________________
Der Dieselschnell
1987 300D Turbo "Greta" 170k
1990 Ford F250 "Marnie" 93k