Independence Drive

“Do you have Dr. Pepper?”, the woman at the next table asked.

“Sure”, the server responded.

I caught her eye as she walked by: “Can I trade this ginger ale in for a Dr. Pepper?”

I was cleared to drive by my orthopædic surgeon yesterday. The last time I drove was July 17, to the gym. I didn’t drive home, because I broke my elbow during the workout, and I hadn’t driven since.

Yesterday I got called into service for an unexpected school run. It turns out that I am ready to drive: I’ve got all the flexibility and strength needed. I was happy to have the opportunity to find that out, without overthinking it.

Today, with L. and Lisa both out with friends, I took the opportunity to take my new abilities out for a drive.

First stop: The Blue Goose in Desable, where I hoped to score a Peter Pan Burger Basket, recently resurrected from the dead. 

I was not disappointed:

It was, dare I say, as good or better as the original.

And I washed it down with the aforementioned Dr. Pepper.

Next stop: Island Chocolates in Victoria. 

Long time readers will know that I am an inveterate fan of their Factory Coffee (2020, 2019, 2014, 2006), and having missed one on a Labour Day stop, when they were unexpectedly closed, I was determined to return before the end of the season. 

Again, I was not disappointed:

It was every bit as deliriously good as I remember.

As has been my long habit, I carried my sketchbook with me, and tentatively tried my hand at drawing the front window. It was my first sketch since July 13, and although I felt some twinges in my drawing hand, I was happy with what I was able to do.

Not being able to drive for two months was weird: it’s the longest I’ve ever not been behind the wheel since I was 16. I relied upon Lisa to drive me the places I needed to go by car, and my feet, otherwise.

For an afternoon of driving for the first time, I can’t imagine a better solo expedition.