Escaping Our Economic Reality

At the end of a week dominated by news of a huge federal bailout of a major financial institution, and even more news reminding us of just what scary and insecure economic times we’re in, Chris (my soon-to-be husband) and I engaged in what’s becoming a near weekly ritual- an antique and classic car show. This one was the Tidewater Region of the Antique Automobile Club of America’s annual Wings and Wheels car show.

And it was a lot of fun. It was held in Pungo at what’s called the Virginia Beach Airport. It appeared to me that it was a private hangar featuring about a dozen or so WWII aircraft and a museum dedicated to the same topic. The surrounding area was covered with at least 300 cars, the oldest of which was a 1908 Ford (I don’t know the model). The beauties to this car novice were a 1941 Lincoln Continental (which actually had a factory original 24-carat gold plated dash!), a sweet desert rose colored 1961 Cadillac Coupe de Ville, and our own 1958 Caddi. The Best In Show winner was a 1932 Duesenberg Model SJ Murphy Boattail Speedster. It was beautiful!

I’m not a car gal. My point is… Here were hundreds of Americans out with their toys, enjoying themselves, despite a souring economy (quite the understatement, I know- but it’s been a ‘feel good’ day). And it was good to see. While many of the people who were there had the luxury of owning such toys (a luxury that a lot of folks can’t afford), we aren’t talking about people who are wealthy and untouched by the economy. Still, it was good to be there, even if it was just for a few hours of escape.