What is the Troop Number?

This afternoon I volunteered to drive up to Sugar Grove to secure an order of Girls Scout cookies for my wife's troop. No, I wasn't looking to score points. I was bored and it's actually warm today, so I wanted to get outside.

When the temperature is above 35 degrees I have a much easier time getting around. I can even feel the gas and brake pedals much better so I feel confident that I can complete the task safely without putting others at risk either. I use cruise control a lot.

Driving to the Girl Scout store involves driving on the same road I was nearly killed on for most of the way to Sugar Grove. In fact, I used to photograph vehicle wrecks involving fatalities on Route 47 when I worked for the paper. I was reminded of this when I saw some of those white crosses on the side of the road. I'm so happy one of those wasn't erected for me. Personally, I don't like those crosses. I understand that some people may like them, but for me I don't like being reminded of tragedy. I actually met the guy who puts those up all over the area and now, throughout the country. I asked him if he'd do a story about it 10 years ago, when I worked at the Kane County Chronicle, but he declined. We were doing a story on him because he was building an electric car. I saw all the crosses in his garage and asked him about it and he just did not want to discuss it. Nowadays, he's the one being interviewed at scenes of tragedy, because he's the cross guy.

When I arrived at the Girl Scout store there were two other men picking up cookies too. The man in front of me was asked, "what is the troop number?" He did not know. He was failing. Ask me, I thought to myself. I know! I opened up the email on my phone while waiting just to be certain, and yes I did know it. Finally, I got my turn and everything went as smoothly as it could. Yes, my wife lets me leave the home unassisted, because I'm handi-capable.

Back in the car and back on the road and it was time to rock again. The main reason I wanted to take on the errand today was so I could listen to music at high volume while driving. Who knew that stock stereos in Outbacks, the contemporary station wagon, could rock so hard? I can't wait for summer.