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It figures Pastor Jay would shepherd my first convertible ride. And that he purchased this high-mileage 1999 Chrysler Sebring from his next-door neighbor.

On the passenger side floor was a sledgehammer that Jay uses to tap the ignition key six times if it refuses to turn, advice he received from his mechanic brother.

Earlier in the day, a high school homecoming queen preened from my spot.

On the way to pick up a large House Special Pizza, I tried the Regal Wave and lightly brushed my right index finger knuckle against the edge of the windshield. The counter lady found a Band-Aid for my crepey finger.

Her pizza-king husband built a mansion-style house across from the high school as a middle-finger gesture many understand.

Fifty-five years ago, I mounted a friend’s motorcycle and dodged another soft-top into a telephone pole.

Alfresco memories.

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