I have a little habit. Well, I call it a habit. Others may call it an obsession.

Four times a year - once every quarter - I have my vehicles detailed. Inside, outside, the works. It protects the finish and keeps the paint looking sharp. Of course, it helps that they sleep in the garage and not out in the elements.

As a matter of fact, I didn’t bring my retro black Thunderbird home until the garage was built. A magnificent car deserved a proper home to keep it looking brand new.

I tell ya, there’s nothing better than that new showroom shine. 

It’s not just vehicles. I also like my house neat and my property clean. It’s just always been that way. Some folks enjoy collecting stamps and woodworking. But tidying things up... well, that’s my hobby. 

Now, if you’ve ever owned a black car, you know they show every little piece of dirt, dust, mud, and scratch. If a black car isn’t cleaned correctly, you’ll see all those little swirl marks dancing around on the paint. But, if you wash, wax, and pamper a black car the right way, it shines like a grand piano at Carnegie Hall. 

I take a lot of pride in my car. And when Patricia and I pull up somewhere in our Thunderbird and someone says, “Wow!”... well, that makes it all worthwhile. 

The arrival of spring means it won’t be long before we take the T-bird out of hibernation and hit the open road. Top down, a cool breeze, and the warm sun. There’s nothin’ like it. 

Where will the road take us?

Maybe we’ll wind our way through Giant City State Park in the shadow of towering sandstone bluffs and tall, tall trees. The budding blooms on the dogwoods resemble a sea of little white lanterns. 

Then maybe we’ll point the nose of that car toward Garden of the Gods, where rock formations spring from the earth as if the Good Lord Himself carved ‘em with His own hands.

Or if we’re feeling especially adventurous, we’ll drive toward LaRue Pine Hills. From up there, the Mississippi River floodplains seem to stretch out forever. In my opinion, it’s one of the most underrated scenic drives in all of southern Illinois

And while we’re at it, we might detour through the quiet river town of Grand Tower, home of the Devil’s Backbone. It is a sight to behold.

And yes… I’ll see it all from behind the wheel of my sleek showroom shiny black Thunderbird. 

It may seem like a little thing to you, but a clean car is important to me.

Y’know, how we take care of the little things speaks volumes about how we take care of the big things. Like our health, our homes, our family, and our faith.

So if your car’s still sporting its winter look, this is your sign to give it a good spring cleaning. 

Then, take it somewhere beautiful.

And if you see a black Thunderbird with a showroom shine cruising down the backroads… honk your horn and give us a wave.

Until then... Be well. Stay well. Thanks for reading.

Francis Pass

P.S. I’d also like to give a shoutout to all of southern Illinois’ wineries. A scenic drive, a phenomenal view, and a fabulous glass of wine. Now that’s a good day, right there.