Living the dream

This morning I drove all four of my boys to school in Engine 17. It's been about a month since we turned a wheel, so it was high time to get 17 out and run her around a bit.

I had promised the boys I would eventually do it, and earlier this week we finally picked today as the big day. It was quite anticipated. Unsurprisingly, our arrival amongst the family sedans and minivans dropping off other students created a minor stir. Young children with mouths literally open, and double-takes from most everyone else. The two little boys in front were grinning widely as they got out, and the two oldest emerged from the jumpseats with style, and retrieved their backpacks from the compartments they had stored them in. Two parents approached us to ask about E17 (is this yours??) and look her over. Fire Engine Envy.

I commented on my personal Facebook status about this morning's event, and got some nice replies. One of them laughed and said "you are living your dream"!

I guess I am. We have been very fortunate in so many ways.

But, I don't think I was living my dream this morning as much as I was imposing my childhood dream on my own children.

Not that they seem to mind. Judging by their faces: No problem, Dad!

I returned later in the morning to retrieve the 3-year-old from preschool, and this time brought the 1-year-old. Two car seats strapped in the front of a fire engine cab are very amusing to behold, and brutally cute when their occupants are all smiles.


Picked the rest of the boys up again at the end of the day, where the actions were repeated all over again. The 11-year-old got out there quick and made a show of standing on the running board while E17 idled and we waited for the other two. What a show off. Reminds me of myself.

Here is the end of February...... looking forward to warmer weather and opportunities to do some work on the old girl.

Chief can't help it

Seeing as how we live in a county-owned home that serves as a fire station, we are subject to the occasional inspection to verify we're not tearing up taxpayer-owned property, just as the dorm-room dweller resident firefighters at the traditional fire stations have to allow periodic inspections of their rooms. Essentially, the Chief comes through to see that we are not putting holes in the walls like rock stars at a hotel, and are maintaining the fixtures, keeping the gutters clean, etc.

Chief came by for the regular inspection yesterday, and we had the place shined up pretty nice just as anyone does anywhere when the Chief is coming. After we finished the walk through and he had notes on what needed attention or repair, we were outside and the inevitable question came.

"So, can I see your pumper?"

He hadn't yet seen it in person over the past six months.

Of course, Chief. Right this way.

Roles reversed, I would have asked the same thing. Any of us would. No one is immune!