My parents spend the winters in Florida and leave their spare car with me to keep and drive over the winter. In the past, this hasn't been a problem. This year has been a bit more difficult because the tires keep going flat and the cabin fills up with fumes whenever I turn on the engine. I haven't driven much all winter because... ya know, if a cop sees a moon roof open in the middle of the winter, he's going to pull you over for a sobriety check.

But yesterday was a very nice day and I was driving Prestor John's sons home (his wife is in the hospital with chest pains) and on my way back, I heard this little pop! and started smelling smoke. I pulled over and a man in a nearby pick up truck yelled "YOUR CAR IS ON FIRE! GET OUT!"

So I did.

I was literally around the corner from the fire station, and the guy in the pick up truck called 911 for me.

Cars go "whoosh" when they catch on fire.

I'm safe and lost nothing.

However, I had to call my father and tell him.

"Hey, Dad? I got some good news and some bad news. Those new tire repairs are working great, haven't had any tire troubles at all this week.

"But your car caught on fire and it's totaled."

I felt like I was 15 all over again. B(

My dad, who has had 2 heart attacks, took the news rather well. Insurance will undoubtedly take care of the loss and the tow, since I'd used up all my AAA tow calls on his flat tires.

The car is totaled. It was a 98 Saturn little thing that had served long and well. Now my dad and my sister (who had been planning to buy the car from him this summer) both have to find new cars.

Thanks for your concern, gents. I do appreciate it!