December 31, 2012

Winter Garage

Winter Garage
By John R. Greenwood
Reflections of a Garage
Winter garages are not the same as summer garages. They smell different. They feel different. They serve a different purpose. Unheated and removed they possess a December loneliness. They feel left out and unappreciated. I speak to my garage. I thank him for his loyalty. I know it's a male because he leaves his things strewn about and cringes when I try to clean him up. I heard him cry out in pain one calm spring day. It was in the early 90's and Mrs. G. hung curtains on his windows in an effort to spruce up his image. He pouted for weeks. Looking back I think he handled it as well as you might expect any 1940's two-car to handle it. We have since reconciled. We made it up to him by replacing his front doors. He welcomed that upgrade and stands a bit taller because of it. 


Saratoga Water - Window
The differences between a summer garage and a winter garage are contents and purpose. Summer garages house partial bags of potting soil, patient lawnmowers, anxious trimmers, and pails of damp car sponges. Winter garage has a more critical role. He is more protective and business-like. His primary function from November thru March is guarding Mrs. G's car from the elements. Ice and snow are his enemy. Wind and freezing temperatures are his nemesis. Nagging wall and roof-aches from years of hard labor have resulted in creaky old man sounds that are eerily familiar. 
I love this guy...
Garage Art


















The top photo was born when I snapped a picture of the reflection in the side window of my wife's car. I had no idea it would end up capturing so many items and angles. This is why I do what I do. You never know what surprises await you just around the corner. I look forward to a fresh years worth of surprises in 2013. Thank you all for making this site a stop on your 2012 journey. Please stayed tuned for more obscure views of life in the center lane. 

8 comments:

  1. brilliant image! - the curtains are...charming. Have a happy 2013 sir!

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    1. Lucky yes, brilliant (?), that is a word uncomfortable on my page... Thank you for kindness. Happy New Year to you!

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  2. I love everything about this post, words and images. Great idea, very well-executed. :) Happy New Year!

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  3. Blinds are a bit more acceptable, I suppose. Laughed at the curtains ... Wondered how long they lasted. Probably came down when she realized how dusty they can get. An absolutely perfect man-poem. Love it.

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    1. This is a 1940's unheated chipmunk playground, dust would be far down the list of worries. It was a nice touch while it lasted.

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  4. Always a lot of fun to read your posts, John. Who but you would have thought to write a poem to his garage?

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    1. A guy whose garage may be full but is a little shy upstairs.

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