Men's work?

[Smart Red]

I took an auto repair class while in college. What was I thinking? I think the instructor felt sorry for me and thus gave me a passing grade.

Mary

Never took a class. I just watched Dad or brother and cousin when they worked on cars. Being the dependable child (insert angel wings here) I was the only teen (out of 4) allowed to drive mom's automatic. Still, I pestered Dad to teach me how to drive a stick. Even back then I knew that knowledge was power and I didn't want to be stuck at home because only a stick shift was in the driveway.

I've changed batteries, fan belt, wiper blades, mufflers, lights, tires and a fuse or two. I've helped with spark plugs, brakes and carburetor work when an extra hand was needed. Of course, today's cars are not the fun playthings they were back-in-the-day. Oh yes, today I 'fixed' my windshield wiper system. The passenger side somehow got broken off (dare I accuse the repair guys?) and when I tried using it, all the fluid squirted onto the engine and nothing reached the driver's side window. It was $45 just for parts to repair the damage. I tried a couple of things to re-glue and then tape the right side outlet to no avail. Finally, I bought a small cork and stuck it into the fluid hole before covering the whole thing up with electrician's tape. Worked like a dream! At least I know the driver's side windows will always be clean-able once the mess of winter driving in Wisconsin is in full swing.