Craving “Clean Car Absolution”
In Colorado — especially in mountain towns, in the Summer — a filthy car (ideally, a 4-wheel drive carrying bikes or even a kayak or two) is a badge of honor, if not a sign of virtue.
It tells the world that the occupant is an outdoor enthusiast, a risk-taker, an adventurer.
In Minnesota, a filthy car — typically in Winter, after a thaw — sends a slightly different message.
Namely, “I’m too busy — or indifferent — to get my car washed.”
Scandinavian Heritage
In truth, in Scandinavian-friendly Minnesota (stoic, rule-abiding, etc.), a filthy car is more than a little irksome to (too) tidy owners.
How else do you explain the epic lines for car washes locally the last few days?
Near my house near Lake Calhoun, at one point yesterday I calculated that the line-up of 20+ cars translated into a 90 minute wait.
Sorry, I don’t have that many emails to return or calls to make.
And, with more than 6 inches of snow forecast locally the next 24 hours, any psychic relief afforded by a pristine car is likely to be fleeting at best . . .