Scooter Saga

As I was getting dressed for a Sunday morning scoot for coffee with friend Barbara, Earl asked casually, "How many layers of clothes do you put on when it's cold?"  I didn't have an immediate answer, mostly because it varies based on body geography and preparation order.  How do I get my Nanook of the North look?  Well, certainly pee first, allow 30 minutes, then start. Geography: Upper body, 4 layers   Sports top for warmth, comfort, and to hold my boobs off my waist.  Old ski turtleneck for warmth and comfort.  Zipper jacket for warmth and comfort, but it's a light layer and doesn't add much to my increasing bulk.  I have to leave the final layer for last, because it gets hard to bend over to put on the other layers. Geography: Lower body, 2 layers   Old running tights for warmth and comfort. Padded snow pants have to go on before... Geography: Feet, 2 layers  Socks and UGG boots on as simultaneously as possible to prevent slippin...

Skeeter went back to Maui.  This time with Alaska Airlines and scooter transport was as equally non-eventful as it was in November with Hawaiian Airlines.  Love those airlines... It was so nice being outside in warm weather rather than in 20 lbs. of clothes.  Earl took me out on my daily scoots--sometimes walking, sometimes biking.  Heidi, Michael, Sarah and Kyle joined us for a winter getaway and it wasn't until we went to Lahaina that I discovered Skeeter had potential as a kiddie ride. Downtown Lahaina Lahaina Town is the ultimate tourist trap (crowds, the landmark Banyan tree, t-shirt shops aplenty), but it's still fun.  I had been nervous about the crowds, narrow sidewalks and varied terrain, but it's pretty ADA compliant and Skeeter could manuever most everywhere.  While waiting for Earl and Michael under the banyan tree, Kyle looks at me and asks the dreaded question we knew was coming.  "Gigi, can I ride on your Scooter?" Banya...

It's been a mild winter, but we did have some cold temperatures and a skiff of snow.  I decided to test out Skeeter's 4-wheel drive capability, not being able to pass up snow on the grass, but very little on the streets.  It sounds adventurous, but isn't.  After putting on my usual mountain of clothes, sporting my Nanook-of-the-North-look (minus the spear and standing posture) , I headed out--warm and unrecognizable, music loud, every light flashing. Skeeter actually has two sets of brakes and I can feel them engage going downhill.  The scooter slows significantly as if to say, "Whoa, girl!".  Snow and ice really brings out the turtle pace in her, but she stills stops on a dime on ice.  Four wheels, low center of gravity...my almost–all terrain vehicle just moves right along, bolstering my confidence.  It feels safer to be on a scooter than behind the wheel of a car.  As I'm scooting along, it occurs to me that I'm more likely to adversely "en...