Today’s column contains no negativity, no sarcasm, no judgements passed, no talk of Hot Pockets®, bowel movements or vacuum cleaners.  Today I write simply to acknowledge a rarity in our world, the honest businessman.

Now for those of you that know me, you are well aware of my amazing lack of skill with tools and pretty much all things that require mechanical aptitude.  As such, I am not very familiar with the workings under the hood of my car.  Being that I drive a 1993 Mercury Sable (lots of money in writing, can you tell? OK, just one sarcastic comment. It’s tough to go cold turkey) you can imagine that I’d either A) Learn a thing or two about auto repair, or B) find myself a good mechanic. I’ll give you just three guesses as to which one I’ve done.

A common complaint amongst car owners is that they always feel at the mercy of the mechanic.

“I’m sorry Ms. Bamboozle but I’m afraid your differential lug co-axle is shot. We could try to repair it but do you really want to risk your life and those of your children? How much? Very reasonable and we do offer financing."”

We’ve all been there. I think finding reliable mechanic rates right up there with finding a mate. “Got my wife, my dog, my TV and my mechanic. I’m all set.”

There have been numerous times that I’ve pulled into my mechanic’s shop on my way to work because “something doesn’t sound right.” He’d pop the hood, adjust a doohickey and send me on my way. Wouldn’t even allow me to buy him lunch at the nearby deli.  Now please don’t write me asking where you can get free auto care because it’s not like that. I’ve also put a few dollars in the man’s pocket over the years.  Remember? 1993 Mercury Sable?

My mechanic is a bit of a throwback to small town days.  If anyone remembers The Andy Griffith Show you may recall Goober, the town mechanic. Town folk were forever dropping by the service station to have Goober take a look at their car because “something doesn’t sound right.” Goob would adjust a doohickey, chat about the day’s special at The Bluebird Diner and send them on their way.

Well this morning my car would not start. I had replaced a battery recently, all by myself I might add, AND in under two hours, but I suspected that the cables might be shot. I fiddled with them (I am able to “fiddle”) and got it started. On my way to work I swung in to see my trusty mechanic. He said the cables looked OK, cleaned off some corrosion from the last battery, replaced a bolt, tightened up the works and sent me on my way.  He would not accept my offer of money nor lunch so my payment to “Larry” is this column. Thanks Larry. All towns need more guys like you.