Thirty-three years ago Pop had the upper lobe of his right lung removed, which included a cancerous tumor. When he checked into the hospital the day of the surgery they asked if he wanted a smoking room.  That’s messed up, but it was 1988, I was 18 and like Pop, also smoked.  Driving out of the parking lot after visiting him post-op, I dramatically threw a half-smoked pack of Newports (yuck) out the window, tears in my eyes…“Never again!!” In all honesty, it took me a bit more time being an idiot before completely kicking the habit.

Fast forward to 2020 and dang, they find a spot on Pop’s left lung, this time in the lower lobe.  We hoped for the best, but as my sister Kristen reported, the ‘nodule’ was being an asshole, and was again, cancerous.  Pop had surgery to remove the lobe, which he got through like a fucking champ, as well as some preventative chemo.  The day after he got home from surgery, he told me on the phone, “I feel great!  I could chop wood!”  Now, the old man was on pain meds and later would say he could barely walk, but I loved his enthusiasm. Momma’s been amazing, taking things as they come and as usual, being optimistic and so, so strong.

So with that, and this pandemic thing we have going on, visits to Kentucky to see the P’s and work on Mavis have basically ceased for the past year. During this time, I’ve have had waaaaaaaaay too much time to think about the color I’ve chosen to paint Mavis.  This is chapping Pop’s ass because I have already picked the color, purchased it, and painted the wheels with it, but I don’t think I like it. Yes, I spent $320 on the paint, but like every car restoration project out there, the budget was blown long ago. I figure, regardless of all the glorious things Mavis will have under her hood, the exterior paint color is the first thing I’ll see.  I should love it, right?

Ford Medium Green Glow / #53692f Hex Color Code

Problem is, between choosing the color and actually painting my wheels with it, there was quite a long break. I didn’t even realize the color I actually got was not the right green when I painted the wheels. This was after painstakingly sanding and prepping each one (thanks Kristen and Griff!) We even had the tires put on, we were so darn pleased with ourselves. Then came my dramatic realization that it was NOT the green I originally picked and I’m pissed at myself that I didn’t compare it to the original paint chip. It’s not the right green, and it’s also too yellow for my liking. Like, I don’t think I can just ‘live with it’.

Now Pop has been trying to convince me for the past year that the green is “just fine!” He even painted the trunk deck with it to show me how great it is. I’m not convinced, and I know I’m just exacerbating an already tense paint stand off between us. But I don’t know, Pop, I’m feeling a whole different color all together. Screw the green, I think I’m going cream! (I’m picturing him rolling his eyes as I type.)

Here’s the good news. My man Mike and I will be headed to KY in a month and the thought of actually hugging both my parents fills me with total joy. (We are all vaccinated!!) I’ll make the final call on the color, we’ll do some serious sanding and body work and hopefully get a start on the final paint job. Can’t wait!