I'm looking forward to seeing Bruce Boxleitner is this movie. Amazon has it available for pre-order to be released on DVD and Blu-Ray October 29, 2013. 

A few years ago, when Michael was taking driver's education at our local school district, I felt he was not quite ready for the road, so I looked into having him take a few private lessons. I contacted 911 Driving School and explained that Michael had some learning delays and needed more training and confidence behind the wheel, before he took the driver's exam. I was reassured that 911 was taught by real police officers who would give Michael the extra attention and driving skills he needed. Therefore, we drove to the driving school and I signed him up for a lesson. What a disaster that turned out to be! First, they tried to cram a lengthy teenager who was over 6'5" into a small Volkswagen Beetle and with his knees to his chin, the officer asked him to park. Well, of course, it did not go well and because he was not six inches from the curb, the officer had him do it over again and again. Now, Michael is stressed and making mistakes. The officer, who was completely unprofessional, lectured Michael on how driving was a privilege and not a right and how Michael had no skills nor should be allowed to drive until he learned said skills. What the hell?! Wasn't that why he was there? Michael was in tears by the time class was over and I was livid! I will NEVER recommend 911 Driving School to anyone. I apologized to Michael for ever suggesting this school and for the next several months, we let Michael find his groove and set his own pace. I am grateful this bad experience did not stop him from trying and finally a couple weeks after his 18th birthday, he passed the driver's test and received his licence. 

Fast forward a couple years later, and my middle son, Steffen turned fifteen and a half. The age a teenager needs to be in order to receive a learner's permit in Washington state. Unlike Michael, he had been enthusiastic and eager about driving. We signed him up for driver's education at the high school and he began driving as soon as he had that hot little permit in his hand. He's a good driver and very attentive, although he likes to take corners a little faster then I like. Last week, when coming home from scouts, Steffen was driving and Ed was in the passenger seat supervising, when a car came up behind them really fast. Steffen could see this car gaining on them from the rear view mirror. Steffen asked his dad what to do and Ed looked at the speedometer and noticed Steffen was going a couple miles under the speed limit, but told him to slow down and let the car behind them pass. Steffen slowed down and tried to pull over on the right side of the shoulder a little. The issue was any further over on the right and they would have ended up in the Hood Canal. Well, this car did not pass, but stayed on tail; Steffen kept driving down the road, keeping his foot hovering near the brake. The road comes to a open area and Steffen and Ed see red and blue lights flashing behind them. Ed had Steffen pullover and then told him to roll down the window, although for the life of him he could not figure our why the officer was pulling them over. The county officer stepped up to the window, noticed Steffen and said, "Ahhh, driving lesson?" Steffen nodded his head. The officer then asked for Steffen's permit and Ed's license, which they complied. He then proceeded to tell them that the reason he pulled them over was because Steffen was brake checking. What?! Ed who has a CDL did not even know what brake checking was. Ed thought maybe they had been pulled over because Steffen was driving at night and the officer said no and then explained the state of Washington's licensing policy and how a teenager goes from a learner's permit to an intermediate license and finally to a driver's license once they turn 18 years old. He then walked back to his vehicle and did the thing officer's do in their vehicle while the driver is sweating bullets. The officer came back to the window a few moments later and told Steffen to watch the brake checking as it was a fineable offensive. Then he told him to check for traffic before pulling back onto the road. 

Once Ed and Steffen arrived home, they told me about their experience and even I had never heard of brake checking, so I Googled it. Brake checking is the "act of slamming on the brakes in a car to make the person behind you slam on their brakes." Well, okay, but Steffen was not brake checking, if anything he was riding the brakes, which new driver's do. 

I have two gripes. One, I honestly believe this officer did this on purpose to try and get the driver (Steffen) to brake check; therefore, entrapping the driver. Second, Steffen is now afraid to brake. Really! He is so afraid of being pulled over again, that we have to encourage him to use the brake pedal. You know, the thing that STOPS the vehicle. Thanks, thanks a lot, Mr. Officer. <sarcasm> 

October 3, 1983 - Scarecrow and Mrs.King premiered on American television screens and thirty years later after the show ended there are fans who still love, write, and talk about this series. Little did I know that over the years I would meet friends from around the world who love and enjoy this show as much as I do. We had many wonderful seasons and episodes (although I still wish we had had more seasons!) This weekend in Burbank, California fans are gathering for the SMK 30th Anniversary Reunion. I'm sorry I will not be able to attend as I had a fantastic time at the 25th; however, due to the government shutdown and other financial obligations, I will miss out this year. I hope those who are lucky enough to attend have an amazing time and say "Hello" to Bruce Boxleitner for me.