From August. I didn’t dare try to snap a photo as she drove off for her first “real” lesson.
Today marked Catherine’s first driving lesson with an actual instructor and there were plenty of nerves to go around.
She was anxious, too, but did quite well, taking a two-hour tour of lower Fairfield County, up to Westport on I-95, through Norwalk, Darien and Stamford, picking up the Merritt Parkway somewhere along the way. She learned to back into a parking space and practiced it “like 50 times,” she said, and quickly sorted out why sometimes the car slowed when she wasn’t hitting the brake (but the instructor was).
All in all, it was a good experience and I think gave her a bit of confidence. She’s looking forward to the next lesson.
Basil and I did our best to appear normal when the teacher arrived to pick her up.
I know I have a propensity for causing embarrassment, so I fought the urge to stand at the curb and wave goodbye; waited until she left to busy myself with arranging the parade of Easter bunnies in the front yard; and made sure to test-drive the hula hoop on the patio out back.
I figured it was the least I could do.
Pushing on a Rope 
Visiting from Mom’s Monday Mingle. Glad to discover your website. I hope you’ll share it at this week’s Friday Flash Blog on The Jenny Evolution (www.thejennyevolution.com). Would love to have you join our community.
Posted by thejennyevolution | March 19, 2013, 10:26 amThanks for stopping by!
Posted by Terri S. Vanech | March 20, 2013, 7:36 amMy son had his first driving lesson with an instructor also this weekend. Overall, he had same experience. My thoughts why he was away taking the lesson. First driving lessons. Next month college visits. Seems since he turned 16…time starts to fly by extra fast!!……..
Posted by Mike Colaluca | March 18, 2013, 12:11 pmThat’s for sure!
Posted by Terri S. Vanech | March 19, 2013, 7:07 amDriving lessons! That brings back lots of memories. Thanks for stopping by!
Posted by Mrs. Tucker | March 18, 2013, 9:42 amI love your posts – you make me chuckle big time! I remember when my oldest took her driving test at 16. I looked at the officer giving her test and remarked – “You are the bravest person I’ve ever met!” You’re in the home stretch now. Thanks for sharing this with us! Reia from http://www.southcountrysides.blogspot.com
Posted by reiadm | March 17, 2013, 10:43 pmI’ve seen you drive. Probably wouldn’t hurt for you to take a few refresher lessons yourself..
And of course… Don’t BLOG and drive…
Posted by John S. Pontillo | March 17, 2013, 9:02 pmSadly, you’re probably right!
Posted by Terri S. Vanech | March 18, 2013, 6:54 amOh, my sympathies!
I love your posts because (please forgive me…) they make me appreciate my empty nest!
I was absolutely the WORST driving instructor with my kids. They would be plodding along the road at a snail’s pace and I’d be screaming “MAIL BOX!!” and “SLOW DOWN!!”.
I learned to just stay home and let my husband and the pain instructors take care of things…….
Posted by momshieb | March 17, 2013, 5:35 pm