Usually when you hear a blizzard is about to hit the last thing you want to do is brave the elements to
have your car serviced, but I'm different. In 2009 our family took advantage of the tax credit offered under the American Investment and Recovery Act to purchase our first Chrysler mini-van in order to accomodate our growing family. We had leased one for three years but the credit pushed us to purchase, and that led us to Stew Hansens. Historically I have not been a fan of having service done at the dealership, but Stew Hansen's is different, they do a great job, they're friendly, they have great coffee and popcorn, and they offer coupons! So yesterday when our ever faithful mailman dropped of Stew's latest coupon offers in the howling snowstorm, the timing was just right to get an oil change and wipers replaced. Besides I figured few would be as foolish as I and so the wait would be short, and I was right. I got right in.
As my car was being serviced I took the opportunity to get some more practice in with my new camera.
Outside the storm raged:
But inside there was a endless supply of Stew's tasty coffee and popcorn:
The showroom was immaculate:
There was a sense of camaraderie among the few of us there as the snow swirled outside and news of pile ups and school closings drifted in:
After taking pictures, eating popcorn, and drinking coffee I spent the remainder of the time talking with Jim Hansen, new car sales manager and son of founder Stew Hansen. We talked about many things in a casual way: other cities we'd lived in and visted, about the heyday of downtown Des Moines dealerships (all now in the suburbs) and of course about the weather. We came to the conclusion that though the weather may be inclement at times, Iowa was all in all, a good place to be. Eventually service professional Scott Crowel informed me of the inveitable, that my car was ready to go. I said goodbye to Jim and headed over to Betsy Davis's desk to settle up. (above center). Betsy is super friendly, but a bit shy yesterday, begging off my request to take her photo with a "I never let people take my picture on snow days." A bonus for the settlement was that I reached five punches on my oil change card and now my next one is free!
Although I had things to do I hated to leave Stew's because I always have such a good time there. My advice to anyone in the market for a new or used car, or who just might have a Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler or Mopar vehicle that needs service, when you see the Stew Hansen's sign you should:
Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening
Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.
My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.
He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound's the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.
The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.
Robert Frost 1922
