Nothing good can come from shopping...

October 2, 2008 is a date that will be remembered in Taylor family history.

Not so much because of the political debates on either side of the border, but it was the day when the new Costco store opened in Peterborough. This opening has been eagerly awaited by most that live in the immediate trading area for quite some time. In fact, TLATO had gone as far as to say that the only thing that was missing for her in the Kawarthas was a Costco.

For those of you who may not be familiar with the name… “Costco is the largest membership warehouse club in the world, dedicated to bringing our members the best possible prices on quality brand-name merchandise. With hundreds of locations worldwide, Costco provides a wide selection of merchandise, plus the convenience of specialty departments and exclusive member services, all designed to make your shopping experience a pleasurable one.”

OK. How many of you picked up on that last phrase, “…make your shopping experience a pleasurable one”?

In truth, the shopping experience was not unpleasant. It’s what occurred in the parking lot after the fact that made the experience, for me, at least, memorable and none too pleasant.

We’ve experienced large bills when shopping at other Costco locations in the past. Likely the most expensive one, before yesterday, was a shopping stock up expedition that also involved the purchase and installation of tires for Sheryl’s car. Michelins, I might add.

I digress.

Because this was grand opening day, it was, to many, a big deal. Me, not so much. Sheryl and Nancy had been looking forward to this day for what seemed forever. They were like kids counting down Christmas Day. You could almost hear the Carly Simon penned song, “Anticipation” playing over and over.

Even as my truck was loaded with all sorts of goods, they were still talking excitedly. In the car, it continued. Sheryl laughed. A very loud laugh. My right ear drum was partially paralyzed as it continued to resonate. I looked over at both women and gave my best “Quiet!” face – without actually saying anything. I started the car. The “twittering” continued. I looked at my rear view mirror. Checked both side mirrors. Looked over my right shoulder as I put the vehicle into gear and slowly moved back.

It’s hard to describe the sound when two objects with a combined weight of around 4 tons collide with one another. It’s a sound not soon to be forgotten.

“What the…” I exclaimed.

The angle was such an odd one that even at that moment, I could still not see what had been hit. I moved the vehicle forward and climbed from the truck, looking back at what was apparently a 2005 Chevy Uplander. His damage was on the driver’s side rear bumper – completely caved in. My 2008 Rogue, on the surface, barely a scratch, but there were some marks on the vinyl/plastic bumper again on the driver’s side and the left tail light had also been damaged.

As I walked toward the damaged mini-van, the other driver stepped out and moved towards me. He, too, was shaking his head. Turns out, he and his wife decided to come to the big opening and were leaving the parking lot at precisely the same time. He did not see me backing up either. Seems as if we had a perfect accident. Neither one of us could see the other party due to our respective vehicles’ blind spot.

Insurance information was exchanged and apologies were made and mutual blame was accepted. We were both at fault. The accident occurred on a private lot. No one was injured. Only pride was bruised.

Within 10 minutes of the incident, we were driving home.

You could have heard a pin drop. The silence in my truck was practically deafening.

Neither Nancy nor Sheryl could bring themselves to speak. And when it was attempted, without saying as much, my facial expression clearly stated that no further talking should occur in this car for quite some time.

Earlier this morning, the 3rd, I took my car into town to get an estimate for the damage incurred. In the grand scheme of things, it was not too bad. Here in Ontario with our no fault insurance system, it actually makes sense to pay for the damage out of pocket without incurring the potential consequence of a debilitating at fault accident within the next six years.

It’s illegal to drive without insurance. But, when over the years you have paid thousand and thousands of dollars for a moment just like this, there is reluctance to make that claim since it may place you in jeopardy for the future. Not a position I wish to be in. So, like just about everyone else who finds themselves in this similar situation, you smile through clenched teeth, write a cheque and then go along for the ride - literally.

Hoping that no obstacles are in the way.