First a simple, quick question: When was the last time you pulled in for gas and someone pumped it for you? Seriously, think about that for just a minute. How long has it been, how many miles have you driven, since you stopped for gas and someone walked up and said 'Hi, how much can I get for you?' And then makes sure the windows are clean.

A lost piece of Americana, gone with the telephone operator, green stamps, car hops and those beautiful clunky speakers hanging off the window at the drive in theater.

Except it's not gone.

I had the pleasure of broadcasting from Manley Tire and Oil on Saturday, May 16. Manley Tire is just off I-90 (that black-topped 4-lane that runs past the greatest city in the world) Minnesota Exit 1. Just pop off the interstate there, south a mile or so and there it is... Manley, Minnesota.

Anyway, I'm broadcasting there, drinking coffee, eating one (or maybe two, I forget) of Trudy's bars and pretending I'm busy when I notice something out of the corner of my eye.

Todd is pumping gas for an SUV. Seriously, he's taking care of the customer at the gas pump, filling 'er up, just like the good old days.

Huh, I thought to myself (I 'Huh' to myself quite often), must be a friend of Todd, maybe a relative. Won't be seeing that again.

But I did see it again. And again. And again.

Turns out that not only do you get great tires and service inside the buildings, you get it outside, too! Todd is there opening the door and greeting folks who come in for tires or service work. And when someone needs gas, well, no need to get out of your vehicle.

Is it a little thing? Yeah, I guess so. But as I looked out that window at Todd pumping gas, it brought back some great memories and after all, it's the little things that bring a smile.

So maybe the next time you need tires and you make the short trip to Manley Minnesota, why not make sure you need gas, too. And don't worry, Todd will be there to take care of you.

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