"The Coasters"

While frequenting Las Vegas in the fall of 2005, Ms. Car and friend attended a show featuring The Platters, Coasters, and Drifters at the historic Sahara.

During The Coasters set, one of the vocalists wandered into the audience to find a willing participate. Ms. Car stood enjoying the music and without drawing deliberate attention to herself, but out of the masses, there he came. He took her hand and without a word, guided her backstage.

Of course, not knowing Ms. Car's singing background, he had asked her to speak the line "Why is everybody always picking on me." She stood small amongst the large male singers on stage, but when they all quieted for her line, she blasted her powerful voice.

Needless to say, she won over the three groups and the audience. For the rest of the evening, people cheerfully called out to her at slots and tables.

"Preferences"

Ms. Car has definite brand preferences regarding her daily intake of drink and smoke. She enjoys Djarum cloves and Stoli vodka tonics.

"The Ride"

Ms. Car gets around town in, and loves, her 1995 buttercream colored Lincoln Mark VIII. The Lincoln was a much needed and appreciated replacement to its predecessor.

The interior, also buttercream in color, has leather seating, power everything, ashtrays for each passenger, a 10-disc cd player, lighted vanity mirrors, and tells her what direction she's pointed in. Thank god.

These features may be fairly common or old hat with everyone's new whatever model, but Rachel regards this boat of a vehicle, as a classic.

"Lady of Assumption"

Ms. Car started Lady of Assumption Catholic school in the first grade at age six. She wore a red plaid uniform, white starched shirt, saddle shoes, and little frilly white socks - all of which she hated, claiming the outfit looked "frumpy."

When it came time for the children to take communion, Rachel refused to participate because she didn't understand what the process represented. Her mother was informed of the incident, but backed up her daughter's decision.

Consequently, that first year was the only one she spent at Lady of Assumption.