Monday, November 13, 2006

armored vehicles

One evening after one of Carolyn's tasty dinners, we retired to the living room. Some logs were added to the fire and after the appropriate amount of stoking and adjusting, the fire perked up and was giving off a relaxing warmth. Coffee was served and a great feeling of well being and satisfaction seemed to settle down over us. Grandad sat for a while with his eyes almost closed, taking occasional drinks from his coffee cup, then perked up a little bit as the caffeine took effect. We started talking, and somehow we got on to the subject of ancient Roman warfare. That led to the subject of Roman ruins and fortifications, which eventually led to the trench warfare of World War I. Grandad said there was one thing which really changed the style of warfare during World War I, and it was a great invention. It allowed the troops to advance over the no-man's land and even over trenches while being protected from bullets. He said, "Now this thing really turned the tide, and it was like a great metal box with tracks that moved it along. Now what were those things called? Do you know?"
I kind of felt bad for Grandad because he didn't seem to be able to think of that word. I thought maybe he's just getting old, poor guy, but I know what he means and I'm sure he'll be impressed that I know and I answered with perhaps a hint of self-satisfaction, "Tanks."
"You're welcome!" replied Grandad.