Everything is manual in Ivy including the steering, so turning her around takes a lot of muscle. The tire pressure is relative and low tire pressure means more difficulty steering.  In the steering column there are wires that are not connected properly so when there is excessive tugging on the wheel the horn beeps.  Some think it’s funny or cute, but some see no humor at all.

This past Tuesday evening we took Ivy to the Devon Horse Show Grounds to serve wine and cheese.  Although I did prepare Ivy by putting air in her tires, I explained the potential horn issue immediately upon arrival. 

All went well, but when leaving the woman who “arranged” our location on the grounds got in the bus and told me to “be quite and no beeping!” She was emphatic that we could not disturb the horses! 

I was parked in a tight spot within the grounds and had to turn hard to get out and the horn started beeping.  It was so stressful, and she was clearly unhappy.  I assume, if we are ever invited back, she will make a stipulation that I cannot beep my horn.

A few years back, my daughter Kate’s business (The Blue Buddha) held their first BuddhaFEST — a triathlon which ended with a yoga class and meditation on the lawn of the Town Center in Eagleview.

I had parked the wrong way and Kate suggested I turn Ivy around.  Just as everyone was seated on their yoga mats beginning to deepen their breath and relax, I began turning the steering wheel and Ivy began beeping.  Kate shot me a look. I threw my hands up and shrugged to display my innocence, and my friends Jeff and Michele stood there laughing. 

The coup de grâce is this --  I love the sound of Ivy’s beep.  It is a classic and distinctive 1970 VW bus beep.  Unfortunately, when I try to beep Ivy’s horn with the button on the steering wheel all I get is an almost inaudible and shaky m-e-e-e-p. Sadly, this means I cannot make a VW Bus beep my happy signature of departure from an event or when I see friends on the road.  Perhaps, if I get the button repaired, Ivy will no longer beep on her own terms!