Monday, November 10, 2008

Do you window peep?

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I have a confession...if I see a home with the lights on and the windows open I suddenly become very nosy and I slow down so I can look inside!

I think homes look so comforting when you are looking in and seeing the warm glow of the lights.
Poor Beau wants to go inside and the door is shut!

Please tell me I'm not the only nosy person out there doing this! Do you peek in windows as you drive or walk by homes?

122 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love looking in windows! My grandma says that if people don't want you to look inside their homes, they would pull the drapes!!

Miss Janice said...

Oh no, you are not the only one...I peep as well. I am a home stalker! If I like the street appeal of a home, I will drive by there all the time to get ideas. I love the little tree that is lit--so sweet. Poor pooch!
Miss Janice

Elzie said...

I guess there aren't many people NOT looking. I love to watch how people have decorate their homes and as I mostly walk it's easier to see as it takes more time than to drive a car LOL.
I would love to look into your home but you live too far away.
Hope you have a nice day.
Love Elzie

just a little bit shabby said...

Sort of, but I go to the realty sites and look at the pictures of the houses for sale. I see very few that are very good, even when the outside is cute. Too bad, it so much fun to decorate. I love your little tree that is lit. Do you have lights around the perimeter? I sort of looks like I can see a row of lights in the reflection of the glass door.

Unknown said...

OH MY GOSH CINDY!!! I have LOVED doing this since I was little! Whenever we would drive around at night I would love to look in windows and I still do! How funny! I often wondered too, if I were the only one that did this, lol!

Hugs,
Amy

Anonymous said...

Good morning Cindy, no you are notthe only one that enjoys this funpleasure. My best friend and I liketo do the same thing. We could easily become professional "housepeeping toms". And yours would def-inately make us slow down and take a long look. Have a great Monday !!
Mimi       

Unknown said...

Yes I do to. And I like to show a little something in my front window for others to see too. It is only fair right? Plus if someone takes the time to do a little decorating I know they want to show it off. mishelle

Virginia said...

Some time, but no to many are as lovely as yours.
Many Blessings, Virgini

Judi said...

OH NO! You are not alone! It's one of my favorite activities! In fact, ever since I was little girl, I've especially loved to get a little glimpse of a Christmas tree in a window on Christmas Eve. My mind's eye would see a family sitting around sharing their holiday together in the warm glow of their tree....
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Stacey said...

I totally stalk houses at night! No I don't crawl up to the windows but I would like to. :)

Have you ever just wanted to go knock so much you could hardly stand it?

When it's dark outside you can see that they decorate in a way that you like. Oh it's tempting!

Tracy said...

I do that, too! Your home is beautiful, Cindy. :)

Anonymous said...

Add me to the list of window peepers. I think there are many of us. It's just too much fun!

Valerie

Anonymous said...

I certainly "peep". Especially when my husband is driving and we are visiting his family. We drive through a small town with huge mansion homes decorated with antiques and victorian design. I also wonder who lives there and what do they do for a living? I certainly enjoyed getting a peek through your window. So very inviting and lovely.

Anonymous said...

Oh Cindy, nope you are not the only one! I love doing this also. When my children were small, I would take them up to the door of the houses I loved in my neighborhood on Halloween so I could get a really good look! LOL!!!

pammiejo said...

Yes, I do! I love to look at the way others decorate (or don't). I hit every house tour there is - and that goes for gardens as well. PAM

lvroftiques said...

Ohhh you are NOT alone *winks* We have an area with some lovely old homes, and if you happen to be driving by right when it's about to turn dark....there is one home with the most BEAUTIFUL decor! It has a huge old harp right in the front window and an incredible chandelier and two of those huge italian maccaroni sconces....well needles to say, I am longing for everything in that LR *winks* And I'm afraid I would be pressing my nose to your back door too! Have to help get the dog safely back indoors...dontcha know...Lol! Vanna

Cat Nap Inn Primitives said...

I love doing this as well..when a home is all lit up especially at night and you can see a fire burning due to the smoke coming through the chimney...I always wonder what they are doing inside and wonder what it looks like on the inside...cause if it looks great on the outside..I always imagine how it looks on the inside..I love getting ideas as well when we are out and about...your place looks warm and inviting...:) glad to know there are alot of "peeps" out there...Lol...

Primitive Grrl said...

I have always loved doing that, especially in my old neighborhood. My fiance and I would take walks after dinner on warm nights. Our neighborhood consisted of older homes on lampost lined streets (all very Rockwell-like). Some were better taken care of than others.. but all were charming in their own way.

Unknown said...

ALL the time, every chance I get! ;)

Bambi said...

Oh,absolutely,I'm a "peeper"!! Love to peep and see how others decorate! In fact, I'm so hopeless that when my kids were young and sold cookies, popcorn, etc., I would ask them what the house looked like inside when they came back to the car!! Oh,course,being kids, they would always look at me strangely and say "I don't know! I didn't look"!!! Dang! Will you need help with those deliveries?!!!

Anonymous said...

Doesn't everyone peep? At least women admit to it .. lol.
I often take my walks in the evening just so I can peep. Then I come home and close MY drapes :)

Kat said...

Yes, I also do it. It gives me ideas on how to decorate BUT mostly I love to see the sweet families around the table or sitting together on the couch. I have sheers up though at my house so the light gets in but you can't see in...I'm such a party pooper!

Sandi said...

I used to tell my husband I want to go knock on peoples doors and ask to look in their attics! That is when I was on a streak for antique Christmas ornaments. LOL

But I do love looking in windows also. I absolutely LOVE a house in a town not too far away and I hope I remember to take my camera next time. You can't see in , but the outside is to die for! It looks like a piece of french countryside plopped right in the middle of town. Absolutly LOVE IT!
Blessings!
Sandi

Rachel said...

I sometimes get whiplash trying to look in a home. I think it's fun to see how complete strangers decorate. Plus aren't they asking for people to look in??
~Rachel

Anonymous said...

Cindy, I love doing this.That's the ONLY reason I like walking around the neighborhood. I also did this at Halloween when the kids were trick-or-treating. They would open the front doors to give out candy & I would be straining to see what I could of the inside of their homes.

Ginger said...

Hi Cindy:
I love looking in windows, but get embarrased and will try to be descreet about it..but everyone knows I'm looking.
There is a house not far from me that is so cute, and I drive by at least once a month and wish I lived there instead of them. lol.
I would love to take a picture of it, but don't want them to think I am stalking or being weird.
What a great view into your window, it looks so inviting.
Ginger

Su'Ann said...

I leave my curtains open, I think it gives people a warm felling when walking by and my cat loves all the greeting.

Su'Ann

sandra/tx said...

LOL I used to only walk after dark just so I could get a peek into people's homes. Glad to know I'm not the only one. LOL

CindyLou said...

I love to do this! I get upset when I can't see in a particularly pretty house! I even peep in my own house windows! It actually looks nice because you can't see the dust or slightly dirty floors! I have been know to scare certain members of my family that way too! I am glad I am not alone

Anonymous said...

I thought I was the only peeper who enjoyed doing this! I've been known to stop the car and back up in case I missed anything!

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

Hi Cindy,
To answer your question; all the time; especially at Christmastime! So, yes, I'm guilty, I'm a window peeper too! Your home is especially nice to peep into. :)

Blessings,
Sandi

Anonymous said...

Are you kidding me....my favorite time to walk is at dusk....when you can see inside, I'm not nosy, just curious.....LOL!!

LeAnn

Anonymous said...

Oh my gosh yes I peep. Last year when we were looking at Christmas lights in the very old money part of town my youngest daughter said "slow down Dad so I can see in all of these pretty houses!!" Chip of the ole block!

Chris@Cats On My Quilts said...

I love to window peep, although I call it window shop. I especially like it during the holidays.

Heidi Ann said...

I do it, too - but I really can't see anything. I agree, there is something about being outside looking in that makes every home with their lights on and drapes open seem so very warm and inviting - especially in fall and winter.

Four Paws and Co said...

Me too! I'm always curious to see how the interior looks and I keep my drapes closed! Don't know if the looky-lous are just nosey roseys like me, or if they're checking out the place for other purposes.

I love the lights on your topiary, think I'll do the same with mine!

Diane

Corinne said...

Of course!! My kids think I some kind of crazy, but I love going for a walk after the lights go on and it's dark outside. Just to catch a little glimpse of the details. You are not alone!!
~Corinne

Anonymous said...

Yup!
That warm, yellow light spilling out on the night 'is' comforting and we are all curious to see how others decorate and live their lives.
We don't do it to be mean or intrusive but we look at things we admire.

Joyce said...

Ooh, yes! I do! Especially at Christmas time, it is such a pleasure to go out walking and window~peep! And, especially if you go into some of the higher-priced neighborhoods... I used to love doing this in Los Gatos, Saratoga and Willow Glen when we lived in that area.... I have to admit I miss that....thanks for stirring some sweet memories for me, Cindy~

Anonymous said...

Cindy...You gotta get inside that house!! It looks too fun, just knock on the door and say...Ahhh what could you say?...Ahh I'm a home stalker and your house is just stunning through the windows, could I have a peek inside and snap a few pictures for my blog? I know, just drop a note with your blog site address, after she see the post, she'll let US in. Tracy

Anonymous said...

HI Cindy! I absolutely do this! I get really irritated when my husband drives too fast so I can't look! I even go outside and check out what my house looks like at night especially when I change something! So glad to know I'm not the only "sicko" out there!lol It also amazes me how blah some people's homes are How do they live like that???lol Have a great week - Jeannette

Anonymous said...

You mean to tell me that there are folks out there that don't peak... hummmm They don't know a good time when it is right under there nose. vickydarnell

Anonymous said...

Yes,definately yes!! I have to confess!!
Greetings,
Sabine

Anonymous said...

if anyone tells you they don't do that then they are lying! lol
Ivy

Cindy said...

Tracy...that's my apartment! I would never take photos like that of someones elses home...I think they would have me arrested! LOL

Cindy said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Caroline said...

My daughter used to love doing this with me when she was little. I still enjoy doing it, my kids tease me about it all the time and say I am too nosy!

Rue said...

Hi Cindy :)

I'm a peeper too, especially when we're driving in the historic district. I almost feel like they're big versions of doll houses :)

hugs,
rue

Carolyn said...

Hi Cindy,
I am definitly a window peeper.Love to walk around town after dark especially at Christmas
time.Fun peeking in your window
Carolyn

Terri Steffes said...

Oh Cindy, I am definitely a window peeper. I love to see how houses look in all lights... I love to drive by homes at night which totally drives Bob nuts!

~ ♥ LISBETH ♥~ said...

Yes I do..shame on me , hi hi!
Hugs

Anonymous said...

Cindy,
Absolutely! I love walking in the evening and a home is all a glow. It's looks so warm and cozy.

Mrs. Cherry Heart said...

{raising hand} I am a Peeper too!

I had so much fun reading all your comments Cindy!
I have to show hubby.....
he thinks I am the only one who loves peeping!

Thank you girls for confirming that I am not nuts!
:-)

Hugz, Dolly

Julie said...

You would LOVE West University. It is a small township swallowed up by Houston...but in there lies some of the most amazing houses down street lined with century old oak trees that form a canopy over the road. Many homes have leaded glass doors...which is exactly why I love them so. Light just sparkels through leaded glass making prisms and it looks like nothing else I have ever seen. I especially love to drive around in that area during the Christmas holiday. The lights are so tastefully done!

Kathleen Grace said...

Of course! Judging from the answers other people gave you everyone does it:>)

Pink Slippers said...

Add me to the list of lookie-loos.
The best part is I try and look like I'm not looking when I'm walking by. Best time is dusk. When the pretty indoor lights are on and you get to dream up what they are doing inside and what kind of family they are. My hubby says I love creating 'stories' of how I think they may be like.

Anonymous said...

I love to see how people decorate! One year I asked for binoculars for Christmas and got them. Then I made my husband drive through some of my favorite neighborhoods. I pulled out the binoculars so I could see better and he just about had a heart attack. He had no idea why I wanted binoculars. He kept telling me that what I was doing was illegal. Imagine!

Anonymous said...

LOL! You are definitely not alone. My husband teases me about doing that all the time. Especially when I comment when driving by some pretty little cottage noting that if they are lucky enough to have a home like that, they should share it with all of us...not closing out the world at night. :) Thanks again for sharing so much of yourself through your blog.

Debra

Mo..."Mo's Cottage" said...

Hi Cindy,
Yes, I think I am a window peep...especially at Christmas time.....Great fun post...
Mo :-)

Vintagesquirrel said...

I do love to look inside people's homes - particularly during the holidays. I'm always asking mu husband to slow down so I can see inside. He just looks at me like I'm some kind of weirdo. Glad to know I'm not alone....

Michelle

Mary said...

Oh absolutely! I do this so much that my husband now slows down when he sees a likely target and says, "Good window to look in!"

Your own windows look very welcoming and beautiful!
xoxo,
Mary

Essential Oil Premier University said...

OH YEAH, that's why I always take my walks at night :)

Blessings,

Sher

Southern Lady's Vintage said...

Oh yes.... how can you not? But....I've never gotten my camera out and took a picture! LOL!

Anonymous said...

Your home is so lovely. I, too, live in an apartment and I take so much inspiration from your blog. Thank you so much for sharing your decorating ideas! You are such a gifted woman!

Charmingdesigns said...

ummmm,yes. Yours looks so lovely looking in!! laurie

Decor To Adore said...

It's even better if you are on foot! :)

daddie said...

Yes and I always try to figure out what they are cooking in there too. Especially if it is a cute house.

Anonymous said...

Yes! I do that too. I especially like houses that have vibrant color on the inside. Some houses are too dull. Yours would be a delight to drive by. :)

Tara said...

Cindy

I'll take a look as we sped by, even a second tells a story!

Sara's Sweet Surprise said...

I've just strolled into your lovely blog for the first time. I took a peek at your previous posts. Oh... how I adore your decor. I will be back through again.


Sweet Wishes,
Sara

suzeeez said...

Are you kidding Cindy ....I love doing that!! I love it when the lights are on and try to see as much as I can as fast as I can.
:o) Sue

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

I'm so glad I'm not the only one that screaches the brakes and almost gets whiplash to peep into windows to see their great decor.
hugs ~lynne~

Bev said...

Yes! I LOVE that! It's so fun to see how people decorate. And I love when lamps are on and things look inviting.

It's fun to walk down the street and see how people live. Especially in elegant old homes.

Yep. I can definitely identify with that!

Rhondi said...

I do the same thing too!
Hugs, Rhondi

Anonymous said...

Hi Cindy!
That was fun! You've found yet another gorgeous angle to photograph your apartment from. Yes, I've been a peeper for as long as I can remember, and going for a walk is the most productive way to peep:) I love checking out people's wall colors for ideas. You'd make an excellent psychiatrist (or police officer) ~ you've gotten us all to confess effortlessly:)

Karin

Linda Q said...

Yes I admit it, I do. I could go on home tours all the time! I am one of those who always wants to ring the bell and say,"hey, I just want to look because is looks so wonderful in here". But I would scare people, lol. So hopefully they just keep keeping the drapes open some!

Glimpse of My World said...

Yes i love to window peep!! You would love our historic district.. it is amazing.. old leaded wavy glass in many of the homes..

Love your site thanks for sharing!

Sue said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

Oh my goodness! I'm just glad I'm not the only one!!

Our first home was a little bungalow nestled in the heart of a very old neighborhood, with lots of huge old homes all around us. I used to love riding really slow past the old homes, and taking peeks inside. Especially at holiday time. Some of these old houses would have Christmas trees that were so huge and went all the way up to the very tall ceilings, I don't know how they got them home and set up.

I also loved walking my little ones up to them on Halloween night.

Sometimes, after a good day of cleaning and maybe moving a few things around, I open all my blinds, light some candles and go outside and stand in the street and just look into my own home and hope that others admire it the way I do.

~B

Anonymous said...

NUP!! Not the only one!! Im Guilty too!!! Poor poochie wants to go inside, what a cutie!!
Mands

Dreams and Decor said...

I love to do this! It makes me want to take a tour of the homes, though, so I can see the entire house! We always go on Christmas home tours held in our area--they are so much fun & you can get so many good decorating ideas! Patti

Anonymous said...

Wow I am so glad to see that I am not the only window peeper! Looks like we could start a Window Peeper annoyomous!!

Blessings
mary

Pat said...

Cindy, We ALL do that!!! I always say I live vicariously through others.....just another bit of excitement over some old vintage thing or other I see as I go down the street. Don't you just love it! Pat

Tea Time With Melody said...

I agree with first comment by Anonymous. They'd close their drapes if they didn't want you to see inside. And yes, if it is open I WILL look....

Anonymous said...

Another peeper here as well, I LOVE to look at peoples homes and how they decorate (I subscribe to an absurd amount of home magazines...)

Theresa @ Take A Sentimental Journey said...

Done it all my life Cindy . LOL
A habit I picked up from my mom.

Neabear said...

Wow! Nice to know we are not alone. I like to slow down when driving, if safe to do so. Plus if we take a walk as it is getting dark, I do that then too. What a relief to realize it is a favorite pastime of many folks. LOL!

Millie said...

Even Beau looks like he peeps, lol. He's very cute, I love seeing him in your pics.

Anonymous said...

hi Cindy

ahhhh, the spying on people, I LOVE it, I don't know what it is but I do it all the time, I stroll out of the cottage about 9.30pm and go looking, it's like a little secret world, the light is filtered, the voices muffled, there is a calm around...

in fact you know I like to listen to, position myself nearby so I can hear a conversation and I people watch obsessively

of course I'd love to come look through your window for some eye candy

Sarah

P. said...

Yes, I do. By the corner of my eye.

Alfazema

Martha said...

I love peeking! And I encourage husband Jim to take the long way home so I can!!!!

We leave lights on in every room at Linderhof because I like the warm glow a lit house has to the passersby!

Anonymous said...

I have always been a peeper! I'm happy to hear I have lots of company...

Lisa Johnson said...

When I was in my early 20's I was living in Southern California right on the beach. I used to love to walk along "the strand" and peak into houses. Thanks for making me think about that.

Hugs,

Lisa

Cami @ Creating Myself said...

I always "peep"...doesn't everyone? ;o)

Life on the Edge said...

I confess! I do this all the time and my kids think I'm nuts! I too have to resist the urge to go knock on someone's door and ask to see their house! I figure that if they don't want use peeking in (from the sidewalk or road of course, I don't go up to the window!), then why do they leave the curtains open and the lights on!

Years ago when I was pregnant with my daughter, I got a big surprise though. It was broad daylight and I was looking at the architecture of an amazing house that I was walking by. It had tall windows. Lo and behold, a man was washing those windows...stark naked! After I picked my jaw up off the ground, I turned red, turned my head away and kept on walking as fast as I could!

Kady

Sharon~heartsongs said...

I usually slow down and look too. But most don't look like the pictures of yours!! I'd be too tempted to go up to the windows to check it out.

Sue said...

(I made so many typing errors in my previous comment that upon revisiting here this morning I had to delete it. Sorry! I was too late to fix it.)

Anyway I love peeping, thanks for mentioning it. Once in awhile I go outside at night and look at my own house through the windows to check it out. I guess that's odd in its own way. :)

Fun stuff, Cindy. It's always so much fun to visit your blog.

Michelle said...

I admit. I'm a window peeper. You can see better when the lights are on! :)

Laura said...

I love looking in the windows during the Christmas season especially. Every year we take a walk around the neighborhood to see the lights and I always have a peek!

pedalpower said...

You aren't alone...and it sounds like there are lots of us out there!!! I love it when I get a glimpse into someone's home.

Esther Sunday said...

Uh...well....umm...YES!!!!

mymosk said...

Started chuckling as soon as I read this! I do this!! I just thought I was the only one. Nice to know I have company!

Marilyn said...

I love to peep too Cindy. When my kids were younger I used to take them peeping too. They would get so excited and then wonder about the family and what they might be doing inside too..lol. It just always looked so cosy and condured up wonderful imaginings.
Marilyn

Anonymous said...

I love looking at beach cottage homes here! I moved into a 2 bedroom cottage with dark pine paneling Yuck! but cannot paint walls because I am a renter too! I love how your apartment is turning out and your posts!

Unknown said...

Are you kidding?? Totally the MOST fun!! Since our office wasn't far from the historic district (and on the bay!)my friend and I would walk most days on our lunch break and would relish looking at these beautiful old houses and most had their curtains open. And if the "lady of the house" was home and busy in the house we would sigh and dream of one day being at home. We both got our wishes and couldn't be happier. We enjoy every single minute of the day - NOT at the office:)

cheryls fascinatingfinds said...

Omg, When I was a little girl my mom and I would go out and get a softserve ice cream and drive around the neighborhood in the evening and she would always say,"I love looking in the windows at night to see how people decorate their homes". I have no window treatments on my windows, and when I was grown she'd come to visit, she'd say "its like living in a fishbowl at your house, everyone can see in". My Mom is gone now but this brought up some great memories. Thanks Cindy..
Cheryl

Stephanie ~ Angelic Accents said...

Yep, I sure do!! I'm a peeping tom ~ if the windows are open, its fair game!! Your home looks lovely bathed in the soft glow of lights!

Big TX Hugs,
Stephanie
Angelic Accents

"Blossom" said...

Yes, yes and yes.
I call this home window and door shopping.
My husband says I'm nosy.
I had been looking at a house
that I just loved the landscaping and I stopped one day and met the owner out in her garden. Before I left I had a tour of the home and we became neighbors. So I don't have a problem stopping if there is something that I really want to know about. I think timing is the key to home window and door shopping. My friends from Flordia sold their house that way.
blossom

Crafty Mama said...

I live in The Netherlands and most of the homes here have big windows and are built near the streets... I am a notorius windowpeep. There are a couple of houses just down the streets I think it would be the right thing to introduce myself. Now when I 'get caught' I wave... sooooo bad! It's not keeping me from peeping though LOL!
So don't feel bad. That's why they invented curtains!

Anonymous said...

My husband and I took the kids trick or treating and he couldn't believe how nosy I was trying to look in everyone's houses to see thier decorating. Halloween is a great opportunity to get up to the front door and peak in some of your favorite houses:)
Tam

Kay said...

Oh gosh.... I can't believe I am admitting this but not only do I peep at other homes with the lights on and I'm driving by, but I go outside and when my lights are on to see what others see as they drive by my house and then I change the lighting and tweak the inside for a more cozy and inviting look! But I feel better having read your post because I'm guessing you do the same thing hence the photos!

Michaelle said...

Yep, I do the same thing. Miss Nosy-Butt here!

Kim @ Twice Remembered said...

Cindy, I do this, too! Even in the most humble of homes, I love seeing the warm, glowing lights from within and the nests other folks find comfort and refuge in:)

The only windows in my house that have blinds are the bedrooms - otherwise our windows are exposed besides the curtains flanking them (they don't close). We don't live on a super busy street but it is the main street into our neighborhood. I often see cars at night slowing down and I'm sure they are trying to get a glimpse inside, hehe. I don't mind it...as another poster said, I'd have window coverings if I did! I also like being able to see outside as much as I like looking in!

Michelle said...

Now I can defend myself to my family! My husband and son think it is "creepy" when I slow down to get a glimpse when someone has all their blinds open and lights on...I'm just looking for decorating ideas!

Malisa said...

I love to take window peeping to another level...I love to be in my boat at night, move in close to shore and look at all the lovely homey settings! After all, most houses built on lakes, have large expanses of glass on the side of the house which faces the lake. One can get awesome views of delightful decorating!

joyh82 said...

LOL...yes I love to do that as well. Especially when I am out walking the dog.

Unknown said...

Oh hurray! I'm not alone! I love to do the same and I have been teased about it. Hey-we are visual people, we can't help it!

Anonymous said...

ohhhh peeping is the best part of taking a nightly stroll. My god I even did that back when I was a young teenager! I remember loving to walk at night and looking at beautiful homes even after teenager parties. I used to think maybe I was a crazy loner or something, but now I realize I'm just a romantic like so many others.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

I will sometimes make my husband circle back to take a look at something .... see honey how those cabinets are raised there in that one? Or look how they did the built in next to the fireplace? He just shakes his head and says we're closing the drapes when we get home!

Amber B. said...

Just found your blog and love it! This post is so funny to me, because I love to look in our people's homes to see their decor. I always tell my hubby that I want our neigborhood to have a little "tour of homes" so I can see what everyone has done! He thinks I'm crazy!! :-)

Patricia said...

I have been "window peeping" since I was little!! I loved it then and I love it now. I make my husband drive slowly so I can enjoy!!