Getting there


We are one third of the way through Winter.

It is no longer dark at 5:00 PM.

However, it IS dark at 5:00 AM.  That's when I have been going to bed lately.

Don't judge me.

We have inherited a 1989 Mercury Grand Marquis. It is not without its  problems.

Like a leaky Landau roof which needs new vinyl. And ... and... and...

But it has lower miles than our Oldsmobile [114,000 vs. 179,000], and the engine runs more quietly. It's transmission was rebuilt in 2004. It's heater core has been replaced. It does have AC. It doesn't have power seats, but the windows zip up and down easily.

The interior is nice, except for the worn leather on the steering wheel.

It's bigger.  

We just put $830 on our credit card repairing an electrical/computer  problem with the Olds. It has a cracked windshield. It needs a new radiator, and likely a new heater core. It's AC is disconnected because we can't afford to fix it.

I want a Kia Soul. The one with the gangsta hamsters (in the ad). But in a cherry red. Would it even be big enough to carry a wheelchair? But nobody is going to give one to me, so it's a moot point. Doo Dah Dippity.

We need to decide whether to keep the Mercury and sell the Olds, or keep the Olds and sell the Mercury. The devil we know, versus the devil we don't know.

So I prefer to think about longer and warmer days ahead.

And not about deciding which car to keep or sell.

That is all.

Good night, TTYL, and Be Well,

Comments

  1. KarenJanuary 21, 2013 at 7:15:00 AM PST

    Or sell them both and get something smaller. They both must be gas guzzlers?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Kim@stuffcould....January 21, 2013 at 11:17:00 AM PST

    I noticed the longer days...it is a relief to me to see light longer
    We can never decide whether to sink money into fixing old cars or buy newer...but usually try to fix cars, for awhile

    ReplyDelete
  3. MuffieJanuary 21, 2013 at 2:02:00 PM PST

    Is it possible to keep both? I wish you could get that red kia soul -- how cool!
    Peace,
    Muff

    ReplyDelete
  4. kmilyunJanuary 22, 2013 at 9:40:00 AM PST

    Seems the economy is hitting many of us hard. Dang I have no worthy opinion on your transportation dilemma.

    I hope the other 2/3 bring something better. I nice warm day would be nice - one where nothing breaks, nothing bad happens . ... oh I dream.

    ReplyDelete
  5. SherriJanuary 22, 2013 at 7:18:00 PM PST

    I have a Kia Soul! I LOVE it! I think it was the best car decision I have ever made.

    It is roomy enough for a wheelchair, walker, or whatever device you need to carry. I think one of those folding scooters would fit as well. The back seats fold down making a huge cargo area.

    It's great on gas mileage and very comfortable.

    And they are cheap.... cheap cheap.

    I wish you could find a way to get one... I know you'd love it

    ReplyDelete
  6. Ms. CrankyPantsJanuary 23, 2013 at 7:49:00 AM PST

    Just yesterday I noticed, with no small amount of joy, that it was light still at 5:30. Longer days are coming... I hope the car business works out for you!

    ReplyDelete
  7. WebsterJanuary 24, 2013 at 2:00:00 AM PST

    @Karen: DH says he can't handle the mere thought of selling them both. Then finding one to buy.
    @Kim: More light is always better, isn't it? Husbands who can fix cars do come in handy. Speaking of cars, you've not ever blogged about your cute little smart car that takes your scooter with you. How has it worked for you?
    @Muffie: Alas, no, as it would mean insuring two cars which is impossible on my income.
    @Kmilyun: It's not the economy, it's living on an MS income.
    @Sherri: What color is your Kia Soul? Not that I will ever be able to afford one - last year's model goes for $15,000; But that IS cheap these days.
    @Ms. CrankyPants: The light is coming, slowly but surely; the cars will take care of themselves. Well, not really, but you know... don't wanna think about it.

    Thanks for your comments everyone. I appreciate them all.

    ReplyDelete
  8. kmilyunJanuary 24, 2013 at 9:53:00 AM PST

    I think with us it is the economy plus my MS income. Other half's job cut hours in half and my stupid SSD is not making me rich.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Diane J StandifordJanuary 24, 2013 at 9:57:00 AM PST

    "Don't judge." hahahaha I am sooo happy I no longer have those things, um cars, to worry about. After I turned 25, I started buying new cars and never looked back, but, MS income happened and now my shiny new (often waxed) Ford Escorts with A/C are a blast from past. That Kia, hahahah, there is an Alz guy who sits across from me. He was a Dr. @ UW--big shot, nicest guy, he had his car (license) taken away abt a year ago, he brings same thing up at least once a week: "I should have never sold my car." and "I want one of those with the little...little..." and Diane says, "Hamsters with a boom box!" he then says, "Yes, that one." Too cute. And the other 80-something at the table laughs, knowing just the car we mean. That is one badass commercial. Hits all ages. I wonder if they know. /// Do young men (20s, 30s) still fix cars? I bet they don't. The ones I know can't. Uh oh gotta go, Fire alarm test today--ear plugs, Peace, webby

    ReplyDelete
  10. SherriJanuary 25, 2013 at 3:35:00 AM PST

    My Soul is black with charcoal interior... I wanted the red or burnt orange but they didn't have them in stock they day I bought mine... and naturally, there was NO way I was waiting for them to find one from some other dealership to have shipped over hahaha

    I bought mine for $13k fully loaded. I waited until April and bought "last years model" so I got he loaded model for the base price....

    ReplyDelete

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