We thought it would be the last car we would want, need or use. We were wrong. We just bought a new one. It seems we outlived the other one.
It was a strange experience getting into that car. The car we were trading in was 10 years old and, besides being in poor physical shape, did not have all of the amenities that the new one did. As I surveyed the instrument panel and the console, I began to wonder if I was qualified to drive it. I wondered if I would ever learn how to drive it properly.
But, learn it, I did. In just one year I had everything pretty much under control. For all of the bells and whistles, however, it lacked two things—cruise control and a CD player. All of the car salesmen I meet and all of my friends who know such things tell me that no new car anywhere has a CD player any more. All I can do is grumble about that.
However, I told Sweetheart that, for me, cruise control is essential. I need it because I do not have good foot control. When I am on a high-speed highway, I have a lead foot at times and a light foot at others.
As I get onto the interstate, I accelerate the car and soon discover that I am driving 78 mph. Since the speed limit is 70 mph, I slow down. The next time I look at the speedometer I discover that I am driving at 62 mph and people are passing me in droves. It is pretty much a seesaw until I get to my destination.
I no longer have that dilemma, as the new car we just purchased has cruise control—as well as a lot of other amenities. For instance, it has keyless starting. One of us just needs to have possession of the key when we are in the vehicle. That is very handy, unless we leave the key in the pocket of the jacket that is hanging in the closet, or if we take the key that belongs to our other vehicle. The AI in the instrument panel will let us know if we have the wrong key, though, with a neat little message.
If we should step on the brakes too fast, a message comes up on the display panel warning us to focus on the road, as distracted driving causes accidents. Does reading the warning count as a distraction?
Learning to use the radio with Sirius XM and all of the alternative stations has been a challenge. All we ever wanted was the AM/FM stations to which we have become accustomed. However, in our search, we have discovered some new stations that we have come to appreciate. We can continue to get them if we sign up and pay a monthly fee. We’re taking that under consideration.
In the meantime, we thought it would be a good idea if at least one of us would read the 319-page owner’s manual. Sweetheart said he would do it.
He’s on page three.
Dorothy is the author of two books—“Miles and Miracles” and “Getting It All Together “. You can purchase a book or send a comment by emailing her at dorothybutzknight@gmail.com
Comments