Everyday with dan...

“We care more for our possessions with which we hope to make our way in the world than with our thoughts and dreams which tell us who we are in the world.”
― Eugene H. Peterson, A Long Obedience in the Same Direction

My 2011 Ford Escape went over 100,000 miles last week. Apparently I wasn't paying attention when it happened, but noticed on my way to work Friday. I took this pic while stopped at a light.

I've always liked this vehicle. We bought it used, and Jane drove it for several years. Then when we got a newer used car for her, this became "mine." 

It has satellite radio, keyless entry, a sunroof, and really comfy seats. Plus it sits up high and is easy to see out of. I used it when driving for Uber. It's always been a really nice car.

I've never really been "into" cars though. I like them to get me from one place to another, and it helps if they ride nice and have a comfortable seat. A good stereo doesn't hurt either. If I've ever had a "dream car" it would probably be a Ford Fusion, because I drove one once and it seemed really comfortable. That's about as far as my love for cars goes (though I do like to look at cool old hot rods and such).

Still, I find value in trying to keep my cars somewhat clean and in good shape. One thing I've tried to do for years is to see how little I can use my breaks. By that I don't mean I try to see how fast I can go! It's all about anticipating lights, traffic patterns, lane changes, and sort of a 'going with the flow.' There have been a few times I've been able to go right through the center of town from one end to the other and barely had to touch my brakes. Sad to say, that gives me a real sense of accomplishment when I can do it well. It's one of my little daily challenges that keeps my occupied for some reason.

Ironically, as I thought about my car turning over 100,000 miles, it made me think about how I'm navigating life myself. What do my thoughts and dreams say about who I am in the world? Hmm.

It also makes me think about this blog. It's been a bit of a challenge lately. I've lost a bunch of readers. I'm not very motivated. Most days it hardly seems worth it. Yet, perhaps this is the place I most see who I am. Or at least try.

I should probably read that Peterson book again.

***

Psalm 37:3

"Trust in the Lord, and do good;
    dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness."

Wednesday evening we went to get groceries, some birthday presents for Caleb and pizza. I wasn't even aware it was supposed to rain. On the way home, though, it started to just downpour. And I mean like monsoon-like downpour. We were driving along Ardmore somewhere around Covington Rd and we literally could not see. All the cars had their flashers on and were just stopped wherever they were. All at once we heard something hit our car but the force of the rain and the resulting noise was such that we weren't sure until we got home. Jane said she saw a tree limb at one point, and judging from these dents in the side of the car and the leaves poked in and around the door grooves, I'd say that's what did it.

I took it to the body shop today and the estimate for repairs is just under $1600. That's not as bad as I was afraid it might be. Fortunately it appears just one section needs replaced. Although they said it would be about a 5-day job. Our insurance guy did say we had rental car coverage, so I guess one of us will be driving an economy car for a week coming up.

Well, we sold the 2002 Buick Century. It won't be going far away, because our neighbor bought it (for his son). In fact, it's still parked in the same spot as when we owned it. :)

It had been running a bit rough so I took it in to our mechanic and he diagnosed it as needing a new catalytic converter. They wanted $500 to replace it, so I said "no thanks." I tried selling it "as is," but most of the people who wanted it weren't really in a position - either financially or geographically - to get it fixed. Our neighbor is a backyard mechanic and I asked him about replacing the catalytic converter. He said he could do it, and right away he seemed interested in the car. He checked it over and found a few other things wrong with it, and came over tonight and said he'd take it. We sold it to him for $400 as is.

It sure was a good car. My parents bought it new, and we bought it from them in December 2006. I think it had around 93,000 miles on it when we bought it. The odometer rarely works anymore, but it came on a week ago and it had 235,333 miles on it. I think we got our money's worth out of it.

I will miss the way it rides and drives - especially in the snow. I won't miss the lack of heat in the winter and cold in the summer though. In a way it's kind of sad, but I'm also pretty happy to be done with it (the selling). Time to move on.