Don and I went shopping this week and . . .

. . . bought a car.

We knew we (read that I) would feel better driving across the country in a car that was NOT 15 years old.  Our Buick Century is a good car and has served us well, but, it's a '98, has a lot of miles on it, and the idea of driving it from California to Texas, to Missouri, to Kentucky, to Indiana, to W.VA, to Pennsylvania, to Maryland, to Virginia, then back through Ohio and Indiana to Michigan, Wisconsin and Illinois and after that, a straight shot home, well, I didn't think the old girl would be too happy doing that.  So, after some discussion, and then me going along reluctantly but resignedly, off we went shopping.

Where cars are concerned, Don and I have always been one stop shoppers.  Unlike many who are thrilled with the hunt and challenge of car shopping, Don and I simply want to get a car that works, ticks off the major specification we individually and together are looking for, and we know we will feel secure with.  We do a little checking around online; we discover what is out there.  We don't shop for a car for at least 10-12 years between purchases and THIS ONE was 15 years.

We considered an SUV and particularly looked at Jeeps.  It didn't take me long to determine that getting in and out of an SUV was not for me.  The vehicle is set too high.  The roof lines at the doors were too low and I felt like a pretzel getting in and out.  It wasn't until they were bigger that I got in and out with any ease and that made them TOO big overall and too expensive.  So . . .

We looked around the Hertz rental lots to see what else was available and I closed in on the Nissan Altimas.  That was when we discovered that the Nissan car and all parts was made entirely in the U.S.A.  Win/win.  The back end was very roomy; Don could load wood and boards in when he needed to; the backseats laid down flat.  The lay down seats were a big plus on my score card because this would allow me to lay out to sleep at rest stops when we stop for a few hours.  Don can sleep in an unmoving car in the front see.  I can't.  I have to be able to lay down.  Another win/win.

I think it can do some other fancy stuff to like syncing up with my phone.  I'm still trying to figure out how to do that.  It doesn't have GPS but that's alright.  I have it on my phone and Don has a TomTom (which may or may not work anymore.  We'll see).

No more car worries for a long time.  This baby hums and we have good mechanics we trust to do the right thing by her when she needs a bit of TLC.  All in all, I'm happy and ready to hit the road.  January is fast coming up on us.