It has been a long, trying week, Modern Philosophers, so I needed to change it up a little tonight in an attempt to shake me out of my funk.
Rather than wandering around the neighborhood along my usual route on my after dinner walk, I decided to cross the bridge into Bangor. An artist friend had some work on display downtown, and I wanted to give her my support.
It was a gorgeous night that reminded me just how lucky I am to live in Maine. Since most of you don’t have the pleasure of calling Maine home, I took a few pictures for you. Try not to get too jealous…
The storm clouds gathering over my side of the river summed up my day perfectly.
I couldn’t even make it to work without the stress clouds gathering. I had just exited the highway and survived a long wait at the red light. Everything seemed to be going well until my car decided to just stop.
In the middle of traffic.
As I was driving.
It did not die on me while idling. It just stopped while I was going 30 mph down a busy road. Luckily, I was able to glide downhill and into a parking lot without getting rear ended. The engine roared to life immediately when I turned the key, but I was done.
What if it had died five minutes earlier when I was going 65mph on the highway?
I was just around the corner from my office, so I anxiously steered towards the safety of the parking lot.
I made it to the lot, but the car died again. This time, as I was turning into the row to find a spot.
At that point, I wanted to just get out and leave it there.
But I coaxed it to life one more time, eased it into a spot, and stepped out of my car for what very well could be the final time.
I called my mechanic, who had been sure he’d solved the problem. He was as befuddled as I was upset.
I called AAA and had them tow the car to the garage. I did not accompany it since I was so frustrated and didn’t want to miss work.
Even if Eric is able to bring back Zombie Car from the dead one more time, I honestly do not think I could ever get behind the wheel again.
How could I feel safe driving a car that could die at any moment?
I’m a big believer in signs and fate, so it’s hard not to see this as a very clear message from a higher power.
It’s time to put Zombie Car to rest. It’s 25 years old and has served me well.
As Eric put it this afternoon, “Sometimes, a car just can’t go anymore”.
I think I’m supposed to get a new car. How much louder and clearer does the message need to be?
Tomorrow, I am going to the Toyota dealership to look at a RAV4. Hopefully, I will drive home in a new car.
As I walked home from my journey across the bridge, I cut down the street where my mechanic’s garage is.
Zombie Car was parked there. I felt sad. Like I was losing a dear member of the family.
But I know this is actually a giant step forward. It’s been a good run, but Zombie Car clearly has nothing left in the tank. And my nerves are shot from all the stress.
It was a nice walk tonight. I was able to came to terms with the fact that it’s time for a change. And the view was just breathtaking…
I love my RAV4.
Another endorsement!
Six years old, 50,000 miles and going strong.
Nice. What color?
I can relate to that. I just spent a fortune giving a new lease of life to my 16 years old hatchback but it seems to want more. Perhaps we will stay together one more years or so, perhaps not. But I guess we will miss each other.
Sometimes, it’s just time to move on… 🙂
I sold my 12 year old car last year and upgraded to a newer car. It felt sad to let the old girl go, especially since she was still running well. But I sold it to a nice family and feel good the car is being cared for. It is amazing how we humanize these lumps of machinery, isn’t it? I have a Toyota Camry and love it and I’ve heard great things about the RAV4. You got your money’s worth from your zombie car and glad you didn’t have an accident!
Yeah, she has served me well. She had a nice, warm, sunny life in Southern California and I went and dragged her to snowy Maine…
Oh yeah. And yes. Maine is beautiful! I know all those views very well and enjoy them every day.
Aren’t we lucky?
maine looks beautiful and you will love your view through your new windshield. one worry you can take off of your plate –
Excellent way of looking at it. Heading up to the dealership this morning…
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I’ve always loved the way Maine looks.
It is quite pretty. 🙂