Imagine, if you can, what happens when an 85-year-old grammy goes overnight from driving a 30-year-old Oldsmobile Delta 88 to driving a 12-year-old Jeep Grand Cherokee! What a test of whether old dogs can learn new tricks. I have to say I wasn’t enthusiastic about the change-over. When I bought my Olds about ten years ago it was pristine and had led a very sheltered life. The body and upholstery were perfect. Actually, it had been advertised as a “cream puff,” and indeed it was. But after years of living outdoors and serving as a respite place for freezing pro-lifers, it had lost its lustre, both inside and out. And it needed its brake lines replaced. It was somewhat  dented and its pretty blue color was quite faded. Etc. etc. As my mechanic said, “It’s 30 years old, no matter how you look at it.”

Along came the opportunity to buy this Jeep from the friend of a friend – and I got talked into it. Especially since I have a steep driveway and live in the Northeast and the Jeep had four-wheel-drive. I didn’t want to go through the DMV registration process at all. I didn’t want to spend the money when I already had a car that would probably last the rest of my life. But the deed was done and I had to cope. Read the rest of this entry »