Congratulations to Ross who bought his first brand new car the other day (9 miles on the odometer when he left the dealership). Ross has driven some crap in his day (well, who among us hasn't?) including a Pontiac Horizon and my parents hand me down Toyota Corolla. That same tiny white souped up lawn mower got Ross, all his stuff and me out to California when he moved there in 1997. I don't think any of us actually thought that little Corolla would make it all the way from Wisco to Cali, and when it stalled once in eastern New Mexico, we were pretty convinced that our prediction had come true. Miles from a town (but luckily armed with a cell phone and good senses of humor) we coasted to stop, let the car cool down and took our chances that it would restart. Much to our surprise, it did and proceeded to get us through the rest of New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada and on into California. Ross drove that thing for a few more months without incident, then proceeded to buy another Corolla, this one about a year old. That car was kind to Ross and got him through almost 12 years in crazy Los Angeles traffic and sweltering summers in Vegas. Ross called me to tell me about his new ride, a 2010 Hyundai Elantra, the other day and made me laugh when he said "Mary, it's like driving a Lamborghini" In comparison to the '97 Corolla, I'm sure he's right. It's all about the reference point. Here's what I won't miss about Ross's old car....not be able to see the dashboard at night. His dashboard lights have been burnt out for years. Safety first as always with that kid. Anyway, I'm looking forward to seeing his sweet new ride when I visit at the end of May. I'm sure it corners like it's on rails.
