Our latest venture took us to the quaint town of Maggie Valley, North Carolina. We rented a little cabin and spent long hours driving through the mountains and checking out the wildlife and gorgeous scenery.
Got our first glimpse of a black bear. I was a bit concerned, but seeing as the cub was in a tree close to 100 feet in the air, I figured mama wouldn’t bother my husband or I as we snapped our cameras like we’d never seen a bear before. Oh, wait, this was the first time! It was rather exhilarating to say the least, but not quite as exhilarating as driving up a corkscrew mountain on a road with my guardrails. Thankfully, we survived and were rewarded by the amazing site of a herd of elk coming into the valley to feed. God’s creation never ceases to amaze me.
After a stop in Houston to be with one of sisters as she underwent surgery, we headed home. So, what great pearls of wisdom did we come away with after our time away? The knowledge that our car was too small to be taking any future road trips.
I blame myself. When we set out to purchase a vehicle for our retirement trips, I got caught up in the cute factor of the adorable, frosted glass (yes, that’s the name of the color the manufacturer gave it) Ford Escape. We test drove it, and I asked my husband repeatedly if it was large enough for him. At 6’3”, he needs more space than I do. He said yes, but I think it was only because he saw how much I liked the car.
Well, eight months and several road trips later, we came to the conclusion that we needed something bigger. Last week, we took the baby back to the dealer and traded it in for a toddler, a silver Ford Edge. We went from a 2013 to a 2011, which I hated doing, got a vehicle with leather seats—I prefer cloth, and don’t even get me going on the color. I like color, and for me, silver isn’t one. But the look on my husband’s face when he drove it, and the way he sat taller in a more “manly” vehicle was all it took for me to say yes. It may not be the car of my dreams, but I have to admit that every time I’m behind the wheel or sitting in the passenger seat, it feels right. 
The only thing left to do now, is plan our next road trip!
I can’t wait to see the new car. I did love the baby! Sacrifices we make for those we love, but just think of the road trips that will give you more inspiration for your writing.
Amen to that, Jan! The car really is super comfortable and I have no regrets. 🙂
I like the new car! It looks jazzy 🙂
It is jazzy! 🙂 And it’s roomy, which is more important. lol!
I like the new vehicle as well, especially considering I had one in black. They are surprisingly zippy for a small SUV; hence my first five tickets. Cool stories on here though, keep them coming.
Lol! Gotta watch out for those speeding tickets. Glad you like the stories. The plan is to keep writing them. 🙂
Can’t wait to read more stories and I’m looking forward to my ride in the toddler!
Can’t wait to pick you up so we can give it a spin! 🙂