I discovered something recently; a car is a very expensive appliance. When I went hiking last fall for two months, I put my car in storage--it is still there. How did that happen? Well, I stored the car in Delaware, about an hour from Philadelphia, and when I returned from the hike, days before Thanksgiving, I didn't need a car for the holiday, and so I left it there. The days turned into weeks--and I didn't miss it. And then it was XMAS and I was on my way to Houston for the holidays.
When I returned from Houston, I was weaned. This is not an inconvenient dilemma for me, because I reside only two blocks from the bus stop. The bus takes me to the King of Prussia mall--the largest retail space in America--in a mere ten minutes, and to downtown Philadelphia in 45 minutes. And because of my age, it's free. And I can read the newspaper on the way. And there is no parking tab to pay--and no parking tickets. And once I get to Philadelphia, the subway is free, and the regional trains are only a dollar. Old age has a few benefits (but off hand, I can't remember another one).
I checked on my car last week and she was still there. I started her up, charged the battery and then I said bye-bye--again. For how long I don't know. And so, here I am, still without wheels. A dull and colorless story no doubt, but do you know what I discovered? This: without a car, I spend a lot less money.
An auto is the retail devil's friend. Once I get in the car, there are unlimited opportunities to get in trouble. And it's insidious; I come home and my pockets are filled with little-bitty receipts--Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, the convenience store, the pharmacy, the diner, etc., etc., etc....and they add up to $100! I must have enough Radio Shack batteries to launch the next shuttle.
And do you know what the most expensive by-product of owning an automobile is? Wasted time. The time spent behind the wheel, motoring here and there on mundane errands to the same places I went to yesterday....and the day before. I have more time now. (Whether or not I have anything useful to fill it with, is another question.)
I'm pretty happy without my car. My wife hates it! You know why? Because now she has to run her own errands. Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha...
