Notes from my patio

[Grampa Don]

Well, my old Ford is gone, and it feels weird without it.



It's the first time I've been without a car since I was 17. As long as it was in the driveway, I could potentially go anywhere anytime I wanted. On the spur of the moment I could drive to the beach, mountains, or even Las Vegas. Not that I would do that, but I could. Now it feels a little like being trapped.

Sure, my son will drive me anyplace I need to go, but I feel like I'm imposing on him. Now, to go someplace I need a reason before I'll ask. Oh well, with age comes limitations and I have to accept that.

I got to thinking: the Ford is 13 years old. My first car was 13 when I sold it, and it was not in nearly as good shape. It was this 1948 Plymouth. I paid $200 for it; $100 I had saved from a part time job and $100 a high school graduation gift from my folks. The white walls were fake.



It got me through college and we saw a lot of drive-in movies in it. In a moment of insanity, I traded it in on a Renault Dauphine that I sold a few years later for $50.

 

[Jules]

Don, whatever you got for the red car and the money saved on insurance, put it a special account that you designate for Uber rides. It doesn’t really have to be a separate account, just do a running total with paper and pencil. You’ll feel more free to go out and about whenever you want.

 

[Grampa Don]

Don, whatever you got for the red car and the money saved on insurance, put it a special account that you designate for Uber rides. It doesn’t really have to be a separate account, just do a running total with paper and pencil. You’ll feel more free to go out and about whenever you want.

Thanks, that's a good thought. I don't know much about Uber. I think you need a smart phone to use it. If I did use it and my son found out I think he might be hurt.

One thing that spurred me to sell the car right now was that I just got my latest insurance bill of $600 for the next 6 months. Sadly, I just recently renewed the registration.

 

[Aunt Bea]

Don,

Do a bit of snooping online and see if Uber by phone is available in your area. Dialing 1-833-USE-UBER (1-833-873-8237).

Also, check and see if you can arrange and pay for rides on your home computer. I believe that you have 24 hours to actually pay for the rides on your home computer, not sure.

Your son Is definitely your best option but it’s comforting to have a backup plan.

Keep us posted on this new phase, it’s something that we will all have to deal with at some point.

 

[hawkdon]

In case you want other options here is link to
go-go grandparents which I used when I first sold
my car several years back.....but, didn't care for
the local uber drivers, so no longer use it.
GoGoGrandparent | On-Demand Services for Seniors

 

[Grampa Don]

Don,

Do a bit of snooping online and see if Uber by phone is available in your area. Dialing 1-833-USE-UBER (1-833-873-8237).

Also, check and see if you can arrange and pay for rides on your home computer. I believe that you have 24 hours to actually pay for the rides on your home computer, not sure.

Your son Is definitely your best option but it’s comforting to have a backup plan.

Keep us posted on this new phase, it’s something that we will all have to deal with at some point.

Thanks, Aunt Bea.