Nineteen short months ago I became the proud owner of a brand-new Prius C (what I call the “baby Prius,” because it’s the smallest of the brand). It gave me numerous freedoms, such as being able to drive outside the county, which I couldn’t before in my rattletrap 1996 Accord. Too risky. “Not if it will break down,” my mechanic told me, “but when. You need friends nearby who can pick you up.”
More than that, it allows me to affordably make the ten-hour drive to my mom’s apartment. That quickly became necessary following her surgery last winter, as well as later to easily attend her 80th birthday party. And a couple of other trips.
This week, I made the drive for my aunt’s funeral. It was important to my mom that I be there, therefore, it was important to me.
I’ve got the radio stations programmed. I know when to leave to avoid traffic in all three metro areas. I plug into weather.com before taking off for the outlook during the entire trip.
Best of all, I load up on Tab for my trip home. Long before Diet Coke, there was Tab, and it’s back. In a couple of states.
At first, I truly enjoyed the drive. Now it’s something to endure. Especially two of the last three hours, both ways.
Before I left this week I got two audio books from the library. The first had an annoying narrator, but the second I’m okay with. Not a book I would probably read, but easy to follow, even when I drift off. And a pleasant story. For a few hours.
There’s a part of the drive I love. Don’t laugh until you’ve been there. It’s the Lamoni, Iowa rest stop (northbound). It’s beautiful, and staffed by a woman in their tourist area who’s pleasant, talkative and informative.
Not just a latrine in the woods. This is special.
Of course that’s maybe ten, fifteen minutes, if I’m willing to give that time up. I at least stop in the rest room.
Gifts and acquisitions have their price. In this case, I get over that cost quickly — as soon as I open the door back home and desperately try to keep the cats from running outside. But I no longer look forward to the drive, and I miss that anticipation.
However, I do look forward to seeing that bright red Prius parked in front of my house each morning. So I consider those 20 hours on the road a blessing.
Photo Credit: © Bigstock.com
My World With Words 
Wheels can be as sweet.
While the steering is so smooth.
Driving shall be pleasure.
Belinda!
Meeting the loved ones brings happiness.
As the trip was not tedious.
Drive! Drive!! Drive!!!
Shiva
😍
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I’ve had a few audible books I couldn’t listen to because of the narrator. Always a disappointment when the book is a good one. Luckily, most of the narrators are great. I love solitary travels with a good book being read to me.
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I’m hoping next time I find a really good book. I was rushed and of course the library selection is….varied. 🙂
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Are you on Audible? I just finished “Into the Beautiful North” by Urrea. Here is a link for you to listen to an excerpt. I have loved all of his books. http://www.audiobooks.com/audiobook/into-the-beautiful-north/119466
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Thank you!
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“A Tale for the Time Being” by Ruth Ozeki is also one of my all-time favorite books. Also available on audible. Both have wonderful narrators, by the way.
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Thank you again!
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You could knit if you had a self-driving car 🙂
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Or a chauffeur….but that’s not even on the dream list!
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My dad was a route salesman for Coca-Cola so I do remember Tab. Been a very long time, though.
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My college roommate’s brother-in-law did the same thing. He got me a pair of Tab glasses — with the “skinny waistline” — and I had those for years!
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Wishing you a pleasant drive – though 20 hours is quite a long one. I enjoy driving for a few hours tops. I copied your friend’s book suggestions. I think that’s a wonderful idea. Love the idea that you have a reliable car, too. That’s a relief all around.
Sorry about the loss of your aunt. As the older generation disappears, it’s a very mind-numbing time. I’m glad you have your mom, but I know it is a difficult thing when there a health issues that arise. Thinking of you.
Have a safe trip!
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