Monday, June 26th - After 11 years... A NEW CAR!!!

Well, I did it! I bought a new car. This is a big deal for me, since I'm a "drive 'em till they die" kind of girl. My 1995 Nissan Sentra isn't giving me warm and fuzzies anymore, and up here it's really important that I have a reliable car. She still runs, but she's starting to nickel and dime us to death. Now that Steve is home, and has taken back his truck, it was time to make the purchase.

We did some research on some of the CUV (crossover utility vehicle) models on the market. We decided on a CUV because we wanted a car with adequate storage options and the ability to haul camera equipment, luggage, a dog crate, etc. Many of the CUV's on the market today get very good gas mileage - another major consideration since Steve's truck is a guzzler. One guzzler in the family is enough. We also wanted a vehicle that got 5-star crash ratings, since driving in the winter here - while surrounded by bigger vehicles - can be harrowing at times. A good frontal crash rating is also important, since moose have been known to step out into the middle of the road without warning. And then - of the most importance was price. Paying as much for a car as I did for my first home doesn't sit well with me.

I chose the just released 2007 Dodge Caliber. (Click the collage at left to see an enlarged photo. I chose the blue color pictured at the top)

Some of the best features were price: under 18K with a few upgrades, mileage: 26/30mpg, and most importantly: side curtain airbags and a 5-star frontal crash rating. Add in some cute features like the IPOD/Cell phone dock with a place to plug your IPOD into your stereo system, the Chill Center which keeps drinks at 45F (great for road trips!), and a sporty look both inside and out, and I think I'll be happy with her for a long time. I hope she gives me at least a decade of service. There's plenty of headroom too, so Steve will be comfortable driving it too - when I let him. *grin*

I spoke to Mom this morning. There is some improvement, which is good. She's still in the hospital because they can't keep her potassium levels up. (Potassium is important to maintain several bodily functions such as muscle movement, heart health and blood pressure. When potassium levels are low, you can become weak as cellular processes are impaired.) The nursing staff at Holy Redeemer is fantastic, and Mom's quite comfortable there. She has a daily parade of visitors to keep her company and bring her whatever food she is craving. A few days ago it was lemon drops. This morning it's black licorice bites.

It has been wonderful having Steve home! Yesterday he helped me move the furniture in the living room so that I could do a thorough cleaning of the dust bunnies that have taken up residence underneath the sofa. We also put down the Turkish carpets he sent home. They are huge and practically fit wall-to-wall. They will look much better on hardwood floors and in a bigger room, but we wanted to enjoy them now and not pack them away until we move. They are so thick; it feels like you have to step up onto them. There are still some 'bumps' in them, from being rolled up tightly for shipment. The colors are lovely. I'm so happy with them!

Steve also detailed the truck inside and out, and boy did it need it! Except for Mother Nature's natural carwash, I have neglected the truck terribly. Well, not completely - I did keep the inside clean. But the outside was definitely neglected. I think he enjoyed cleaning it up. I think he enjoyed being outside, doing 'normal' things, without hearing mortars exploding and gunshots. I can't say enough how happy I am that he's home and safe.

I made a video using some of the footage that Rachael shot of the homecoming, and some still shots that both she and I took. It's not the best quality, but if you're interested in seeing it, you can view it here.

I'm looking forward to my SIL Diane's visit this week! She'll be in very late on Thursday (after midnight). We have reservations in Seward and will be taking a wildlife cruise. I also plan to take her to Denali next week, as well as on the Riverboat Discovery, Eldorado Gold Mine, and the Salmon Bake. I'll be showing her around Fairbanks as well, and look forward to introducing her to some of my friends. The guestroom is still full of army stuff, but Steve promises it will be all cleaned up by the time she arrives. I'm so excited!!!