Things In My House Thursday

This cute key:

Will operate Christopher's new car:

It is very exciting, for all of us, even though the whole decision goes against good Dave Ramsey money managing, but there were mitigating circumstances. We took advantage of the Cash-for-Clunkers deal, along with dealer incentives and other opportunities.

His trade-in was a 22 year old GMC Jimmy that got around 13 - 14 mpg; it had no air conditioning, it leaked inside when it rained, and had countless little quirks that meant only someone that 'knew' it could drive it. On the other hand, it was truly the perfect teenage boy starter car. The engine had been replaced several years ago, and it had been running 'well' until recently. Then it just needed more time and tweaking, but my husband was getting tired of and running out of occasions to work on it.

Now, having said that, the government clunker deal is sad.

The dealership is rebated the $4500 trade-in it allows us, and then it has to destroy the vehicle. They have to drain the engine of oil, and replace it with some kind of destructive chemical, then run the engine at 2000 rpm until it's all over.

That may not sound so bad regarding the Jimmy, although it sounds like murder to us, but even the dealer / salesmen were dismayed by all the very good cars they were going to have to destroy. Cars that got the same gas mileage as most new trucks or close to some sedans; cars that had relatively low mileage, cars that would be great for people that just couldn't afford anything else.

Well, other than that part, we are so happy with the purchase for many reasons, Christopher most of all, of course.

Unrelated, I wanted to share my green green green green beautiful grass with everyone. I doubt your monitor can do it justice (my doesn't), but the lawn is just spectacularly lush and dark green and splendid this morning. Please use your imagination, take off your shoes, and enjoy! It's wonderful!!

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