THE JOYS OF CAR OWNERSHIP

Sarah got a lesson today after school: Intro to The Joys of Car Ownership. 

It was a rare November day with temperatures hitting the upper 70s, and since Sarah has owned her VW Bug convertible for just a few (cold) weeks, she was looking for an excuse to drive somewhere with the top down.

I suggested taking the dogs to Mill Race Park on the other side of town.

The dogs were not sure what to make of open air driving, but Sarah and I were in 7th heaven.

Lesson #1: "There's a reason people love convertibles."

I admit I have been a bit skeptical of this car. It was purchased not because it was practical or got great gas mileage or was rated high in safety. 

No, the only thing that really mattered was that it was "cute".

It had some issues from day one - most notably the fact that it only had one key. Not a big deal, though - we all agreed - we just need to prioritize getting a copy made soon. 

Other little issues have cropped up since Sarah brought it home: touchy power windows, the vinyl detaching from the inside of the driver's door, and a little puddle on the passenger seat after a heavy rain.

But all of that faded into the background as we buzzed through downtown Columbus with the top down in Sarah's cute car.

We parked, Sarah put the top up, and locked her Bug up tight before we headed toward the pond at the center of the park.

And what an afternoon to be outside! We ran through leaves, walked across the covered bridge, and roamed the banks of the river.

After at least an hour of time and a mile of distance, the dogs were tuckered and we were ready to get back to the car. 

Mission Accomplished: Perfect afternoon in the bag.

It was time for Lesson #2.

As we approached the car, Sarah went to pull her key from the side of her purse and found the key ring empty! 

Lesson #2: "You really should have prioritized getting a second key."

@#%*!!!!! 💩

We retraced our steps - through half a million fallen leaves - until we lost all light and all hope. 

All to no avail. Melissa rescued us and the dogs at sunset. 

Tomorrow morning I will pray and look again, hopefully aided by a magnet or a metal detector. 

We are hoping to avoid Lesson #3: "How much it costs to get a key made when there is no original to copy."