Putting the Old Gal Out to Pasture

Leapin' Leaner has been a good old girl. She has served me loyally now for nearly 10 years and has never failed to bring me home. However, Leaner is beginning to show her age. The interior is a little worn and like many of us her seat is beginning to sag. She has a cassette player in her radio.  No MP3 player, no navigation, no Bluetooth, no heated seats, or any of the high tech stuff you find in new cars today. Her exterior could use a minor facelift. I guess you could say that she is just like us--a little outdated. In her defense, I would have to say that the old girl still has a sweet ride. 

 Leapin' Leaner is still in relatively good health. She has never had major surgery. As a matter of fact, she has required very little maintenance. She has had regular oil changes and new tires, but that is it. If spark plugs were teeth, she would still have all of her original teeth. I wish I still had all of my original teeth. 

I will surely miss the old girl, but with the new grandchild coming soon in Nashville, Tn, it would be asking too much to ask her old bones to carry us across the mountains on frequent trips. I hope she will find a new family that will treat her with kindness and respect. 

Like all the vehicles I have owned, I give them a name. In this case, the Mercury's given name is "Leapin' Leaner". Leaner or (Leana) is old timey name from the past. It was a good name for her since I have never seen anyone under the age of 65 driving a Grand Marquis. I have grown attached to Leaner and will miss her dearly. 

The new ride is a Toyota Avalon and again I have never seen anyone under the age of 65 driving one. I have already picked out a name for the Avalon. It is Frankie. Do you get it?  "Frankie Avalon"

Frankie, you sure have a tough act to follow.