My Echo in My Garage; and Black Beauty...

Yes, I can report that I bought Fay's Toyota Echo last week. (It occurred to me last night that I should have taken photos of both cars to include here today. If I tried to do that now this issue would get out late, as it takes me time to transfer photos to this desktop and then to crop/resize them. I'll aim for next week).

As reported last week, Monday we went to see this Toyota Echo and took it to Barry's for assessment. I told Fay of my promise to God to wait 24 hours to make sure of my decision, but I sure liked her Echo, and felt it would serve me well.

Even after I stopped at Atomic Auto and saw Dave's Cobalt for sale, I still felt better about buying the Echo. After I'd finished last week's RoseBouquet I called Fay to tell her of my decision. I was going to wait for Ike to pick me up. Obviously, I couldn't drive my old Black Beauty there and then also drive the Echo home at the same time!

(However Ike and his wife were helping their daughter move into a house nearby that she had bought, so I spent some time jumping up to look out the window for them about every 30 seconds.)

At last we got there! Fay asked to have her license plate from the rear as a souvenir. While I gave Fay my check, Ike got his bucket of tools from his truck and struggled with the two bolts that had rusted onto the rear of the car over the 12 years Fay had owned it. A neighbour came out with a spray can of DW40 - but even several sprays did not help the bolts to let go.

Finally, I said to Fay, "I'm planning to go straight over to my insurance company for new plates and to get this Echo registered in my name. After that I'll just go the 2 blocks over to Atomic auto and ask those great mechanics to do it for us. Then I'd bring the old plate back to you here."

With that Ike was able to leave, Fay had prepared a hand-written contract document, but had no photocopier, so she suggested I take a photo with my cell phone. Which I did. Also some papers that showed what repairs her car had had.

Faye got a little emotional over saying good bye to the car she had driven for the full 12 years since they bought it brand new so I gave her a sympathetic hug, and thanked her heartily. She agreed that she felt her beloved Echo would be in good hands with me.

I drove carefully, (still reaching for the lever under the steering wheel when I wanted to reverse, forgetting that I must now learn to use the stick-shift beside my seat.)

Then I had to wait at a train crossing - for a long train! But I still made it to my insurance company building and 3 women all worked at getting things organized and official for me.

When I left there I headed to Atomic Auto but realized the time was just a minute or two before 5 pm. I asked about changing the plates for me because of the bolts, and Mike apologized as his mechanics were all going home. I should come back the next day anytime after 9 am and they'd take care of it.

I tried to be there promptly at 9 am on Wed. so Fay would not have to wait any longer than absolutely necessary. Mike himself drove it into the shop and out again in about 15 minutes. He handed me the old plate and frame and said he would bring the car out for me. I stood at the counter, waiting to pay... when Mike came in and said, "No, there's no charge. Your car is ready for you right there." He pointed out the window. Wow!

I hurried off to Fay's address again (my 3rd time). She met me at the door, and as I handed her the plate with the frame, she handed me an envelope and said, "Not to open it until I was home."

Guess what. When I opened it there was a lovely thank you note, and cash in 20s enough to pay for a 'Detailed Cleaning' of the car!

(I'm still trying to decide if it really needs a Detailing).

I'm convinced that God has confirmed my choice in many ways.

[Back to Archives Index ] ~~ [Back to Main RoseBouquet Page]