So Phil and I had a Ford Focus hatchback. i loved my hatchback. As the girls here would learn, it was “like a truck.” We fit more Ikea furniture in that car than anyone could possibly imagine. But it is now off of its warranty and that makes me very very nervous. Then during the snow storm the car died. The person who jumped the car crossed the clamps and blew up our radio.  After getting the car to a dealer, we found that there was a problem with the alternator, and the battery, as a result, was completely dead. So over the weekend Phil and I decided to look at new cars.

When Mini was first imported into the US, I lived on the same block as a BMW and Mini dealer in Pittsburgh. At the time I settled for a Ford hatchback in a cute blue color and have been driving them ever since. It was my consolation prize since my grad school budget wouldn’t permit a Mini. Over the weekend, Phil and I decided to buy an “adult” car, one that we have wanted for a very long time. So we headed to the new Passport Mini dealer that is on Duke street now. Our saleswoman is also a knitter (and customer!), so we had lots to chat about. She was also the most professional and least pushy salesperson I have ever encountered at a car dealer. (go and ask for Kristin!)  After a day of mulling it over and a really nice offer for our Focus from the dealer, we brought home a British racing green mini.

[if only I had a photo, it would be right here]

He is so cute! But he definitely needs a cozy somewheres..thinking the gear shift handle. (Really, with some effort I think we could make a blanket for the entire car. It is really a very tiny car) Thinking of making the shifter cozy white with the Royal Air Force symbol (blue, white and red target) on the top. More on this to come…in the meantime, maybe I should focus on finishing holiday gifts? Has anyone started next year’s gifts? I am seriously considering making a plan now and starting in February. I just can’t do this last minute again. It’s not working. My father’s vest had a serious set back when I realized about four inches into the V-neck that i had positioned the V-neck off center (good job Danielle). So i had to tear back a few inches. Ripping out intarsia is just as annoying as knitting it. It’s probably worse since there is no sense of accomplishment at the end.