Tag: nature

I’m sure that most of you have heard of the impending doom the this part of the country, by way of a massive snow storm. Well I have to say, typically I don’t think much about things like that and I never run to the grocery store and get the milk, eggs, bread, and so on. Reason being as far as I can remember, in my lifetime, we have at most been snowed in for a day or two, and I typically have enough food in the house to sustain myself for that period of time. So when this one was announced I didn’t think much about it either. Until, I got to thinking that I travel nearly 50 miles each way to and from work and this particular storm, would be arriving during my shift at work and then continually get worse the closer to home I got. Enter the thought that I need a different winter vehicle.

So on Wednesday I started doing research on different vehicles and their respective on and off road capabilities, ride, dependability, and of course price. The vehicle that I came up with was a smaller SUV, with plenty of interior room, good reviews from actual owners, and something that I could afford for a second vehicle without breaking the bank. So yesterday I purchased a 2003 Nissan Xterra SE. It’s a little older, with a few minor issues, but I was happy with the decision.

Now let me tell you about the first trip to work and back in my “new” old vehicle. The “X” as they have come to be know, lived up to the reviews that I read, not a lot of power, rides a little like a truck, no frills or extras, yet a sold vehicle. The trip to work was uneventful, from Uniontown, where I live, to Greensburg then on to downtown Pittsburgh. And as the day progressed the storm proceeded as they had forecasted, move in from the south and arrive in Pittsburgh by around 6 or 7pm. So at 7 we close up the store and I head for home. And as predicted the weather got worse the further south I drove towards home. At about the halfway point I had to put my new vehicle in 4 wheel drive where it would remain the rest of the way home. By the time I got to the house there was around 7-8 inches of snow and my “new” old car brought me right up the hill to my house without spinning a tire. I have to say that I am impressed. And if I was driving my Ford Focus I might have had to stay overnight in the car.

I’m looking forward to many great adventures in my “new” old car and I’m sure that from time to time I’ll post a little something about the day.

Tonights photo isn’t great, it’s off the porch in the dark but I just wanted to show off my new toy.