I bought my first car when I was 20. It was a 1973 Volkswagen wagon, a model in which the engine was still in the rear of the vehicle making the large space under the front hood a deep trunk perfect for road trips. Sadly enough, the powder blue jalopy took me on only a single (aborted) road trip before it died, necessitating an expensive tow and the unfortunate conclusion that my newly purchased car had spent some time under water. Literally.
I didn’t venture into car ownership again for years, instead relying upon public transportation, my feet and the occasional rental car. Since buying that Ford Escort wagon (are you seeing a pattern?), I’ve pretty much always had wheels available to me, but little makes me happier than a day when I do not drive. That’s why I live in the city, my friends.
On Friday, I needed to pick up a couple of things so off I went on foot. I finally made it to the awesomely adorable Fort Orange General Store where I picked up a little thank you gift. I’m not a gift store sort of person, but the clean appearance of this spot is more stimulating than overwhelming and it is a treat to have such a place in the DelSo. On my return walk, I ventured into the Asian market and scored a bottle of sweet soy sauce, a condiment with which my entire family is obsessed. Nice to know I don’t have to drive to Central Avenue to get our fix. My last stop was at the auto parts store to buy a replacement headlight bulb for my car. I still haven’t put it in, because it is a bitch to do, but I’m getting there!
On Sunday I had a hankering for a burger that would not be denied. The Capital City Gastropub was calling my name – and, quite frankly, I don’t care how much their burger costs. Yes, it was nice to get one for half price, but seriously? I don’t really eat burgers that often and they always make mine perfectly – uber rare, no bun, with fries served hot and well-salted. At $15 it might seem a bit expensive, but for the quality, it’s a more than fair price. Do you really think anyone is getting rich selling $15 burgers?
I didn’t feel like driving (especially since it was getting dark and I’m lacking a low beam!) so I grabbed my bike and headed over. Although I only had one beer, it was nice to know I could comfortably drink more since I wasn’t driving. I sat on the patio with my bicycle in arm’s reach and completely savored my meal and the beautiful evening. Then I hopped on my bike and “drove” home. Beep beep’m beep beep yeah.
