JimsWinterBlog

Tuesday, February 27, 2007

More K8's new car, with owner




Since winter has abandoned us here in Morgantown (snow all gone!), here are some more pics of K8 with her car. Since my first car was officially dubbed the 'Red Baron' (1967 VW), it seemed only fitting that her first car be called the 'Blue Angel'!!!!

Sunday, February 25, 2007

Caitlin's New Wheels




Kate has been lobbying for some wheels for a while now. We considered selling her the CR-V next fall (it is well over 100K now, and Ann has been eyeing the new CR-V or another Prius), but we decided to hold off on that as our current vehicle is likely to last another 60-80K at least before major repairs are required. Besides a car with better gas mileage would be better for Kate. So, we did a 5 year cost analysis of used Toyota Matrix or Toyota Rav-4 vs. new Honda Fit, or new Prius, and believe it or not, the Fit came out on top, when considering all costs. It is a new model, very hard to get (she had to wait nearly 6 weeks, and that was the best she could get after visiting 4 dealerships), and very innovative in that it is small on the outside, but amazingly versatile on the inside. They've moved the gas tank forward so the floors in the back and rear seating areas are very deep. So despite having that small car feel on the outside, and zippy driving feel, it has quite a bit of space on the inside. And it has the quality feel of a Honda. I think she will definitely like this car. If she gets a job as a raft guide on weekends this summer, she will no doubt really enjoy having it for commuting to Ohiopyle. She can also fit her new kayak inside. Still have to figure out a rack system for snowboards (though they will go inside too) and boats. Anyway, here is a first look at it. She wasn't at home, or I would have posed her next to her baby. Enjoy!

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Stained glass and snow



Winter finally arrived in Morgantown about mid-January. One of the unanticipated benefits of the arrival of cold and snow has been the effect it has had on our enjoyment of the new entryway. On a snowy day with sun, the glass is backlit and the whole cheat canyon scene depicted in glass lights up! At night, it looks very subdued. The mood changes are very interesting.

We have left our Christmas icicle lights up to highlight the walnut archway. With the less-than-stunning landscaping covered in white, it has felt like a ski lodge! Hope you enjoye the two pictures.