Betsy hits 100,000 Miles!

Every car I have owned has been named Betsy.   It is a tradition started by my step-dad, Walter “Buck” Thomas, after my parents bought me my first car in 1973.  It was an Orange and Black Chevrolet Nova.  I will never forget that day.  My mom kept sending me outside to do get stuff.  About the third time, I finally noticed a car sitting in the driveway with a BIG RED BOW on top.  Lord, I almost lost my mind.  It was the best graduation gift ever!  I ran in the house hugged everyone, got the keys and took off.  I picked up my friend Debra then headed over to Wanda’s house and picked her up. We rode around until the tank was on empty.  It wasn't until later I got back home that someone pointed out I had on house shoes!

My step-dad taught me how to take care of a car.  He told me I should change my oil every 3,000 miles, he would say “Don’t forget to change Betsy’s oil”.   He bought me a tire pressure gauge, and I can still hear him saying… “Pam check your tires, Betsy’s back left tire needs some air”.   I loved that car.  She was the first Betsy of many.

My next car came during my Charlie’s-Angels-Farrah-Fawcett phase.  I had the hairdo, so I needed the car -  it was a Mercury Cougar (Check out this old Mercury Cougar Commercial).   Next, I had an old raggedy Fiat (or as they use to say “Fix It Again Tony”), then a 1980 Toyota Corolla (with no air condition) which was OK until I moved from Oakland to Houston.  In 1985, when my son was old enough to voice that he was HOT(!!!) I traded in the Toyota for a Chevrolet Nova with air (that was a joint venture between General Motors and Toyota); a 1989 Toyota Mini Van; a 1999 Mercury Villager (that is still running, my mom has it); and finally my 2003 Lincoln Aviator.

I purchase my last Betsy in December 2002 from Texas City Lincoln Mercury, which was then owned by my good friends Don L and Wanda Wolfe.  It was the first Aviator sold from their lot, and my darling nephew Courtney was able to get the sales commission.

This Betsy has served me well. 

I was so excited when her odometer turned over to 100,000 miles that I pulled over to take a picture.  Next month she will be eleven years old and she hasn't skipped a beat.    Sometimes I just think I am ready for a new car, and Betsy has to remind me how wonderful it has been not to have had a car note for the past 7 years, and I quickly come to my senses.

Is there a new Betsy in my future?  Probably.  But in the meantime I am thankful that I have a dependable means of transportation. 

Happy 100,000 miles Betsy, you have been a faithful companion.