Got my car insurance bill a few days ago. I looked at it and filed the mental note to pay it before it elapses. Then, i considered it again.

Generally, I drive one place each day, maybe two. Don’t really need to but I do. Then, I considered; do I really need a car. I mean we really pay an awfully lot for the convenience of wheels.

The other day, drove into Firestone, spent the whole day there and drove out over a grand lighter. Mind, I’m not complaining about Firestone. They did very well for a reasonable price. The thing is that I need at least 1500 more to fix axles, air conditioning and who knows how many more problems lurking out of sight.

It’s just getting awfully expensive to keep up a car when I now drive about 10, maybe 15 miles a day.

Oh yes. Let’s not forget the price of fuel. Thanks to Joe, we all feel a bit lighter as we drive away from the gas pumps. Let me clarify that. Financially lighter. I must admit the fuel is heavier, but not much.

Indeed, maybe, I should take the hint from OLD Joe and start bicycling everywhere I go. I figure I might save 2 or 3 thousand a year. Considering we are living totally on Social Security, that is a lot. Fact is – that’s a bunch for most all of us. To be sure, it’s even more for those who have far more than me. After all, they must buy their Lincolns, Cadillacs, and or, their BMWs. They pay more for their vehicles, more for their insurance and, likely more for their maintenance.

Going to a bicycle as my transport is not a decision taken lightly. I mean, bicycles are more dangerous. We don’t normally wear helmets in cars, not yet anyway. However, we and our children are firmly cautioned against going to the local convenience store without something to protect our noggin.

Therefore, I must assume that it would be quite dangerous to abandon my 4 wheels for 2.

So. Before I decide, I’m sure you realize, I have very much to consider. Money is not everything. Safety is a factor as well. Someone in one of those big cars just might hit me. I’m afraid the helmet would provide little protection.