Monday, October 03, 2011

Euro Fiat



We wanted to get our Smart Car serviced, so Robb made a reservation with the Mercedes-Benz place up the road. Then, I got an advertisement that offered free service on our Smart if we would take a test drive in the 2012 Fiat 500. So off we went to Rick Case Fiat (which used to be Rick Case Smart, where we purchased our car). You've already guessed, right? Yep, we bought a 2012 Fiat 500. We had been talking about getting another car because, although I love the Smart, it's really too small and causes some problems when there is a third person involved in our plans. The Fiat has a back seat, something we didn't have with the Smart. It's rather small and cramped even for someone as small as Robb, but at least it's an option. I think the thing I like most about the Fiat, is the Bluetooth thingie. You simply turn it on and say, "Call Robb", then it asks, in a sexy female voice, "Do you want to call Robb?". You reply, "Yes" and it makes the call. I do kind of miss the automatic windshield wipers that came on when it started to rain, but I suppose I can get used to doing it manually.

Because we're about mid-way between its hangar and the baseball/football stadium, we get to see the Goodyear Blimp whenever a home game is scheduled.  Usually, it's over near the ocean shoreline, so it's not all that easy to get a photo.  But the other day, I was sitting on the balcon when I heard it and it seemed rather close.  I looked up and it was passing nearly directly overhead.

We Are the 99 Percent

Since my last comment about the euro, it has fallen to around $1.32. That's the lowest it has been in many years, and it appears the trend is continuing. It may soon be worth less than the dollar. The European Union countries are talking about dropping it. I think that would be a mistake for a couple of reasons. First, their own currency wasn't worth much before the euro. Secondly, it's makes it so convenient to travel to different countries without having to worry about exchanging the money. Of course, Italy has been talking about going back to the Lire since they first went to the euro, and that's one thing I'll never understand. Why would you want to go back to a currency for which you need a wheel-barrow to carry around enough to buy a loaf of bread?

Astronomers Reveal Supernova Factory

Dumb Law of the Week: In Indianapolis, it is illegal to kiss if you have a Moustache!

À la prochaine, mes amis.

4 comments:

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

Well, I am thrilled about the conversion as I will be back in Paris in 4 weeks!

Love the Fiat!

Bises,
Genie

LE CHEMIN DES GRANDS JARDINS said...

Merci pour les beatles, j'adore.

Roger

Amanda said...

I have seen the Fiat and thought it was cute. I am up to get a new car pretty soon. Just waiting for my reliable Honda Accord to give up.
I have mixed feelings about the Euro but got puzzled when I heard George Will on ABC saying that Europe should drop the Euro. What is he afraid of?

Ken Broadhurst said...

Hope you like the Fiat 500. I wouldn't mind having one here. By the way, the euro has gone back up against the dollar. Don't know why. I'd like a stronger dollar, that's for sure.