Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Going Out With Mister

Horse-drawn Carriage (Mill Bridge)

Every now and then, Mister takes me for a ride in our new car. It is a previously owned Cadillac with white leather seats.  He bought it last month.  It is the first time I have had a car since I lost mine last summer.  This one has a CD player and power windows.  Messages display on the dashboard, suggesting I turn on the headlights.  It even mentions possible road conditions. It is a clever car.  The seats are so comfortable, and the car seems so elegant, that I only listen to Classical music while I am driving. 

Even though I have driven it a few times myself, it is much more pleasant when Mister does the driving. It is more peaceful and relaxing. 

On a cold, snowy evening, he will drive me to the gas station, or the store; Just to go for a ride.  I bring a blanket and settle myself in the passenger seat.  I am warm and comfortable.  Grandfather says it is like I am Miss Daisy (from the movie "Driving Miss Daisy").   The blanket reminds me of riding in a horse-drawn wagon on a cold winter day.  It is delightful.

These little trips are not errands. If they were, it would be more stressful.  Going out with Mister is like a quiet time of togetherness.   He might buy me a Pepsi, or a Hershey Bar at the gas station.  These gifts are his way of showing he cares. 

While the car may sound grand and expensive, it has some dents in the side and a few problems. That is what made it affordable for us. That is why we were able to buy it without going into debt.  Sometimes we make the joke that we live in a world of dented elegance. Our Estate is majestic, but in need of repairs. Our cars may be lovely, but they are also damaged.  We are happy with this because our life is affordable and classy.  It is a frugally dignified life.  We may go without for many months, but our patience and sacrifice reaps a reward.   It is the way we are, here at The White House.

I have to tell you how much more I appreciate staying home these past 8 months.  I was rarely able to go anywhere, without a ride from someone.  I am so grateful for this blessing of a new car, but my outlook has dramatically changed.  All the errands I used to do, all the events I used to drive the children to, are no longer considered "essential."  I found something far better and more valuable.  I found that the "dream" of really staying home was possible, even for those of we housewives who think we have to always go out.  To really stay home, and to be focused on home for most of our time, is absolutely wonderful. 

I am quieter. I am meeker. I am gentler.  I am more cherished and taken care of by those around me.  The humbleness of being "trapped" at home, has been a great gift and a lesson from the Lord.  I am truly grateful.

Blessings
Mrs. White


From the Archives:

I have been ensconced at Home since Last June when I lost my car. - Rural Homemaking.

Please don't be one of these - Ex - Housewife.

I always want to be - The Mother Who Isn't Busy.




Mrs. White's special book for Homemakers - "Mother's Book of Home Economics."




An Invitation - Subscribe to The Legacy of Home and have it delivered directly to your email. 





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14 comments:

Mrs. Laura Lane said...

I am happy for you.

becky said...

Glad to hear from you again and you are getting "mobile".I have been home a lot this winter keeping our fireplace burning to keep our cabin warm in the extreme cold. I loved it:) Such a peaceful slow feeling and not getting all stressed out because I have to "go" somewhere at a certain time. Was wonderful.I am hoping to keep it up this spring.thanks
Becky

Sue said...

I have been MUCH happier at home. I find going out now in such a different light--it's special. And even coming back home seems more welcoming. I'm glad you got a car, and I'm glad you see the ironies of that car. Enjoy!
:)

Anonymous said...

Beautiful writing! So true! Due to an innocent car accident that took the life of a 37 yr old woman, my husband lost his license for a year. I had to take him to work and back everyday. At first I became worn out. Having to be up at 4:30 am was not my cup of tea. Picking him up at 4:45 pm was making supper prep difficult. However, the Lords plan was that we spend a lot of time together. We went to court about seven times, that is a story in itself. We also went to town every week to run errands together as a family. We spent a lot of time together that year, and I could see the Lords work throughout this whole trial. I am glad to be back home now and I appreciate being home all the more. ~Diane

Anonymous said...

So glad to hear the Lord provided another vehicle for you. I was praying for that for you.

I too appreciate the blessing of being "trapped" :) at home. We have had only one vehicle for the last 14 years out of the 21 we have been married. I can honestly say I am grateful for the experience, although I am praying for another vehicle for us.
I used to be too impulsive, running out to the store on a whim....I can only imagine how much gas money I have saved us, in addition to not being exposed to all those germs out in the stores :)

Joyfulmomof6

Mama Said No said...

"Dented Elegance" I absolutely LOVE that phrase, I shall incorporate it into my speech. Thank you for such a lovely post.

Deborah Montgomery said...

I was without a car a couple years ago for about 7 months. I loved it! It was the perfect "excuse" to stay home. Like you, I am happiest at home. Have you ever read "Cranford" by Elizabeth Gaskill? The ladies in that book live in "frugal elegance." Your words made me think of that book.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on your "new" car!

Anonymous said...

My Dear Mrs. White, You brought a teary smile to my heart. Whenever my late husband would drive me somewhere, he would always say that he was Driving Mrs. Josie.
Josephine

Katrinka said...

This is so good! Dented elegance, that whole paragraph, is beautiful. I agree.

Melissa M. said...

I loved your post today.

Unknown said...

Dear Mrs. White,
I pray many happy and safe miles with your new car. My husband and I made the decision years ago to live with one car, even though we live in the country. It requires more thoughtful planning on our part but we have learned to work together through all of life's inconveniences and have grown closer because of it.

We, too, like to go for little outings in the car and might pull in for coffee or a little snack. We sometimes chase the sunset or find a dark hilltop to watch the stars and moon. These are simple forms of entertainment but can be just as fulfilling and restful as doing more expensive things.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on your "new-to-you" vehicle! It sounds wonderful.

Your description of the little drives you & Mister take remind me so of my parents, going to town after supper (perhaps once a week or so...my mother never did get a driver's license, & had to wait for my father to come home from work) & once in a while not taking anyone along. The errands done, they always stopped at the donut shop for a cup of coffee. Date night, I guess! :o)

Brenda H.

Gentle Joy said...

It is so good to be content with what we have - whether w/ a vehicle or w/o one. :) We shared one vehicle for 13 years....meaning I had to get all of the kids up at 4:30 to take Daddy to work if I needed the car - and I needed it a lot for one son's dr appts. God used that time to help me be very content to stay at home, and even now w/ 2 vehicles, I don't run to places often, but make the trips count-I have so much to do at home and I LIKE my home and family so I like to be here. :) ...I like how you add an elegance, a dignity to what you have....part of being content. Thank you for sharing. Gentle Joy