We drove the new Insight to the site of an Earth Day observance today at Lake Metroparks' Farmpark. The day started out partly-sunny but quickly became overcast and gray. The trip was pleasant enough, however, and gave us our first longer trip in the car — about a 60-mile freeway trip with some local road miles near the end. I got to play with the instantaneous mileage display and other features. We were cooped up in a bicycle advocacy organization meeting for most of the time on-site but enjoyed catching up with old friends and acquaintances. We didn't get to see if anyone thought the new car was part of an Earth Day exhibit!

After the meeting we were itching to get out again so had a so-so lunch at Burger King (BK Veggies) and headed out from the Kirtland, Ohio park taking a state highway for a slower trip home. We made a stop in Hudson and took a little stroll in the charming town's old downtown area. We paid visits to the Learned Owl Book Shop and The Cookery, our two favorite Hudson businesses, made a quick trip to the smallish Heinen's market for a few items, then it was back on the road again and home.

The driver's side headrest is still an annoyance to me. I hope I can find a comfortable seat adjustment to relieve the uncomfortable uneven pressure on the back of my head. Either the "new car smell" or fumes from dealer upholstery treatment are nearly overpowering. Both She and I found the fumes noxious and even irritating to the eyes. I'll be driving with much ventilation for a while! The car's reporting system says I got an average of 49.8 MPG on the 126-mile round-trip and I consider that excellent over "real world" freeways, highway, in-town driving, and rolling to hilly terrain. We'll see how the mileage tallies up against the simple math results of using odometer readings and gasoline pump purchase volume. Also positive is the fact that the windshield wiper controls, while a bit different from what I am used to, are familiar; I learned that because we encountered sprinkles during the return leg of our trip.

Tomorrow the buyer comes to pay for and pick up the 1997 Honda which will be a big relief for She Who Must Be Obeyed. Monday is also the start of my work week and the beginning of regular commuting in the new vehicle. It doesn't make work more fun but it will make getting there a bit more pleasant, interesting, and fuel-efficient.

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