Der Bingle and I are talking about a replacement car for moi, and it is, not daunting, but complicated – a Little Old Lady From Pasadena moment. Now, what I would like is a car with a strong engine, good tires and a couple of scratches and dents. Do you know they do not seem to have a major selling place for such cars?

I came up with the idea that Der Bingle get a newer car and I take the one he is driving now. That didn’t go over too well; he says he has his seat just right. Does that sound like a reasonable response? I think it is code for “You are not getting my engine, which is the best one that Buick ever made.” He also said that I really should get one with a rear camera.

My son Quentin remarked that now they are making cars that tell you what to do and then sigh and say to their computer selves, “You’re not listening; I’m going to go ahead and brake.” I suppose that sends me some message.

I guess I know what most people are telling me in one way or another, because I have always sensed that when I have chosen a car in the past, the car seems to almost cry and say, “Oh, no, not her.”

And I think all my bitching about getting to the milestone 70 has given people an opening to suggest that I find happiness in the slow(er) lane.

It’s going to be a humbling week.