Since it was retired from service on October 22, 1998, the 1987 Dodge Colt 4-door compact has been moth-balled on the side of our driveway. For almost two years, the future of this vehicle was uncertain. Would it be passed on, to a needy family? Would it be sold for educational purposes, to a local automotive training school? Would the City of Plymouth use the Colt in training its drug-sniffing dogs?

The Sky-Blue with rust trim Colt served us well. It endured a terrifying sumergence during a tornado, where Joe braved 3-foot rushing floodwater to push the car and his family to safety, while returning from the Minneapolis Airport. It has logged thousands of miles travelling to and from Noelle's family in Brainerd and in Willmar. Most recently, it has shown some age.

We received the Colt as a wedding gift from Noelle's sister Mindi, on October 6, 1996. It had approximately 72,000 miles. Over the years, it has had its alternator, voltage regulator, battery, exhaust system, and one tire replaced. It came to rest at about 114,000 miles. When a routine service check revealed a missing CV boot, the decision was made that the recommended axle replacement cost would be excessive for a car that could no longer carry our family and belongings to and from Brainerd. Its last journey was on a return drive from Coon Rapids Chrysler Plymouth, with Joe at the wheel, and Jason Hill driving the new Chrysler Cirrus home from the dealership. The clutch failed on the 694 to 169 freway interchange, and it ceased to operate at that point. It was towed to our yard that night.

The decision was drawn out over almost two years; a period of concern over gasoline prices prompted the thought of its ressurection, since even in its aging form, it yielded approximately 34 miles to the gallon. When we determined as a family that we would stay in Minnesota for at least a few more years, we decided we should work on improving the aesthetics of our yard. Removing a retired vehicle was an important part of this plan.

The Colt was hauled away after sunset, by a local towing company. We are left with a bare patch of ground and several Marigolds growing around its edges.