As I drove into Ottawa early this morning to take my car to the dealership for replacement of a defective Sirius module, it pleased me to be doing something of substance.  Quite apart from the disabling influence of the pandemic, being retired means I seldom have much of a pressing nature other than groceries or a visit to the pharmacy.  Having this duty to fulfill made me feel relevant once again! As well it got me out of bed earlier than usual which naturally entails the advantage of a longer day – and the incomparable benefit of an afternoon nap!

My arrival at the dealership disclosed that life there is anything but business as usual.  Customers are no longer entitled to go into the service area but must instead leave their car parked in the bay then walk around the building to the front to enter the main door and wait in the upper lounge. Technically the staff are no longer permitted to “show” or deliver new cars to prospective clients. In spite of these impending qualifications I ended having fruitful conversations with the owner and the senior financial advisor concerning not only business in general but mine in particular. I was informed that because the factory in Chicago is temporarily closed it is uncertain when my new vehicle will be here. Upon further inquiry we discovered there is a car on the lot which virtually matches the colours (exterior and interior) and features I had ordered. The only difference is the addition of a console between the second-row seats. After due consideration and examination of all the issues, we decided to go with the one on the lot.  It should be ready for pick-up in the next several days following the customary pre-delivery inspection (PDI).

Though obviously I thrill to the idea of a fresh start (which is why I normally order a new car rather than take what is on the lot), I ensured that the vehicle on the lot has only 23 kms on the odometer. This satisfies me there haven’t been any customers taking it for a test drive. There remains the prohibition of business on the lot.  For this purpose we’ve discussed making the exchange in the parking lot of a nearby mall. Naturally these adjustments are potentially disturbing but I have managed to acquaint them with an historic and singular commerce. It is always so frivolous to allow minor disruptions to quell the ether of novelty.

Though there is no urgency – either presumptive or prospective – I am nonetheless provoked as usual by the necessity to get on with it. Once I resolved to make the purchase of the new vehicle – something I did months ago when the debate about SUVs and sedans first swirled about – the event has grown in animation. I have now shamelessly lapsed into that state of mind which prompts me to snap my fingers at the past! Certainly the new vehicle has a heightened level of technology. Perhaps more importantly the SUV character of the vehicle sweetens its popular allure and immediacy.  Sedans are so passé!

Armed with this nascent stimulation it may sound strange that I was consumed by the desire to visit our burial monument in the Auld Kirk Cemetery.  There is no direct relationship between the two events other than that they constitute elements of my overall agenda. The various entrances to the cemetery were barred – presumably to prevent travel along the soft roadways during springtime run-off. Accordingly we parked at the main gate and walked to the furthest corner of the property to have a look at our real estate. Since we undertook the erection of the monument last year I have been drawn to compare alternate resorts in the various other cemeteries within the immediate district.  The most obvious comparison is that of the Anglican Church – coincidentally located nearby.  The Auld Kirk Cemetery is under the umbrella of the United Church of Canada. While I have always preferred association with the Church of England (of which I am a confirmed though sophistic member) I – like so many others I know – have chosen instead to establish a final resting place in the uncommonly attractive Auld Kirk Cemetery. The views are nonpareil!

Our monument has yet to acquire that moss-like patina which distinguishes so many others in the cemetery. For the time being we satisfied ourselves to confirm our immediate neighbours and to ensure nothing untoward had transpired over the winter months. It is so heartening to know that one’s graveyard is “ready when you are!” affording one less concern in an already worrisome vernacular.  And as it constitutes the remaining capital in Canadian real estate I am anxious to relive the dying moment so to speak.