Not so much a cry for help as my thinking out loud, as one should do as one hits a turning point in life.

I too was a bassist, both electric and "upright"; probably mentioned it here before.

I actually came to terms with my mortality long ago, as most infantrymen have. My longevity is a different story, for I'd never considered the possibility. Somehow, it has happened though, and I've been caught unprepared for what comes with it.

I don't think I'll be in the position I need to completely give up cars, at least not yet, just my current approach needs a serious rethink.

More likely I'll shift the old British classics since the one aspect is in serious doubt, that of maintaining them myself. Chances are the next phase of the journey will involve something far more recently made that has a dealer/parts network, that can be maintained by my "general" mechanic who does the dailies, and maintained to the same sort of schedule as the dailies.

I'm considering a car I've until now never considered nor have I particularly respected over the years. A Mazda MX-5 looks to be the best choice out there, even though I've been very dismissive of them for being "too easy" and therefore too common amongst the old posers and boy racers. Now, those qualities that made them "too easy" have taken on a different importance at this juncture.

Not giving up on one's future but thinking how life's pursuits can continue is a mental requirement for sanity.