Much has happened to our family since 1984. One item stands out because it's still with us -- our l984 Volvo.

"Old Blue" has become an heirloom, and despite its age and 194,000 miles, is still feisty as it can be with a 4-cylinder engine.

We bought the car during our son Steve's high school senior year in Newtown, Conn., and he drove it to his prom. We have his picture standing beside it with his girl friend whose blue eyes matched the Volvo.

We decided to retire Old Blue several years ago and called Steve in California to let him know. He pitched a fit and wanted it shipped to him. We'd tried to give Old Blue to our grandson Andrew, but he said it looked like an old beat-up box.

When we retired to Seven Lakes West, Dick Thomas, the gate security guard, looked at our Volvo and said, "When are you gonna get rid of that old clunker? It makes the neighborhood look bad."

I told him we were shipping it to Steve in California, and he said, "Good! The farther away, the better."

Steve now has the car. After minor adjustments, it passed California smog tests, and he drives it to work. Folks want to buy it, but he's not selling. Old cars like Old Blue are "in" in California.

Steve plans to give it to his daughter Hollis when she turns 16. She'll be 5 soon. She says she doesn't want it. She wants a new car and a puppy.

Oh well, Old Blue will be standing by just as it has for the last 24 years. If Hollis doesn't want it when she's 16, I'll take it back.

Robey Howard

West End