Just recently, I received a motor vehicle license renewal notice in the mail.

I handed it over to my husband thinking it was for his truck. I do not mean his 1978 Ford Ranchero that consumes space in my driveway.  That vehicle has an antique car tag.  I mean his little 1999 Ford Ranger.

I thought the tax bill was for the Ranger because the total due was only $35.77.

To my surprise, he handed it back to me and said ‘this is for your Yukon.’

I was shocked yet pleasantly surprised that the cost to renew my tag was so low.

I knew my Yukon was a 2004 model, but it was not until the tax collector came calling that I really appreciated driving an older model vehicle.

However, I will have to admit I have secretly been lusting over some of the new SUV models, even imaging myself behind the wheel.

Those newer models have so many bells and whistles, my poor little truck just cannot compete.

My Yukon is so old it does not even have an auxiliary jack in it.

I did not know the importance of having this feature until my teenager insisted that it was an absolute must for her car.

Back when I bought the vehicle, cell phones were not as smart as they are now, and obviously, cars were not either.  I will say it would be nice to have an auxiliary jack so I can play all my downloaded music off my phone.

Oh well, at least I have Sirius Radio and a CD player!

My husband and I briefly considered trading in my super-sized ride for something smaller when the cost of filling up was reaching the $80 mark at the gas pumps, but the truth is I like big rides.

I have been driving a Suburban or Yukon for more than 20 years, and even though my family is shrinking, I just cannot see myself in something smaller.

I have gotten used to riding up high and loading my groceries into the back of the vehicle instead of popping the trunk.

And when it comes to travel, you cannot beat an SUV.

There has rarely ever been an issue when I over pack. My trusty Yukon can hold a ton.

With over 200,000 miles and still going strong, there is no legitimate reason for me to shop for a new ride.

Aside from a few small issues, my Yukon looks almost as good as the day we bought it.  And speaking of buying it, in addition to my extremely reduced car tag, my Yukon is paid off.

So not only am I driving around with a cheap car tag, I have no car note.

I can assure you, there is no convincing the man I live with I need a new ride, so I will have to be content with my big white Yukon a little while longer.

It is not so bad, that little baby can really look sharp when I get her all cleaned up, but that Ranchero, it needs to go!