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Ups and downs
Jan. 5th, 2024 09:11Got a call from the auto repair place. After deciding that the oil pan didn't need to be replaced saving me about $900, they discovered some oil in the spark plugs which means the head gasket is leaking. It is kind of the seal that keeps the oil in the pistons where we want it and out of where the spark plugs are trying to create the explosion that pushes the pistons around. It is not enough of a leak that it matters right now but in for a bunch of pennies, in for some pounds. I said, replace it. So that's about another thousand. It was one of those not surprising things, like having an arthritic knee, that is common in a car with 86k miles. While it was going to be ok for now it was not going to get better and ultimately would start degrading performance.
When I was in junior high school they showed us a stupid movie in shop about internal combustion engines and diesel engines. Other than typing, which I also took in junior high school, it was the most important thing I learned. It didn't turn me on at the time but the knowledge I got from it informed the few engineering brain cells I have and I have since understood a lot about engines. And I can type.
I also discovered while driving my wife's Toyota that it has 126k miles on it. So I can definitely see one of our savings accounts is now fully a transportation account. I probably won't put anything but gas and oil into the Smart Car and save as much as we can for the larger vehicle. I love the smart car but it is a Smart For Two and not useful for two plus anything else.
Meanwhile we lost another dog at the ranch. Her name was Bella and she reminded me of a grandmother:
She was a sweet lady who had lots of people taking care of her. I've gotten so I can tell when the dogs are reaching the end. Their aging happens so quickly that it is usually apparent towards the end. Others saw it with Bella. There were lots of pictures of people who had lay down with her to just be there.
It reminds me how much this is a sanctuary, not just a residence for the dogs. They all get so much attention and love.
When I was in junior high school they showed us a stupid movie in shop about internal combustion engines and diesel engines. Other than typing, which I also took in junior high school, it was the most important thing I learned. It didn't turn me on at the time but the knowledge I got from it informed the few engineering brain cells I have and I have since understood a lot about engines. And I can type.
I also discovered while driving my wife's Toyota that it has 126k miles on it. So I can definitely see one of our savings accounts is now fully a transportation account. I probably won't put anything but gas and oil into the Smart Car and save as much as we can for the larger vehicle. I love the smart car but it is a Smart For Two and not useful for two plus anything else.
Meanwhile we lost another dog at the ranch. Her name was Bella and she reminded me of a grandmother:
She was a sweet lady who had lots of people taking care of her. I've gotten so I can tell when the dogs are reaching the end. Their aging happens so quickly that it is usually apparent towards the end. Others saw it with Bella. There were lots of pictures of people who had lay down with her to just be there.
It reminds me how much this is a sanctuary, not just a residence for the dogs. They all get so much attention and love.