Escape service

I took our 2011 Ford Escape XLT 2.5L 4 cylinder in for an oil change last Wednesday. It had been over a year since the last one.  

I also wanted to see if they could check out why it wouldn't start sometimes. When you turn the ignition key, it will sometimes start right off... or not. It often does nothing - like the key isn't making a connection or something. When it does that I have to try it several times, sometimes jiggling the shifter seems to help, or turning the key around, or rubbing my head and stomach at the same time... Anyway, they said it would cost $175/hour for diagnostic testing... so I passed. I guess I'm going to have to wait until it strands me somewhere.

Anyway, just the oil and filter change was $64.50! I don't remember it being quite so much, but it has been awhile.

I took it to the family-owned shop we have mostly used since moving here. When I was pastoring, much of the family went to our church and they were always very nice to us. The son now owns it - and I actually officiated his wedding ceremony. And, when I dropped the car off today, I thought the gentleman at the counter looked vaguely familiar. Turns out he is a nephew of the owner, who also used to attend our church. Although the last time I saw him he was maybe in upper elementary school! Now he is way over 6 feet tall and a hefty man! Crazy.

After dropping the car off at 7:20am I decided to run home. I had to meander a bit and got in 5 miles with a 3/4 mile cooldown walk.

Here is the list of services they recommend (some for the last several times):

• Front Control Arms with alignment ($795.27)
• Fuel Injection Service ($213.61)
• Cooling System Flush ($227.97)
• Rear Shock Absorbers ($467.31)
• Brake Flush ($153.55)
• Transmission Flush ($283.51)
  

Wow, that adds up to $2,141.22!!! Um, we'll see. Oh, and it also needs new tires (the current ones are 9 years old).

So, other than a nice chat with a former church-goer who's now all grown up... that was a pretty depressing little endeavor. Ugh.

One accord service

We had our 2013 Honda Accord serviced today at the dealership. Just an oil change, plus the cabin air filter and engine air filter. Geezaroo, it was $60+ for EACH filter! Fortunately we still get a break on the oil change since we bought the car there ($33.77). Altogether it was $179.11. Ugh. 

They also suggested the following be done:

• Passenger license plate light out (I replaced myself for $5)
• Spark plugs
• Serpentine belt
• Transmission flush
• Brake flush
• Coolant flush

Since we are now at 123,000 miles I suppose I should think about some of those things. 

On a positive note… the dealership has finally gotten their service department construction done, so they have a nice new waiting area. It took about an hour, so I helped myself to a complementary coffee and read a couple chapters in my book. 

…and lived to tell about it. 

Accord oil change

It's another not-so-exciting post today. Sorry, but this is how I keep track of my cars.

I took the 2013 Honda Accord LX in for an oil change this morning. They were supposed to have done this in June but it was during their software ransomware attack and apparently it slipped through the cracks (although, who replaces the valve cover gasket and doesn't even check the oil let alone change it?). 

Anyway, I had a 9:30 appointment and was out of there at 10:10. Since their service department is still under construction (I think it's been like 3 years now), I opted to wait in their cozy little outdoor waiting area. It was actually pretty nice (see pic).

In addition to the oil change they also informed me of the usual other things they suggest I have done: 

• Cabin air filter is dirty ($78)
  
• Engine air filter is dirty ($70)
  
• Brake fluid is dirty ($193)
• Transmission service ($193)
• Coolant flush ($181)
• Fuel Injector cleaning ($203)

Once again I passed on all of that, but the next time I need to remember to have them at least do the bold items. 

So, that's about all the excitement for today - since I'm nursing a sore back from washing windows yesterday. :(

One new tire

I kind of feel like I had my "belle" rung.

Both of our cars have had one tire that keeps slowly losing air for... I dunno, maybe a year or so. Every couple few weeks the tire light will come on, and a few days later I will fill it with air from the 20-25psi it's down to, put to the 35psi it's supposed to be at. It hasn't been a big deal, but I finally decided I should at least have the one on Jane's car looked at.

The last set of tires on each vehicle are from Belle Tire. I suppose I got a deal, plus you can set it all up online. Supposedly then you have free tire repair, rotation, and whatnot for life.

I finally got up the nerve to call last week to see about getting the tire fixed and rotating the tires. As soon as I got there last Thursday I started recalling events from previous visits. Oh yeah... (after looking back in my archives I forgot just how much of a hassle it ended up being once at the store on Illinois Rd).

As I'm waiting I hear the slick willy sales staff tell a couple others, "Yeah, unfortunately that nail is too close to the sidewall and we can't fix your tire. You'll have to get a new one." I was already feeling skeptical when it came my turn, but what was I gonna do?

What's worse is they didn't have my tire in stock and they would have to order it. They could swap it out Monday. Supposedly they would get the tire in, change it, and have it all ready for me when I arrived.

I left with a sinking suspicion. It was no better when I got there today to have them put the new tire on.

Anyway, long story short (and why the hell was this a long story???), once they got it changed, informed me it needed an alignment, did that, and sent me on my way $300 poorer... I happened to check the trunk before I left the store. Sure enough, their tire jockey had not put my spare away correctly! So I re-finagled the donut and jack and stuff the way it was supposed to be. I thought about going in and saying something but... why? What good would it do? Who would care?

So, we have one new tire on the Honda Accord to match the other three that I bought a mere two years ago (June 2022). Supposedly it's in perfect alignment now too. Who knows.

If I do anything with the tire on my car I will likely just go to our regular garage and pay them to fix it. Even if I can't trust them 100%, I trust them more than Belle. Maybe I'm just cynical, but listening to their sales staff for a couple hours did not endear me to their business model. 

But, that's me. I hate doing stuff like this...

Accord fix

Nope, this ain't about politics. It is not possible for anyone to fix this country and get us all in one accord. 

Last Thursday we took our 2013 Honda Accord LX in for service. The engine light had been on for 2-3 weeks and they've been telling me the valve cover gasket is leaking oil for probably a couple years. So I called to have them change the oil, check the check engine light, and replace the valve cover gasket. While they had it there they also said I really should get the rear brakes done. Ugh. Almost $1100 altogether. So...

What they did:

1. Replaced rear brakes
2. Replaced valve cover gasket
3. Replaced the purge valve (I think) - which is why the engine light was on

Apparently, though, judging by the paperwork, they did NOT do an oil change! It was a quart low when I took it in - which is why I finally decided to have the valve cover gasket replaced - and it is still a quart low. What the heck?

I suppose, in their defense, they were in a bit of disarray because of a national ransomware attack on car dealership software. I'd read about it, and my service tech told me they were having to do all their paperwork by hand. When I mentioned the ransomware he just made a hushing motion with his finger. Whatever.

As usual, they gave me the regular list of suggested items that need attention:

• brake fluid flush (dirty)
• transmission flush (mileage)
• coolant flush (mileage)
• spark plugs (mileage)

 Someday maybe I'll get to those things...

Escape with new struts

I had to take the 2011 Ford Escape XLT 2.5L 4 Cylinder in for service last week. Ugh. It needed an oil change, but it had also been making a clunk/clank noise for quite some time. That sound ended up coming from our piggy bank...

This has been a good car for us, so I can't really complain. Not only did we get the oil changed, a new battery, and wheel alignment, but we also had to have both front struts replaced and a new stabilizer bar link kit. They suggested replacing the rear shocks, fuel injection service, cooling system flush, and replacing the spark plugs (even though I swear they just replaced the spark plugs about a year ago), but I thought the $1,565.94 was enough for this visit. 

I do have to say, it drives and sounds waaaaaaay better. We'd had issues with the stabilizer bar before, and I just thought something was loose. Apparently the struts had rusted out, so it is one smooth and quiet ride now in comparison.

Honda serviced

I know this isn't very exciting and I plan/planned to write a slew of posts today, but I'm just not feeling it at the moment so...

We took the Honda Accord in for an oil change yesterday. I originally had an appointment to have the oil changed as well as investigate the valve cover gasket leak. That date came and went while I was in the hospital (I cancelled it from my hospital bed). Since our 'oil life' was now down to just 5% I thought I'd just get the oil change now and worry about the gasket leak some other time. God knows I've been putting that off for awhile.

The dealership where we take this car doesn't currently have a service waiting area (under construction), so we dropped it off yesterday afternoon. We stopped on Jane's way to work today to pick it up. The bill was only $26.70, which included a car wash, so it actually saves us a boatload going to the dealership.

Of course the list of suggested things needing done is about the same as always:

• brake fluid flush (dirty)
• valve cover gasket leak
• transmission flush (mileage)
• coolant flush (mileage)
• spark plugs (mileage)

I probably should have the brake fluid flushed and the gasket leak looked into sometime soon. The "mileage" suggestions though... meh, we'll see. It's just recently went over 100,000 miles, so it should be good for awhile yet.

Brakes on the escape

Stopping an escape is probably always a good idea. Especially my 2011 Ford Escape XLT 2.5L.

The front brakes had been a bit wonky for a couple weeks. The pedal was hard and then the pads were not releasing when I went to go. So I finally called our local garage last week and made an appointment (actually I did it online). I wasn't expecting it to be quite so much though...

• Front brake pads
• Front rotors
• Front calipers
• Front brake hoses
• Brake fluid

While they were doing all that I went ahead and had the spark plugs and the transmission fluid replaced too. Ugh. $1500!

They also said I need a new battery and the fuel injectors cleaned. I will get a battery myself.

This vehicle has been good to us, and I feel fortunate we are able to pay a bill like this on the spot. Still, it was a bit unexpected. Oh well. Hopefully it will keep going for another 100,000 miles or so (~110,000 now). 

That's about as exciting as I can make this entry...

12 miles, brakes, and dryer repair

I took Jane's 2013 Honda Accord in yesterday and had them replace the front brake pads. I debated where to have it done and finally just caved and gave the dealership the $350. Gah. They also suggested that at the next oil change I have them investigate the oil leak from the valve cover. Not looking forward to that either.

Early this afternoon I did a 12 mile run. I averaged just under 11-minute miles (as planned). It went okay. There was a light drizzled almost the entire 2 hours 10 minutes. It was also windy again, but not as bad as last week. I started out along the greenway and headed to Foster Park. All of a sudden I noticed there were 6 deer right beside me - not 10 yards away. I puttered past and they all watched, but not a one of them even moved. It was crazy.

After the run I tackled the clothes dryer again and replaced the blower fan. Back in early March I noted on this post that I was hoping it was just loose, but it worked itself back to a wobble. I'm glad I had the videos from the March 9th post. They made all the difference and it wasn't too bad of a job. At least I hope it works. I've just put the first load in and it's purring like a kitten so far. 

So, it's been a fairly eventful couple days. Jane and Carrie went to Columbus today shopping, and now I'm watching the Final Four.

Honda accord serviced

I had the oil changed in our 2013 Honda Accord LX this past Wednesday (2/22) at the dealership where we bought it. The last time was on May 24, 2022.

Of course, as always, there were other things they said it needed too:

• Passenger low beam headlight out (I replaced it at home afterward)
• Valve cover leak
• Front break pads need replaced asap
• Rear break pads are worn
• Fluid flushes
• Brake caliper service

I didn't have any of those things done, so I walked out 90 minutes after arriving and only paid $26.70. 

I need to at least get the front brake pads replaced in the next couple weeks, either at the dealership or at the mechanic where I take my car. The dealership quoted $370. Ouch.

Ford escape serviced

Man, I don't remember the last time I had our 2011 Ford Escape serviced (and, btw, it's an XLT 2.5L 4Cyl). Especially at the garage where we used to have all our vehicle work done!

I had last Thursday off work, so I took advantage and scheduled an oil change and to have them check why my engine light is always on. (I haven't been using this garage because they only schedule oil changes in the morning, and it's just darn hard for me to do that because of my work schedule - unless I take/have the day off work).

Gee, prices have gone up a bit too. Admittedly, I used to always get free oil changes here because the former owners attended our church. The son has taken over the business and now by the time you add all the fees and taxes... it was $60 for just regular old oil and a filter! We only pay $24.95 for the other car at the Honda garage (and it uses the expensive oil).

They also suggested I get the transmission flushed - which they've been suggesting for years.

As for the engine light. Apparently it is on for two different reasons:

1. There is an "Evaporative Emission system leak." This is related to the fuel inlet valve. The warning light for that was on awhile back (but has since went off). It's likely because this car doesn't have a gas cap and it's simply a poor design. The guy said it doesn't affect the performance of the car and isn't really a big deal.
2. "A/C demand beyond self-test range." Basically the air conditioner doesn't work well. Which I haven't used in years (probably because it doesn't work well).

So, neither issue is anything to worry about - at least at the moment. And I've always resisted flushing the tranny fluid because I did that on one of our cars and it started leaking afterward and never stopped. Call me crazy, but it seems another one of those "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" things.

All-in-all, it was a nice experience though. They've expanded the waiting area a bit, so I just stayed there and read my book and drank coffee. Plus it was interesting listening to all the car talk - most of which I had no clue about. Cars sure have changed. It took about 54 minutes altogether.

Ps - and I actually just now got a text from the owner wanting to know if everything went well and wishing my family a Merry Christmas! Nice.

New tires on the accord

Oof. I'm not sure a blown tire would have been this bad.

When I got the oil changed on our 2013 Honda Accord, the dealership said we needed new tires. They quoted a price on three options. I didn't really like any of those tires, and have grown up thinking it a bad idea to have the dealership do anything but warranty work, or these low-price oil changes we get. 

I'd gotten tires for our other vehicle at Belle Tire, and started looking at what they had. I settled on these Goodyear Assurance ComfortDrive tires. Yes, they cost an arm and a leg, but it's Jane's car and the one we take on any highway trips. I also figured I may as well just get them at Belle as well.

That's where the trouble began. First, I tried to set an appointment and pay for them online. I put in all the info, including my credit card, and hit submit. "Oops. It looks like something went wrong. Please try again," was the response. So I did it all again... ring up another $700+ bill. Well, guess what? After it went through the second time, I ended up with TWO invoices. Yes, I double-paid. After contacting customer support they had someone from the local store call and we decided to settle it up in person when I got the tires installed.

So, the day of installation was yesterday. I'd worked my usual long day and I was my normal tired near-dead self. I show up at the 2:30 appointment time and the equally tired guy says they're running behind because they're short-staffed, so it will likely be about an hour and a half. Whatever. I decided to walk down the street to Menards - no problem.

About 45 minutes into my walking up and down every aisle at Menards I get a phone call. Uh-oh. The tire guy asks, "How many tires did you want us to put on?" Um... I think I actually said that. "Um, all of them." I mean, did he not have my order right in front of him?! Was I paying $716.32 for ONE tire?! I got a bad feeling so I just walked back to the store and thought I better wait there.

The 1 1/2 hours quickly passed into 2 hours, and FINALLY they pulled my car around. A different service rep is there now, and he calls me on my phone - from 10 feet away. I walk up to the counter, still talking to him on the phone. He hands me the keys and says I'm good to go. What? So I explain about the little refund I'm supposed to have coming. Oh..... And, also, was I not going to get a receipt or anything?!?

Fortunately he has to call the manager over to do the refund for the double billing that has now somehow become MY fault. The manager looks at the bill and says, "Didn't you want the alignment check?" I say, "Yes, I did. It's free isn't it?" He says it is and he will have it done right away.

So I waited longer. At least he took care of my refund while I was waiting. And, sure enough, it needed an alignment done as well (I wasn't at all surprised, plus I'm not paying for 4 new tires and not having the alignment checked). Add on another $100, and another wait.

Finally, after 3 hours, my car is done. So when the service rep hands me the keys for the second time I bring up the supposed $75 rebate I was supposed to get for purchasing and installing 4 new Goodyear tires. Yeesh, here we go again. Once again the manager has to come out and find the rebate for me.

--

You know, I understand that this is how life is now. We can't just do things anymore. We can't trust anyone. Businesses can't find employees. People can't be depended on. Nothing works and nobody cares. I mean, this is not just a worker problem. It's true that workers don't care. But this is what's happened to the American people because of American big business. These companies don't care about customer service or their reputation anymore (or their workers). They're run by giant corporations whose owners don't make money off schmucks like you and me. They make it off stocks and mergers and shenanigans the likes of which would turn any normal persons stomach. 

So, what's a poor boy to do? Well, I drove home silent in the pouring rain, dazed by the cold hard slap of the year two thousand twenty two, right up my a**. Then I ate supper and went to bed.

I half expected all four tires to be flat this morning. And I've yet to make sure they're even the right ones. Whatever. It is what it is.

We have new tires on our one accord. Yay.

***

Psalm 37:7

"Be still before the Lord
and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when people succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes."

 

Honda accord serviced

I took our 2013 Honda Accord LX sedan in for a simple oil change yesterday. Or so I thought...

Nothing is simple when it comes to cars anymore. I'm nervous every time I take one in. Especially when going to the dealership! You just know they're going to find 'something else.'

Well, I take the Honda to the dealership for oil changes because they're only $24.95 there instead of $70 anywhere else. So I do appreciate that. Yesterday I also had them replace the Micron cabin filter and air filter (these both should have been done the last time but I opted against). So it only cost me $162.66 ($57 was labor to replace the two filters!). I did at least get a free car wash.

There was also a long list of other items that need attention:

• Tires - both rear were fairly worn, and they suggest replacing all four
• Brake Pads - all four are either in the 'require future attention' or 'require immediate attention'
• Transmission Flush - also recommended last time
• Break Fluid Flush - also recommended last time
• Valve Cover Leak - this was a new one. $130 just to check it out... no thanks
• License Plate Bulb out - I can replace this by myself for 1/4 the cost
• Drivers Reverse Light out - I think I can replace this for 1/4 the cost too

The list seems to grow on every visit. I'm not concerned about the bulbs (as long as I get them replaced on my own), or really about the fluid flushes. The tires probably do need replaced, as I imagine they are original; and I'm not surprised by the brake pads. I'm a little concerned about the valve cover leak. It could be nothing.... or it could be a real downer, which I don't even want to think about.

I wish now we had never bought this car. Everyone said, "Oh, Accords are great cars!" Well, maybe all except this one. We've had starter problems, the axles replaced, it's uncomfortable as all get-out, and now maybe an engine problem. Ugh.

I'm sure these are "just the normal noises" of car ownership. In light of the mass murder of school children yesterday... this is nothing, and I feel fortunate to have two cars and the ability to pay someone to repair them.

***

Matthew 18:1-5

At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.

Windshield wipers on the escape

It's difficult to drive if you can't see. And with road crews spreading more salt than mother nature is snow... windshield wipers (and spray) are in high demand.

So I changed the wiper blades on my 2011 Ford Escape this week. They were long overdue. The front wipers are 20" and the rear is 12". It wasn't so bad... once I got the correct style. 

Last week I picked up new rain-x front and rear replacements. The back one was easy enough to change. It just pops off with a little finger pressure, and the new one pops on. I finally had to google how to remove the front one, then had a dickens of a time trying to get the replacement to fit. So, back to google. Well guess what? The style I bought only had adapters that work with J-Hook, Pin Arm, and Bayonet Arm. The Escape needs the I & L, or "pinch tab" style. If anyone needs a brand new 20" wiper, I have one with no packaging.

Yesterday I bought a Rain-X Latitude 2-in-1 Water Repellency blade. Supposedly it "treats the window with a water repelling coating." So it clears & repels. Most importantly, it fits all six styles of wipers.

I'm sure it will be awhile before I need to replace them again, so I will have to consult this post at that time. Oh the joys of car maintenance.

***

"Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely." - 1 Corinthians 13:12

Ford escape service and new ball joint

I took my 2011 Ford Escape in for an oil change on my birthday. I dropped it off at the place we always used to take our cars for service on Pettit Street. Since I didn't have to work I could get it in and not have to worry about how to get to and from work. I just walked there and back from home since it's only 2.3 miles (I actually ran there to pick it up - first run since the marathon).

Anyway, as per usual, it needed more than an oil change. They recommended several things: change the wiper blades, transmission fluid, spark plugs, and such. What I did have them do was replace the right front ball joint, rotate the tires, and do an alignment. Total cost was $418.07.

Ironically, it was almost a year ago when I last had the oil changed (Oct. 21), and it had been almost a year exactly since the time before that! We don't put near as many miles on the cars anymore, and I'm okay with that. The Escape currently has just over 101,000 miles on it. It's been a good vehicle and I like driving it.

***

Psalm 143:10

"Teach me to do your will,
    for you are my God;
may your good Spirit
    lead me on level ground."

New axles on the honda (and other service)

You know how your car engine light will sometimes come on, then go off, but sometimes it stays on for several days and you're like, "Well, now what should I do?"? Yeah, that happened with our 2013 Honda Accord LX 2.4L last week. Except, wouldn't you know it, as soon as I called to get it in for service (some 3 days later), the light went out!

We were supposed to take it in back in February anyway to see if some part was included in a recall, so I went ahead and kept the service appointment and had them change the oil as well.

Well, it turns out the part that needed inspected did, in fact, need replaced... and it was BOTH FRONT DRIVESHAFT ASSEMBLIES!! Apparently the axles were rusting. So I guess it's a good thing the engine light came on (even if it didn't stay on).

I left the car for the day and they did a whole bunch of stuff, and it wasn't near as expensive as I thought it was going to be ($151.69).

• Oil/filter change - $12.95
• Removed and replaced both front axle assemblies, and performed front end alignment - $0
• Changed wiper blade inserts - $34.76
• Rotated tires - $19.95
• Rear alignment (since they had to do the front) - $69.50

Somewhere along the line there was another ~$15 of fees or charges. The thing that puzzles me though, they do this 100-some-point inspection of everything and rate it, and both the cabin air filter and engine air filter show they need immediate attention, but they apparently didn't replace them or even mention it. 

They also suggested (again):

• Transmission fluid exchange
• Coolant exchange
• Brake fluid exchange
• Fuel induction cleaning 

Yeah, yeah, yeah... I thought what we had done was enough. When I drove it home it sounded a bit loud on the road. I don't know if the axles take some breaking in, or if it was from the tire rotation. Either which way, I hope it doesn't last.

Overall I get a good feeling from their service department. I always thought you should never take your car to the dealership for service because it was so expensive. They get me on that $12.95 oil change though. I guess they're successful for a reason. And... I'm glad it's done, at least for awhile.

***

Philippians 2:1-4

"Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others."

New battery in the honda accord

I just said to someone the other day: "I always dread the bitter cold because that's when things start to break." Yep.

Jane went to leave for her hair appointment yesterday evening and her car wouldn't start. When you turned the key it stood silent and the lights on the instrument panel blinked on and off.

I had her take my car, and I immediately went to Google. It seemed pretty certain to be the battery - which was somewhat of a relief. After cleaning the connections and looking things over with a wrench in my hand, I decided the best thing to do was get the battery tested, so I took it out and waited for Jane to get home with the other vehicle.

Fortunately there are several auto parts stores in our neighborhood. I went to O'Reilly Auto Parts because I'd been there before and it's right by our grocery store, just a mile down the street. They said it would take an hour to test it, so I just asked for a new battery.

Of course, wouldn't you know, these Honda Accords are model specific AND engine specific. After a quick trip back to my garage, it took me ten times longer to find out what model and engine the stupid thing had than it did to change the battery out!

Now I know: we have a 2013 Honda Accord LX 4-door sedan with a 2.4 Liter L4 MPI DOHC 16. I'm not sure what those last letters and numbers mean, but the next time I need to know all this stuff, I now know I can search my blog for it!! If I remember.

Anyway, I got the best battery they had: the Super Start Extreme Battery Size 35 (SSB 35EXT) with a 3-year warranty. It was $169.99

I will say, the battery is an easy switch on this car. It just took a few minutes. However, the bracket that holds it down didn't fit on this larger battery, so I need to figure something out about that. It probably isn't going to move, but I can at least use a bungee strap or something on it. It's fine for now.

I was really glad the car was in the garage when this happened, and it wasn't first thing in the morning or late at night. It could have been way worse, and really wasn't any big deal as it was.

***

“But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.” -Psalm 59:16

 

The first snow

We got our first snow of the year yesterday. It actually might have snowed when we were in Illinois, but I guess that doesn't count if I didn't see it. Anyway, it wasn't much, but it's amazing how slick the streets can get from such a little frosting.

In other news... I changed both headlight bulbs in the '13 Honda Accord. I noticed the left one was out the other day, so I just bought the cheapest Sylvania H11 headlamp pair for ~$25 and replaced them both. I figured I'd save the $10 for the next step up since we rarely drive at night. Whatever.

Nothing else mattered today. It was the first day of the bosses vacation thru the end of the year, and it was as frustrating as ever. Not that it had to be, but that's the way it goes there. I don't care.

***

"Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” - John 8:12

 

Oil change in the accord

 I had the oil changed in our 2013 Honda Accord yesterday. According to my blog records it had been 13 months since the last one (when they replaced the starter). Fortunately this time was just a simple oil change.

I go to the dealership where we bought the car because it's only $12.95 ($13.59 with tax). It would be $60 anywhere else. I sat in the waiting room and started reading a new book I got (thanks, Jim!). It took an hour for the oil change, and they also wash it for free.

Everything was fine... until I went to get the keys and pay. The guy who had been helping me was on the phone so he asked one of the other million service guys if he could take my payment. He did, but he wore his mask UNDER HIS NOSE. I hate that! Like, you realize it makes wearing the mask totally pointless, right?! Plus he had no social distancing consciousness. I kept backing away, and he kept moving closer to me. Argh. 

Anyway... they recommended it was time for several other services:

• Wheel alignment
• Transmission fluid change
• Engine coolant flush
• Front brakes

We'll see.

***

Luke 21:34-36

"'So pray for yourselves,' said Jesus, 'that your hearts may not grow heavy with dissipation and drunkenness and the cares of this life, so that that day comes upon you suddenly, like a trap. It will come, you see, on everyone who lives on the face of the earth. Keep awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that will happen, and to stand before the son of man.'"

 

Trip home (full)

We took a quick weekend trip home, and it was more than full of... "things."

Carrie and the kids were there from Thursday until Saturday around noon. We arrived Friday afternoon and left Sunday morning. Here is the bulk of the list of happenings:

• Caleb got poked in the eye in a tree
  
• Power steering went out on our car
  
• Raked leaves
• Put away patio furniture & carpet
  
• Took down the flag
• Upended bird baths
• Installed hand mount on new shower
• Door knob on bathroom door
• Updated the TV to get Netflix, Youtube, Hulu, etc.
• Changed the clocks
  
• Got mom a Chromebook
• Visited dad in the nursing home
  

THE TRIP & POWER STEERING FAIL

The trip for us was good... most of the way. We left home around noon and other than a half hour at a Culver's Drive-thru for lunch it went quickly. We'd made it all ~270 miles but as we turned onto my mom's street the power steering went out on the 2011 Ford Escape. Great! 

I was tired from the drive (and working in the morning), but I called the lone mechanic in town. Of course he had just closed. I messaged him and asked if he had any advice. He said that had been a recall and we should call the Ford Dealership. I did this first thing Saturday morning, and they gave me some line about it being recalled so long ago, and since we didn't purchase the extended warranty and all... it wasn't covered. Which I had already read online was probably going happen. 

It turns out these cars have electric power steering, and this is a known problem. The funny thing is, when I started it back up, it worked fine! Apparently sometimes they just "act up." So we drove the Escape whenever we needed to go somewhere and, sure enough, it was fine.

We decided to take the 'long route' home, which is mostly on 2-lane roads. I didn't want to chance it going out again barreling down eight lanes of Chicago-land traffic. So instead of 4 1/2 hours it took to get there, it took us 5 1/2 to get home, but it was a comfortable and uneventful drive. I didn't mind. In fact, the change of pace was kind of nice.

YARD WORK

Carrie had already started raking leaves before we got there. There were still plenty left. Saturday morning my mom, Jane, and myself started in on them again.

Since I am still in the boot, I used the blower to make piles and clean up, and Jane raked them onto a tarp and transported them to the ditch across the street. My mom helped for awhile. It seemed like it took forever, but turned out it was only a few hours. Although I think everyone else in town was burning their leaves and my citified lungs were struggling with the smoke and smell.

Once we had the leaves done we started putting away the patio furniture and carpet on the back patio. I had finally had enough of the hobbling around and my mom and Jane finished up. There are also a ton of bird baths and other ornaments that needed flipped over or moved. It was a full day and I am feeling it in my arms, shoulders, and back still today. 

NEW SHOWER/BATHROOM

My mom had a shower put in her main floor half bathroom recently. She needed another mount added for the hand-held shower head, so I tackled that Saturday afternoon. She also needed a handle of some kind on the inside of the bi-fold door. Fortunately she had a ton of handles and I was able to find one that screwed in perfectly.

NEW COMPUTER AND TV CHANNELS

One of the big things about this trip was we got my mom a Chromebook for her birthday. She has an old desktop computer but it doesn't have wifi and hasn't been hooked up to the internet since she moved it upstairs. We found an Asus Chromebook on sale for $179 and added a wireless mouse and keyboard for another $20. It should be more than sufficient for her games and occasional typing. Carrie got her set up on it before we arrived, and I think she was pretty happy. It even worked with her wired printer!

We had actually looked at Chromebooks at the Best Buy store and the salesperson said they didn't have USB ports and you could only connect one Bluetooth item at a time. I knew this wasn't true, so we just ordered it online through Best Buy. It has two USB ports - one for the keyboard/mouse and the other for the printer. So I'm glad we went that route.

One other thing of note: we finally got my mom's TV set up for streaming. I knew it was a 'smart' TV, but we had never been able to get Netflix or anything. We just messed around until we 'unlocked' it. I think it was set up to be wired, and I somehow switched it to wireless. It is waaaaay smarter than our TV. I don't know if she will ever watch Netflix or not, but she'd been wanting to, and now she can. Or at least we can when we're there!

VISITING DAD & COVID

We went to the nursing home Saturday afternoon and my dad did not look good at all. A nurse brought him to the window and he was gray and his eyes were all red. I'm not sure he knew any of us - or cared. He just kept saying he didn't feel good and he looked pretty distant. I felt genuinely sorry for him.

My mom texted us on our way home Sunday that she just found out he tested positive for Covid. That would explain it. I hate to say it, but at 88 years old, I think this is likely it. It might be different if his quality of life were better, but it isn't.

 

So... for such a short trip, it seems like a lot happened. I guess we will also be heading back pretty soon as well - if even just for Thanksgiving.

The pic at the top and bottom is from Mautino State Park. The grandkids always like going out there. My dad used to be the caretaker of sorts before it was a state park. It's a nice place for the area to have.

***

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

There is a time for everything,
    and a season for every activity under the heavens:

²     a time to be born and a time to die,
    a time to plant and a time to uproot,
³     a time to kill and a time to heal,
    a time to tear down and a time to build,
⁴     a time to weep and a time to laugh,
    a time to mourn and a time to dance,
⁵     a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
    a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
⁶     a time to search and a time to give up,
    a time to keep and a time to throw away,
⁷     a time to tear and a time to mend,
    a time to be silent and a time to speak,
⁸     a time to love and a time to hate,
    a time for war and a time for peace.