REDTRUCKCHASER

In anticipation of winter (bah humbug) , have an appt at my mechanic to change out fluids. I thought I did this 2 years ago but it's been 5 years. Time flies when you're having fun or don't know what you're doing....

It was suspension time for Third Bull this spring. New tires, struts, swaybar links, and for good measure, a new timing belt. Rolled over to 134k not too long ago. She's still comfy to drive, and fast. ("oooh hello officer ! Do you really think this old lady in a Taurus was going that fast ?")

Nothing exciting. Oil change. Will go back during the week to do safety inspection, check front end (hit a pothole in the snow), maybe replace the blend door actuator. Not getting any air movement on the left side. Either rodentia has gotten in and plugged up something over the winter or it's just time to replace it.

Third Bull is still doing well. (Knock on wood). At 124K miles I'm hoping to get a bit more life out of it. Major tuneup coming up so we'll see if anything shows up.

Saw a red white & silver Flex today. I'd love to have one. Completely inappropriate for a single person who doesn't haul anything more than car cleaning supplies and snow covers. Too bad they don't make them about half as big ! But it sure was pretty

The pink license plate holder has to go ! Otherwise it's a wicked mean looking car ! Congrats.

Just cleaned off 5" snow and sleet off TB. No easy feat with only one hand. (Broke my other one in a stupid fall.) Still sleeting but i got the snow off and windshields cleaned and covered. The next time I say something asinine like "oh I don't mind snow" some one just slap me. Today reinforces my plan to retire out West.

Brushed off snow from Third Bull and took it to the pharmacy for drugs today. No matter what flu shots I get every year, (including pneumonia and xtra strength old people's shots) I still manage to get one good upper respiratory infection. Nice way to spend a 4 day holiday. The good new is Bull started up at first crank, despite the 10 degree weather and not being driven for 3 days. The blower motor always puts out a few odd cold weather noises but nothing that doesn't go away. Hope you all have a good New Years !

Merry Christmas to everyone. Be safe out there traveling over the river and through the woods to be with friends and family.

I had my mechanic check all of Third Bull's hoses last summer, and I think this is one that he replaced. I know there was a fair share of polite grumbling about how back assward the assembly was in the Duratec. I'd rather listen to his grumbling and have a new hose installed than end up somewhere on 81, miles from civilization with Third Bull smoking.

Parking area needs to be repainted - NO PARKING EXCEPT TAURUS WAGONS

The trucks are a serious problem on 81 around here. They're working to widen 81 to 3 lanes. If the trucks would just slow down a bit, things might be better. Unfortunately the drivers are bound to schedules that are set for optimum road conditions and don't allow for delays. The end customer is the problem as well. Places like Walmart, Lowes, etc. set appointment times. If a driver is 10 mins late, he risks being refused. I'm glad I'm out of that part of logistics and supply chain. I didn't get to SC this fall for a meet since it was cancelled - lack of interest. Hopefully things will pick up and we'll be able to meet in March.

Forgot to add that I had a new rear windshield installed. about 80% of defroster wires quit working this past year. I'm not going to spend time chipping off ice at oh-dark hundred when I leave for gym/work anymore. $240 at local glass dealer (Not Safelight ) includes pick up and delivery service .

This is my last week at home on medical leave. Back to reality on Monday so figured I'd take care of Third Bull. No snow or ice in immediate sight, but I know it will happen. Winter service at the garage - check all filters, fluids, hoses, rotate tires, oil change. Put away camp chairs & umbrellas. Got out snow shovel, de-icer spray, scraper. Cleaned inside, put down heavy duty mats. Had the outside hand waxed. (I'm still limited as far as bending over, stooping etc for 3 more months. )

Good to see you back here Chart !