September 12, 2005
When it rains, it pours...
Posted by Jess in
Day to Day
So much to blog about... so little intravenous chocolate.
The blog-backup begins by including our quick getaway last weekend to visit Matt's parents in their new house in Florida. Since we flew to Tampa, and Joe and Shirley live in Tampa, of course we needed to stop in and see them! We had an awesome time with them, and even managed to go to Busch Gardens with Joe and their son, Ben!
Since we were told that we were their first "real" guests in their homes, I brought down a little beach chair ornament that said "Rhode Island" on it for the guest room. I told them they must start a tradition - anyone visiting the Littons must bring a tchotchke of some sort from where they are originally from.
So, everyone, note to self: Visiting the Littons? Bring a treat from your hometown for the guest room.
So that was a blast, and hopefully we can get the Littons (and anyone else that would like to come visit) up here in RI. It's autumn in New England, and there's no better time!
Saturday brought my car not starting. One minute it was fine, the next minute it wouldn't start. Thinking it was the battery (which was wierd, as nothing was left on), we pushed it into the street, popped the clutch, and let the car run and recharge for a long time. It still wouldn't start.
On the way home from bringing my car to the garage last night, Matt's car decided it wanted some attention, too, and decided to overheat. I mean, really overheat. And the heat itself decided to break, blowing only cold air in, so we couldn't even draw any heat into the car from the engine.
It limped to the repair shop (different than mine), and mom the hero picked us up and drove us home.
We came to find out this morning that Matt's car is basically toaster-caked: the head gasket is destroyed, along with a cracked something-or-other. Looks like a new car is in our future, and ASAP. Ugh. Did I mention that not seven days ago we just paid $500 for four brand new tires for the very same car?
I'm still waiting to hear on my car. We think it's the alternator, so that is worth fixing, at least.
We just called and cancelled our water filtration system we had being installed tomorrow... for those that don't know, we have well water that's always had problems, and it seemed a good time to upgrade our mini-treatment facility in the basement to the newer model. That's quite laughable now. We also have a vacation coming up, too. Matt and I go away every year on our anniversary. Thankfully it's paid for already, so it can't come soon enough (if we have to hitchike to the airport, dammit!).
The worst of it is, and this is why I'm hating myself at the moment, is that I really have no business complaining right now. At least we still have a house, our families, and our health, unlike so many others at the moment, who have nothing.
Though Scooter's not doing too well at the moment. He had a bad night last night. Keep him in your thoughts. He's an old guy (even for a ferret) and he's had a wonderful life.
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Comments
Prayers for Scooter, condolences on Matt's car. On the bright side, they basically give you mortgages on new cars now, so you can finance a brand new, under-warranty car. For 6 - 7 years.......
We were SO glad you guys were able to stop by for a bit. It was a total blast. We're definitely counting our nickels in hopes of a visit to RI. Best wishes re a simple and inexpensive and complete repair to your car and a great deal on a great ride to replace Matt's. Cheers.
Thanks Susan! We're hoping. I just sucks because both cars pretty much were in perfect condition not two days earlier, and they're both paid for.
A bittersweet new car... hopefully once the shock wears off we'll be able to have some fun looking for a new one.
It WILL be nice to have air conditioning though. :-D
Joe - That $55/one way from Tampa to Providence is still available on Southwest, ya know. ;-)
Jess,
So sorry to hear of your car troubles. I hope you and Matt get rejuvenated on that upcoming vacation and ready to take on the lemons life sometime throws you :)
As you said, it's all a matter of perspective. How can we complain about stuff like this when we hear about some of the horrific stuff people in New Orleans are going through (for example)?
Take care!
Dan
What is a 'paid for car'? I forget - it's been a long time.
Seems to me there were some rumblings and/or droolings over a Mini Cooper at one point. Could this be the excuse you were looking for? Surely your car, once properly alternated, must be good enough for Matt....
Yes, there are always rumblings and droolings for a Mini Cooper... one day it will be mine... bright yellow with white bonnet stripes.
But, everything Matt does, he does for me. Included in this is him always getting my hand-me-down things, I could never ask him to do for my car. :-)
Which, I just got the call, turns out it's the starter and battery, not the alternator. $600. Which, in the grand scheme of things, could be worse. The guy on the other end sounded apologetic, so I told him what happened to Matt's car and said, "no worries, I still feel like I'm coming out ahead if I can even FIX my car." :-)
You folks are nowhere near the same size (unless there's been some trick photography involved). How can your hand-me downs fit Matt?
Well, the underwear is a bit tight but dont forget the bra's are adjustable :-P
Jess,
You seem to be forgetting your mechanic friend up here in Mass. still owes you for all the computer fixes. Not to mention the laughs. I could always pull Jeff down to fix a car if it meant a trip to the ocean! But on the bright side, the Mini Cooper would definately bring out Matt's personality while I picture you in a very large truck! Just watch out for the mirrors. Good luck with the repairs/car purchase!
Matt, you're gonna have to shave your legs and chest if you wanna look good in Jess' lacy stuff. Or get waxed - although that might hurt.
