New wheels

As most of you know, I am married to a fix-it guy. When I wrecked and presumably totalled my van last fall, he fixed it. When we discovered we had no leach field, he fixed it. And you've seen the posts about the basement. I know at times he is weary of fixing things, especially our vehicles.

Last Friday his Trooper overheated on the way home. This is the truck he bought 5 years ago for $2000 expecting it to last a couple of years. I believe his exact plan was to set aside $20 a month so he could buy another in 2 years time. But he was seduced by the ease of replacing parts and changing the oil. He almost succumbed when he blew the oil sending unit hence dumping all the engine oil onto the road, until he realized that he could replace it faster than Ralphie's Dad could change a tire. "Time me!"

Then came last Friday. After nearly scalding himself by removing the radiator cap a bit too soon, he managed to get the truck home. 2 (or was it 3) trips to the auto parts store later, he is replacing the water pump: an awkward balancing act requiring the removal of only 10 bolts then strapping the parts to a 2x4. Only 2 more bolts and you can change the timing belt! Sunday afternoon he's got it all buttoned up and ready for the test drive. The truck limped and loped for 3 miles before starting to overheat once again. Jay returned to the house with his head hung low.

So, as is his nature, he had already been looking for a pick up truck. We could really use one up here for hauling garbage, demolition materials and my personal favorite: mulch. I do not believe in coincidences so when he tells me he coincidentally has found a truck that looks good and that we can afford, I know he is going to buy this truck. In fact, he test drove it on his way home from the auto parts store trip #2.

So we brave the icy roads, in my 2wd van no less, and get to the bank and meet this guy and buy a truck. Now our fleet consists of the following in order of acquisition: 98 Chrysler minivan with 2-tone salvage lot hood, 91 Isuzu Trooper no longer road worthy, 2005 Kawasaki KLR650, and 1995 Ford F-150.

An embarrassment of riches.