Mercury Retrograde, or, the $100 Oil Change

Okay, so the day before yesterday, I go out to start the wife's Saturn, so that it may warm up and we may drive to work. Only problem: the Saturn doesn't start. Fortunately, we have the truck, so I warm that up instead. My poor wife is not comfortable driving my truck, but we make it to work and back home safely.

Back at home, I try to start the car again. I check the battery, try to jump start it, monkey with the transmission, and nothing. So I call a tow truck and have the car delivered to our local garage.

The next morning, a guy from the shop called to tell me that it started right up for him, but he'd take a look at it. He did tell me that our next oil change would be due in another 300 miles, so I tell him to do that. So, after $45 for the tow, $25 for the oil change, and another $25 for a half hour of labor looking for anything, we wind up paying almost $100 for a freakin' oil change.

The car has been fine ever since.

I don't recommend Saturns.

Finally!

After much anticipation, winter arrived in Gardiner, Maine, yesterday. We got about 4 inches of snow. Ironically enough, this Monday will be when my dad gives us a snow thrower. Go figure.

To celebrate this first snow, Lea made brownies. They are very tasty. They will probably be the last brownies for a while, because a) I have become a fat, jiggly bastard; and b) Lea & I are going to begin the great vegan experiment. We are already vegetarians, but now we are looking at eliminating dairy and eggs from our diet. It should be interesting.

And, in other news, I believe my friend Rob might be a daddy by now. Congrats, Rob!