Not Such Good Neighbors

I live in the middle of the city of Rehoboth Beach, better known as “The Nation’s Summer Capital” due to the close proximity to Washington DC. I love living in town. Until I contracted this cancer I walked everywhere. Work was 3 blocks away, the boardwalk and beach, 5. (Image at left is the parking permit residents receive in order to park on the streets without charge during the summer months. Click to embiggen.)

The city boasts Browseabout Books, one of the best family owned Book Stores in the country. I’ve shopped there for years for gifts, cards, and books unavailable for Kindle. The owners are ready to cater to locals and tourists alike (if you want a NY Times or Washington Post, best get there early, or have one held for you) and as a result, their return business is booming, unlike many other such stores these days.

We also have our very own LGBT book store around the corner, called Proud Books. It's got just about everything rainbow-related one would ever want.

The city has some of the finest restaurants to be found anywhere (we’re not talking Cracker Barrel, IHOP, or Bob Evans - those are on the highway), and the most helpful, friendliest people I’ve had the pleasure of dealing with in all my years on this planet.

There’s a small market around the corner from my place, and in the spring and summer months there is a farmers market once weekly a few blocks away. When I was working, I always made sure that my 1 day off weekly was Tuesdays, so I could visit the farmers market for my fix of home-grown fruits and vegetables.

All this is to say that I wish I could do without the car. Yes, that’s what this is about.  The added expense of owning a vehicle. Not so much the maintenance (I drive so little anymore) but the insurance is a killer. Now over $400. semi-annually. Ouch!!!

So, here’s the thing: I own a 2005 Toyota Corolla that has less than 27K miles

on it.  Not that I drove great distances before, but now I need only drive to the Cancer Center, grocery shop, and run errands a few times a month.  I’m trying to think of ways to cut insurance costs (it costs more, I drive less, and I’ve an excellent record) That I drive less than 100 miles monthly, doesn’t matter to the insurance company one bit. No help there. I don’t get a discount because I have only one vehicle. In essence, I am subsidizing drivers that do qualify.

I’m wondering if it would help if I cancelled collision coverage; it is a 9 year-old car, after all. I have to think this through. With my luck, as soon as I change coverage, there’ll be an accident and that will be the end.

Still, there’s a part of me that’s afraid to give up the freedom that a car provides, as well as the luxury of being self-sufficient. I can’t ride a bike anymore, and though I’ve thought of a scooter (very popular here these days), I’m not sure I’d want to challenge a drive on Coastal Highway in mid-summer traffic, or in a heavy downpour.

And, as long as I am ambulatory, I can't imagine using the shuttle transport to and from the Center. They drive to the center and back to your home.  No extra stops along the way.  That’s not acceptable to me. At least not now. 

So, the shuttle isn't an option. If, and when I can no longer fend for myself, I’ll decide if it’s time to make it all go away.

First things, first. Right now I have to figure out how to cut my auto insurance costs, or plan on eating a lot more PB & J.

And so it goes.

*

Inspections, Reservations and Dry Martinis

Felt much better than expected as I drove out to the DMV yesterday morning. Or rather, I should say I “drove the gauntlet” to the DMV. Road, highway, and home construction created obstacles every few miles.  From heavy equipment on and off the roadway, to lane closures on an otherwise major artery from DC and Maryland. Unfortunately, I had to drive the road in both directions, since my alternate route of choice was closed completely for 3 miles in either direction. There was also electronic signage flashing warnings of more disruptions to come next week in other areas down the same road.

It was good I chose to make the journey when I did. It will be a complete nightmare by next week.  Why this work is left to just weeks before Memorial Day and the summer season, I cannot guess and will probably never know.  But, they do it all the time, every year.

Needless to say, the trip took much longer than it ought, but I had nothing else to do and no where to be before noon, so I took my time and watched other frantic drivers (who weren’t as fortunate) pound their fists and scream at the road crews, who couldn’t hear them over the noise of their machines anyway.

As usual for a Monday, the inspection lines at the DMV were already long when I arrived - a half hour before the bays were opened. Oh, well. I was lucky to get behind three landscaping trucks who went through quickly and passed with flying colors. My own inspection went smoothly as well and within a half hour I had paid for the new sticker and was on the road heading back to the beach. 

Of course by this time it was what passes for “rush hour” around these parts so traffic was heavier, drivers more animated (and angry) as it was slow going up to the last  2 miles before reaching the Ocean highway, better known as Route 1. It took over 3 hours for the round trip, but I am set for another 2 years - if I live that long- before having to do it all over again.

I printed out a few pages of New Orleans websites and drove over to Dos Locos. Being almost a summer day (temps hit the upper 80s)and people getting their first really good day at the beach, it was a chore to find a parking spot nearby. I drove around a while and finally one spot opened up a few doors down from the restaurant.  I was in!

After hugs from everyone in the place and sharing some news regarding the upcoming season, Joe and I spent 2 hours in the office going over their itinerary.  Ostensibly, this trip is to celebrate Darryl’s birthday (which always falls too close to Mother’s Day for a real getaway), but I think they both want (and need) one more short retreat before the hordes descend for the next 4 months.

They chose really good restaurants - only one I didn’t know or personally approve of, but hey, if they didn’t know me, they’d not know any good dining spots in town and would rely on either Open Table or Trip Advisor.  Neither of which I would trust, especially reviewing a city like NOLA. 

For instance, many reviewers complained about slow service, not understanding that is a trademark of the “City That Time Forgot” and not a lack of care for diners. Diners aren’t rushed in and out of restaurants in that town.  Defeats the purpose of all the effort to prepare such good food. 

So, as we sat there, Joe chose the days, times, and restaurants for just about every meal for the 5 days they’ll be there. He even made reservations as we made various choices. 

We left a couple of breakfast or lunch spots free for those times they want to take a tour or street car ride around town.  They can have a few more adventures that way on their own.  

After all that work was done and reservations made, it was time for a cocktail.  Well, of course it was, silly.

We sat at the bar as Joe sipped a Bulldog and I thoroughly enjoyed a long-awaited Bombay Martini, we talked more about the trip, the city, and his luck with getting an incredible deal on a suite at a new hotel in the Quarter.  They are within walking distance to everything of importance to the new visitor and he seemed quite proud of his accomplishment.  As he should be.

Suddenly most of the staff was behind us and Joe decided we needed a couple of pictures of the memorable occasion.  So, here they are. These were taken with his phone. Joe and me at the top of the post (can you tell I am totally enjoying the moment?) and with the wait and kitchen staff in this one. The usual suspects, and it was a joy to see them all, at least for a short time.

I really miss my work and these great folks. I hope I get to go back to work again some time. All in all, a good day and the buzz I came home with wasn’t a bad way to cap it off. I actually had another half martini, poured without my knowledge by the bartender, my bud, Piolin. But, I won’t tell if you don’t…

And so it goes.

As Luck Would Have it...

Wouldn’t you know that as I dressed for my Labs appointment at the cancer center this morning - it began to rain…heavily. Of course, I didn’t want to drive on the highway with only one good wiper blade, so I quickly finished dressing, grabbed a roll of paper towels and ran to the car.

The idea was to find a sheltered, or semi-sheltered overhang where I could replace the old blades without drowning in the process. I drove around town trying to remember the car parks of the major hotels and which were protected from the weather, or at least from rain. Funny how those obvious things never stick in memory. Finally found one that was easily accessible (others had to be activated by hotel keys) which is a stupid idea, but I guess it works for them.

It was just after dawn so no one was around to shoo me away. After unwrapping the new wiper blades I ducked out and dried the windshield and old wipers as well as I could to get a good grip. The old ones came off without a hitch.  The new ones however, the Michelin’s were the newer “universal” type that fit many make and model cars.

It took a good 15 minutes to figure out which of the adapters were appropriate for the Corolla, but I got them on, finally. Hands filthy and black from the rubber, fingers cramping from the cold and necessary manipulation of the blades, I made my way to the cancer center where I just had time to use the restroom to scrub my hands and clean my fingernails before being called for the lab work. 

It is a relief to know that’s one less thing to worry about this weekend. On the way back into town to wait for a call to return for a single unit transfusion, I stopped at the the Municipal Building to pick up my 2014 Resident Parking Permit. They’re issued by the city annually so residents can park on the streets free of charge.  A nice little gift. Of course, they’re only valid in the non-metered parking spaces around town.

Got the call from the Revlimid company and told that my new monthly prescription will arrive tomorrow, Friday.  That means, class, I must be here to sign which translates to another day lost, since "next day" delivery service means just that: no specific time for delivery - could be 8 am or 8 pm.  Stuck!

Just received the call from the center at 2:20 that the blood will be delivered there in a half hour.  This means another late day transfusion session at the center, probably won’t get back until 6 or so.  Bother!  

And, I'm Off!  Again...

And so it goes.

*

Ready? Not so Fast.

I woke this morning feeling more energized than I have in weeks. Not wanting to push my luck, but I decided this was as good a time as any to take on my “must-do" list - that didn’t get done yesterday.  That extra day of rest seemed to do it for me.

Gathered myself together and  with list in hand went down to the bright yellow dusted car. A beautiful day with clear blue skies greeted me as I opened the front door. The air was fresh and clean after  all the rain, and it was chilly, at least for my bones. I took a few rags to clean off the car windows and windshield. It was an easy job, the dew was heavy and everything just slid right off onto the rags. I then got into the car and started the engine. The windshield was still a bit smudged so I turned on the wipers and spritzed the glass with wiper fluid.

Imagine my surprise when half of the wiper blade on the passenger side began to flop around.  Yes, the winter had done a number on the wipers, made them brittle and now they need to be replaced.  Funny thing, the first chore on the list was the Inspection Station, which, of course, was now out of the question. I hate when a monkey wrench is thrown into my well-laid plans for the most efficient use of the day.

So, instead of the DMV I spent more time than I should have hunting down the proper wiper blades for my car. The GOOD: it’s a very popular, reliable car so they are everywhere.  The BAD: since they are so common  it’s hard to find wiper blades in the most common of places. Even (I hate to admit this) Walmart didn’t have anything of a brand name. Why did I expect more?

Finally stopped at a tiny out-of-the-way Auto Parts shop as a last resort and wouldn’t you know, they had them.  Michelin brand, too.  They were a bit dusty but still in their packaging. The owner checked to make sure they were in good condition before selling them to me. I gladly paid him the $20.00 and was on my way.

Two more errands were scratched off the list before I began to fade and have trouble breathing. Instinctively knew I had better get back home soon. Now I have to see if I can change the blades myself, or need to have someone else do it. My hands don’t work as they used to.  Then I have to pay a visit to the car wash to get the buggy cleaned up before I take it to the DMV.

I got the printer setup today, as well.  It took longer than I expected because I simply forgot how to ‘add a printer’.  Honest to Pete, I really forgot something so simple.  Thanks to Google I found the info and was able to download the latest drivers and install the printer.  Worked the first time. That’s a relief. No more worrying about inks or damp printouts. And the printer itself is less than half the size of the previous one and 2/3 the size of the Inkjet printer. 

All in all, a sort of productive day after all.

And so it goes.

*

No Waking the Dead

Reusable grocery bags and a fist full of lists (say that fast 3 times!) in hand, I stumbled down the stairs to the car this morning. A turn of the key resulted in a clicking sound but the engine didn't turn over. I realized the worst had happened.  The original battery had finally bought the farm. It was dead. Well, after all, it was 7 years old - in a 2005 model that I purchased in 2007.  During the "dark period."

Since moving into town and walking everywhere, the car is driven once weekly and not far enough to actually keep the battery charge high. Yes, I take it for a longer drive once in a while - at highway speed - but the end was near and inevitable.

First called a friend for a jump, then the mechanic to purchase and install a new battery.  Friend arrived; jump was successful and I now own a pair of jumper cables.  Mechanic found a replacement battery, but their more urgent appointments would set me back a few hours.  What else could I do?  Drove to the repair shop and read for the time it took to replace the battery and send me on my way.

(Did you know that Robert Heinlein was a cat lover? He wrote a few books about them.)  Anyway...

$159.00 and 2 hours later, I was on the road making a half-hearted attempt to scratch items off my lists. The 2 appointments were already history or rescheduled; the Italian deli was not open and the supermarket parking lot was packed.  Too late to get anything done. I will be there tomorrow at 7 am before work and before the visitors awake.  Even the trip back into town was a nightmare.  A half-hour to drive the 2.5 miles from the supermarket to my home.

Summer at the Beach!!!

Back home, I grabbed my large reusable tote bag and headed to the Farmers Market.  Since the sky was overcast and there was a threat of rain, the crowd was smaller than usual, so I picked up fresh New Jersey tomatoes and small, sweet local cucumbers, a sour dough loaf and sausages (1 for me and 2 for a co-worker who loves the stuff) some combinations that were new to me. This was the only real accomplishment of the day, but at least it was something.

I would take myself out to dinner somewhere, but having spent that $159.00 I can't justify the added expense. So, leftovers it is...and it's 5 o'clock somewhere and I smell olives!

And so it goes.
*

New Tires - Old Story

The new tires were mounted and balanced yesterday afternoon and when I saw the old ones, I was glad I made the purchase. I would never have seen the damage because it was mainly on the inside of the tire which means it would not have been detected until the tires were rotated.  That's how the dry-rot was discovered on Tuesday as the car was being serviced.

The new tires seem to make the ride smoother and the car handles better, unless it's my imagination.  It also offers a quieter ride, at least to my mind. I'm a happy camper - and I feel safer, too.

Of course, the old story is that the expense couldn't come at a worse time; with shorter work hours and the recent medical expense due to the sinus infection (I have no idea what the ER bill is going to be), I am a little deeper in the hole than I had hoped.

Needless to say, I used a card to pay the auto bill. I'll work out the payments next month when the statements arrive. The owner of the repair shop (and most of his staff) are regulars at the restaurant, so I was given a nice little discount, which was very kind and unexpected. A nice surprise, that.

Finished the antibiotic yesterday (Yay!) and feeling a little more energy every day.  The infection took its toll but now it's gone. Looking forward to getting back to work today - not to mention my first after shift cocktail in 10 days.

Have a craving for greens lately (don't ask!) and picked up a bunch of Kale and fresh spinach for dinners over the weekend. 

More later.
*

How I Feel Right Now

Another step forward, then two steps back.

The good news:  Took the car in at 8 am for the 24K mile service.  Oil change, filters, belts, etc. checked and changed as necessary. New wiper blades and the tires rotated and balanced.

The bad news:  The tires are terribly dry-rotted and must be replaced.  Two are in very dangerous condition. It was suggested that I drive as little as possible for now. A set of new tires was chosen, ordered, and will be installed tomorrow afternoon.  Today, I wish I had a magic carpet, you know, no wheels!

Needless to say, the other items and stops on my to-do list are cancelled and only the laundry will get done this afternoon.  That's good enough.

I won't be ordering any books or purchasing meats & cheeses for a Muffuletta sandwich any time soon. The tires and service will cost a hefty amount, though I won't find out the total until tomorrow.  They plan to put it all on one bill, makes it easier that way. Of course, this is sending me right off the edge of a cliff, financially. No more, please!

But it needs to be done.  I can't complain, the car is 7 years old (I've had it since 2007) and those are the original tires.  With as little mileage as I have on the car I guess the tires ought to have lasted longer but, it isn't garaged, and life on the street subject to the elements takes its toll.

Besides, it is what it is.

The weather is gloriously warm today and the sun just came out after 2 days of rain. I may just grab the camera and head down to the beach for a few pictures to take my mind off these things.

Update:  Tomorrow is the LAST day of antibiotics and I've been promised a big surprise after my shift on Thursday.  Gee, I wonder what that might be?  Hmmm.

And so it goes.
*

Day Off: To-Do list

Right out of the box there is an appointment to take the flying carpet, 'er car in for routine maintenance; oil change, filters, tires rotated, etc.  This is long overdue and the first thing on the gay agenda.

Next is a visit to Staples for a few supplies, and while in that center, the purchase of a couple of wedges of cheese needed for upcoming recipes.  Following that is a short stop at the supermarket for a very few items that I've run out of.

Then back in town to the book store to place an order and a quick stop at Taste of Italy for the meats and cheeses necessary to make Muffuletta sandwiches.  Yes, I am in the craving mode again. BTW, my home-made Muffuletta Olive Salad written about 2 weeks ago, aged nicely and turned out better than expected.  Great flavors with a tangy zip, as well.  Probably why I'm in the crave mode again!

Back home I'll get some laundry done and perhaps do a little cooking for next week.

Whew!  I haven't left the apartment yet, and I am already exhausted.  It sounds like more than it actually will be.  I should be back in town by around noon-time.

Anyhoo, that's the plan.

More later.
*

Auto Repair, Tires, & Too Many Olives

Made it to the Auto dealership at 7:30 am, for the appointment to have the recall problem parts replaced and was pleasantly surprised that I was on the way back to the beach before noon.  No charge for the repair, of course, but the technician told me that while the tire treads were fine there was severe dry-rot on the sides near where the steel belting holds everything together and that all 4 tires should be replaced as soon as possible. 

The dry rot is caused by weather changes and the car not being garaged.  Parked out in the open and exposed to the elements shortens the life of tires.  Who knew?  All my previous vehicles had been garaged, safe and well taken care of.  I don't think this car has ever had a roof over it., so I guess I shouldn't be surprised.  Driving more, or less (as in my case - once weekly) has no effect on the problem. It's the weather. The poor baby.

Of course, thanks to a few friends, I'll get a second opinion, and go from there. 

On the way home I made a few stops to take care of errands and did a little grocery shopping for the week.  Eureka!  Everything on the list was on sale and I saved a bundle. 

At home I slid a pork roast into a orange, sesame, garlic marinade and put it into the refrigerator. Ran a load of laundry, and made a remoulade for shrimp (one of the items on sale) which I haven't had in a while.

I was feeling so giddy following the productive day that last evening, I enjoyed 3 martinis! Listened to music, read a few fave blogs, checked email, was informed that I missed my blogiversary (again) and posted that information.

Took a shower, brushed teeth, and snuggled under covers. No pain.

I slept well until a dream where my Nikon was borrowed by someone I haven't seen in many years, who then used it to record some dirty mob or Mafia shinannigans and all of a sudden the mob was all over me with questions and accusations; warning me to give them the memory card, or else.  I discovered (in the dream) that I had no idea where the card was located and fumble through the camera's innards, other parts keep falling out, as I work feverishly to put them back in their proper places - where they do not want to stay.  All the while the wise guys are hammering me with bizarre questions, to which I had no answers.

I woke up twice, reminded myself that it was a dream, but (like using the 'pause' button) returned to the scene where I left off, as soon as I fell asleep again. Finally, it was more than I could handle, so I got out of bed at 4 am, made a cup of tea and tried to shake the memory of that super-intense dream.

No more 3-martini evenings for me.

And so it goes.
*

Adventures on My Day Off...

...by the cajun.

6 am - scrambled egg on toast sandwich & iced coffee for breakfast.

6:30 - ran a load of laundry (whites), wash, dry and put away.

7:30 - set out on grocery shopping mission, with a stop at hardware store for a few necessities.

9:15 - pull into driveway to unload and notice that I was followed home by an RB police cruiser.

9:20 - learn that auto registration expired in June. Colour me embarrassed.

9:30 - receive ticket for expired tag for $50.00 payable to the RB Court.

9:50 - unloaded car, checked today's DMV hours (noon to 8 pm).

10:20 - on the road to the DMV hoping to be one of the first in line. Don't want to waste the entire day.

12:05 pm - pass inspection and must visit the registration desk in person.  Bother!

12:15 - given ticket # C 432,  and wait. They call C 398 as I find a seat.

1:40 - there is an unpleasant altercation at window 9 and guards are called in. Not pretty.

2 pm - C 432 is called to window 7.  Nice reception by a very cordial man. Present inspection results, license, insurance card, and blood sample, and expired registration card.

2:15 - all information is updated in the DMV database, (including email to receive notice of the next impending expiration date) $90.00 is charged to my credit card; $80.00 for a two-year registration plus a $10.00 charge for the expired one.  Bummer, but could have been worse.

3:30 - stuck in traffic on the way home, tourists and road construction create nightmarish conditions.

4:15 - arrive home hot and exhausted with a splitting headache.  I realize I've eaten nothing all day since that breakfast sandwich 10 hours ago.

4:30 - throw a salad together and wolf it down with a leftover Chesapeake spicy sausage link. Feel better fast!

4:45 - get out sewing kit and replace missing buttons on 3 shirts, and it ain't easy with these old eyes.

5:15 - glass meets ice, gin, olives, and a touch of vermouth. Immediate temporary bliss.

5:40 - 'hello nurse!' prepping dinner while nursing the martini.

6 pm - the entire day is shot and there is little to show for it, at least, in the 'fun' department.

6:20 - post this useless time-line to the blog in a desperate effort not to feel sorry for self.

Only good news is the Prop 8 was over turned and found to be unconstitutional.  Woo Hoo!

And so it goes.
*

It Always Comes as a Surprise

When the universe allows events to fall into a positive place: Auto Service, Walk, Discovery, and an Interested Party.

After my last experience with a dealership when I took the car in for the 15K mile service, where I paid $135.00 and they tried to charge me an additional $75.00 for new wiper blades, I took a friend's advice and brought the car to a local shop today for the 20K service. What a happy difference and what a find!

They were right on time for my appointment, the technicians went over the work that would be done and/or checked, the job was finished in an hour, and the bill was less than half that of the dealership.

I had the rest of the day to do whatever, so I took a short walk on the boardwalk where I noticed that the electronic games arcade was gone and about to be replaced by some other business, possibly a restaurant. (As you can see, the doors are sliders and all the neon and signage have vanished.)  At least Funland is still intact, so the traditional rides on the Boardwalk will reopen this spring. And that's a good thing.

 At this point I received a phone call from someone at the restaurant interested in the list of furniture in storage I posted at the server's station, saying they'd like to take a look at it today, if possible. I was happy to do it. Although the guy doesn't speak English well - the brother who does was stuck in traffic - I believe he understood well enough to talk with his brother about what he saw, liked or didn't like. In any case, the two will talk tonight at work and we'll talk tomorrow about what they want to do, or not.

A productive day all round.  I like when that happens.

Time for a festive something with olives.

And so it goes.
*

My Car and the Old Bat in the Enclave...

The day finally arrived - it has been over a month since my car was rear-ended by a rich old bat with more money than brains - and I arrived the body shop early this morning where the rental car company was notified that I needed to be picked up.

The service manager greeted me with a wicked grin followed by a full blown out-loud laugh. I stood in the doorway stunned wondering what I had done to cause such an outburst. Assuring me that it was nothing I had done, the manager confirmed what I had already been told; that the old bat was "one of their best customers" meaning that she had used this shop FIVE times in less than a year. She had totaled her last car a few days before hitting me with her new one, which was why she told me that she didn't know how to drive the new one, yet.

The entire staff had a belly laugh and I finally joined in when the ramifications of her arrogance and stupidity finally sunk in. The car arrived from Enterprise and shuttled me to their office to finish the paperwork for the rental - paid for by the old bat's insurance company - and as the information was entered into their computer system, the small talk turned to the accident and reason for the rental. Then the associate handling my rental suddenly froze, and slowly put her hand up to her mouth in an effort to stifle a guffaw, which didn't work. She let out a squealing giggle and said something like, "oh my God, it's HER again" at which point all the other associates in the office swarmed her terminal as uncontrollable laughter broke out seemingly everywhere in the building.

You guessed it. The old bat required their rental services and evidently, wasn't the most charming of customers. Oh, the stories I heard. Hey, this is a very small town and things like this get around real fast. So, immediately I felt the love and sympathy from the whole staff.

The rental is a nice Suzuki sedan with a fab AC that cools almost instantly and almost blew me into the backseat. Great news, since the temperature today was in the mid 90s with high humidity and a duplicate is forecast for tomorrow. I drove to the park n' ride and get the bus into town for the day at job #2. We had a very busy lunch today, which was a good thing.

Oh, there was one reality check today. As I boarded the bus for the return trip there were no available seats and as I decided to stand near the front so as to chat with the driver, a pretty, young Russian summer worker offered me her seat. This was a first for me. I told her I was fine standing and actually enjoyed it. She didn't appear to be convinced, but let it go. It wasn't until I got off the bus that the incident fell into place. She was offering her seat to "an old man" - a very Russian thing to do - and I was suddenly quite embarrassed and feeling very old.

But as I started the car for the drive back to the apartment, I couldn't help laughing at the whole episode while hoping that there would be some kind young person willing to give up their seat if I truly need it in the future.

Damn that birthday last week!!! (sigh)

And so it goes.
*

Tomorrow and the Future?

When asked recently about any plans for tomorrow and the future and my response was - I ain't so sure about either anymore. There's an old saying that "if you want to make G*d laugh, make plans." And more often than not, it seems to be true. Some random thoughts on life...not that I have one.

Yesterday, on the way to Job #2 I was rear ended while stopped at a red light. The well coiffed old bat didn't know how to drive (or brake) her big new SUV and slammed into me. I got out of the car and screamed at her. She rolled down her window and asked why I was upset...yep, those were her first words. How dare I interfere with her air-conditioned ride! She didn't care about any damage and was about to drive away, but I guess seeing that I could spit nails or chew her face off, decided to get out and exchange insurance info. I filed a claim with her insurance company before going to work and will contact mine on Monday because they were closed yesterday.

Working two jobs to dig out from under and maybe get some kind of life one day, just doesn't want to work out for me. Rent is going up next month, auto insurance went up due to the last accident and will likely go up again - though this was not my fault either. I'm still paying off the hospital and emergency room folks. All other expenses are going up weekly, but salaries remain the same.

Three years ago I had a nice house, big screen TV, great surround sound system, and a life partner of 30 years. Then I was hospitalized and out of circulation for 4 months following the surgeries. During this time I found out that my partner was seeing someone else and planning to build a new house (and life) with him. Two years ago I went from home owner to homeless in the space of a month. Everything went with him to his new life - including many of his gifts to me. I began learning that I didn't require much to live comfortably, and a good thing too, because I had nothing.

Finding this tiny apartment was a blessing, and the healing experience I needed so badly began. Then the fall last November sent me to the ER with a fractured spine and more medical bills. The hospital and ER staff worked out new payment plans - adding the new charges to the existing one - and I went back to work.

Though I continued to search for another part time (or a full time job) the tanking economy made that futile until this past April when I got job #2. That said, if the economy doesn't improve soon, job #1 may be in jeopardy. Luxury items are the first scratched off shopping lists and fine jewelry is a big time luxury.

Fortunately, I love both jobs for different reasons and the extra money will help eventually (I hope!) but not yet. I'd like to go out for dinner or drinks once in a while, but the budget is too tight for those luxuries. Aside from the 3 shift meals offered weekly at job #2, I do all my cooking. And this accident will cause more upheaval, time, and expense. Oh, Joy!!!

I stopped planning for the future when my world fell apart and my health and insurance went south. I can't bring myself to make another attempt. Anything, as the event yesterday shows, can happen at any time to send my life into another spiral of chaos and planning a future will only tax whatever energy I have left. Taking each day as it comes and doing what needs doing to get through isn't much of a life, but it is all I have for now.

Oh well. Blather, rinse, repeat. At present I have a roof over my head, healthy meals on the table, and the ability (creativity?) to get the bills paid on time. There is also gin, tonic, lime, and Absinthe. So, there's that...

And so it goes.
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Money Out, and More Money Out.

With an appointment for scheduled maintenance on the car for today I took the entire day off. Figuring it would be wise to get it out of the way before the tourist season begins. Since it's a rather long drive - more than I usually drive, anyway - so I loaded the CD changer and hit the road. The appointment was at 8 am, and the dealership is about 30 miles away, so I relaxed setting the cruise control and listening to a few discs on the way.

The maintenance took an hour longer than usual, because they needed to do an alignment as the tires were beginning to 'feather' on the outer edges. Otherwise the tires, and everything else is in perfect condition. The alignment bumped up the charges to over $300.00 but I figured with all the road work and other obstructions experienced over the past 2 years, it was worth it. This was the 15K mile assessment - checking wear on everything, including the health of all fluids; tire wear, etc. - and the vehicle passed with flying colours.

So with a slight whimper, I paid the bill and headed back to the beach to run a few errands, then back to the apartment for some rest.

All that changed about 10 miles down the road when the CD player, attempting to change from disc 5 to disc 6, stopped completely and reverted to the radio. Puzzled, I hit the CD play button again to be greeted with an "error 3" message and immediately pulled off the road to investigate. Scanning the owners manual I discovered that error 3 meant that there was an internal mechanical problem which also meant that the discs could not be ejected from the changer. Great! Just GREAT!!!

Getting back to town I drove to the dealership of the friend who sold me the car. He came out and tried to figure out what, if anything, he could decipher.

Verdict: a visit to an Auto Audio guru he knows, and off I went. Said guru assessed the situation and said that he was surprised that the unit lasted as long as it had. Options were, 1.) remove the unit and send to a licensed Toyota repair specialist, which would take 2 weeks for an evaluation and disc removal with the clock ticking at $300.00 or, 2.) replace the unit with a new single disc player, but with iPod and USB ports which he could install for about $200.00. I chose the latter. It took about an hour after I chose the right unit for my simple needs and I was on my way again with new and better sound.

I skipped the errands and drove directly to the apartment; reevaluated these decisions (second guess myself) and had some lunch. By this time is was after 2 pm and I had only toast before setting out this morning. I didn't hyperventilate, but had serious concerns about having done the right thing. I did. No doubt about it. Music is a important part of my life and I couldn't bear listening to the jabber and BS on commercial music stations.

Having spent a little over $500.00 of someone else's money I will be spending my days off in relative seclusion for the next 2 or 3 months, which is fine because the tourist season begins in May and I will (hopefully) be working my butt off all summer. Please, G*d!

More later.
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Cars: McCain=13, Obama=1

Yeah, that damned elitist Obama has one fuel efficient automobile, but our poor POW McCain only has thirteen. What gives? Newsweek looked into this burning question, surely to be on, well, the lips of a few people:

When you have seven homes, that's a lot of garages to fill. After the fuss over the number of residences owned by the two presidential nominees, NEWSWEEK looked into the candidates' cars. And based on public vehicle-registration records, here's the score. John and Cindy McCain: 13. Barack and Michelle Obama: one.

One vehicle in the McCain fleet has caused a small flap. United Auto Workers president Ron Gettelfinger, an Obama backer, accused McCain this month of "flip-flopping" on who bought daughter Meghan's foreign-made Toyota Prius. McCain said last year that he bought it, but then told a Detroit TV station on Sept. 7 that Meghan "bought it, I believe, herself." (The McCain campaign did not respond to multiple requests for comment.)

Obama's lone vehicle also is a green machine, a 2008 Ford Escape hybrid. He bought it last year to replace the family's Chrysler 300C, a Hemi-powered sedan. Obama ditched the 300C, once 50 Cent's preferred ride, after taking heat for driving a guzzler while haranguing Detroit about building more fuel-efficient cars.

McCain's personal ride, a 2004 Cadillac CTS, is no gas sipper, but it should make Detroit happy because it's made by General Motors. "I've bought American literally all my life and I'm proud," McCain said in the interview with Detroit's WXYZ-TV. But the rest of his fleet is not all-American. There's a 2005 Volkswagen convertible in the garage along with a 2001 Honda sedan.

Read the rest HERE. The last line is a killer.
Jeebus on a cracker. Focus, people, FOCUS!

And so it goes.
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You Can't Make This Up: Vol. 35434.

Today was one of those errands-on-a-planned-route days. Meaning, start with the closest and then circumnavigate so that the last stop is closest to your best route back to base. Or the other way round. Saves time and fuel. You know what I am talking about. But this day there were twists and coincidences that made me go, hmmmmmmmm!

First up: 8:30 am. And I stop for an iced coffee and plain bagel. A car exactly same colour as mine pulls up in front of me in the parking lot. The driver smiles as we both get out at the same time and says, “nice car, you like mine?”

“Oh absolutely. Do you like mine?”

Then she stops and takes it in…it’s the striping.

She says, “No, I like YOURS better. Those stripes are so beautiful.

I say nothing, just smile. She looks a bit unhappy.

I get my coffee and hit the road to the first errand.

CAMP Rehoboth: where I want to drop off a cell phone and accessories for battered and abused women’s use. It’s early and the meters are not yet in effect. Having dropped off the phone I head back to the car to find another Corolla (a red one) parking behind me.

“Do you have enough space to back out,” he asked. Then “how do you like your Corolla?”

“I like it fine.” He’s eyeing the car and can’t quite figure out why it is different.

“Is it new?”

“Yes, to me, it is. Actually it’s a 2005 model”

There is this befuddled look on his face as he wishes me a good day and goes about his business. Was it the striping?

Moving on to the Auto Gallery where I bought the car, to have it washed, the place is teeming with folks eyeing the classic cars on the lot and as my car gets hand washed a crowd begins to gather. It’s the stripes again. Jeez!

Next up was an appointment where condo owners and businesses share the parking lot. As I pulled in there was a guy getting out to his car – again the exact same metallic blue colour – and he paused, stared at my car, then looked at his car. (This is getting to be too funny) As I exited my car, he greeted me and asked what year my car is, how many miles, where was it purchased, and - - - where did I get THOSE STRIPES???

At first I debated whether I ought to give him the info or not. But, hell, there are so many colour combinations to play with I thought, why not. So I gave him one of the Auto Gallery’s Cards and went on my way.

At this point I was starving and stopped for a burger and, yes, you guessed it, another Corolla – a beige one – parks beside me. This is unbelievable. He asks how I like the car, and off we go into Toyotaland. He notices the stripes and bemoans that he wasn’t offered those by his dealer (in Ohio!). I explain that my dealer suggested them to set the car apart.

“They do,” he said. And then walked in the restaurant.

I drove back to the house with mixed emotions. Did the stripes offend some Corolla owners while making others happy at the difference? I don’t know, and frankly, I don’t care. The interesting thing is that Toyota owners remind me of the Honda moped owners in NYC back in the 60s when the commercial tag line was “you meet the nicest people on a Honda” and I can honestly say that about Toyota Corolla owners in 2007.

Who’da thunk it?

More later.

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OK, so here it is...

The weather finally turned sunny so I ran out and took this shot of the new buggy. I would like a name for the vehicle, so if you have any ideas, please leave them in comments. Or, email me privately if you are shy.

This car is neither male nor female, so choose the name you think fits the time, place, and the lovely colour. And don't forget the stripes. They sat the car apart from others in the area.

I recently had the 5K service performed at a local dealership and the experience was nothing short of amazing.

To read about the first service experience, click HERE.
More later.
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Caps on Cards at Gas Pumps

Guess I got rid of the White Monster just in time. I now fill the tank every two weeks and it costs less than half what what I used to spend in a week. Nice change, that. I had no idea about these caps.

This from AP:

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - So you're at the gas station filling up your vehicle, and without warning the gas pump shuts off. What? The tank isn't full, and you know your credit card isn't over its limit.

``Using my Visa card, I commonly hit a limit and I would be standing there scratching my head,'' Shawn Bloomfield, who pumps premium gas into his SUV, said from his home in Allentown, Pa. ``I would always assume it is the gas station setting a limit on how much gas I could purchase. It felt like a ration scenario.''

As the price of gasoline continues to rise, rules to prevent credit card fraud at the nation's pumps are confusing consumers who just want a full tank of gas.

Caps on transaction amounts - or the total dollar amount of gas a customer can pump into their car - are limiting some drivers of gas-guzzling vehicles.

Read the rest HERE.

More later.

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A Brand New Day - And a Good One

Oh, the title is just a hat tip to Al Kooper, (and if you don't know who he is, you should, we're talking Blues Project, the Original Blood Sweat and Tears, so click on his name and see what you have either missed, or enjoyed without knowing he was behind it)

Had the day off today due to scheduled doctor, dentist, and therapist appointments in the morning and an appointment for scheduled maintenance on the “new” buggy. [Yes, I will post a picture when I have the time and the weather cooperates. Stop asking!]

The three morning appointments were much needed for my physical and mental health and well-being, but it was the afternoon appointment that really threw me off.

This is the first vehicle I have owned alone, the first time I have had any maintenance done at a dealership and I was prepared for the worst.

OK, so I got out my trusty road atlas to find the fastest, most direct way possible. Did a “mapquest” search by the address in the phone directory and plotted my course. Gave myself what I thought would be enough time in the event of a snag in the directions and off I went. Winding my way over back roads and feeling very proud of myself as I listened to a CD and thinking I would be there in plenty of time. (Ahem!)

When I arrived at the address the dealership name was right where it ought to be according to mapquest, but the building and parking lot were empty. There is grass growing through cracks in the pavement. Not a sign of life anywhere, so I parked and went up to the door.

They moved! It wasn’t far away but the notice was worn and rain erased most of the print giving the exact location. All I could decipher was “two miles north” --- and so I drove off in that general direction only to find myself, well, lost.

By this time I was late for my scheduled appointment so I pull off the roadway and, having been aware enough to remember to bring along their phone number, I called…by now I am not a happy camper and I am late…which makes me very annoyed. I hold it in check as the person who did the scheduling answers the call. She’s very sorry about the mix up and there is no problem about being late. Turns out I was less than a mile from the new location and I arrive in just a few minutes.

As an aside, there was a cement truck bearing down on me to the point that I thought this scheduled appt. would be unnecessary. But he finally passed me on the left and blasted his horn repeatedly as he did so. Guess he had someplace to be in a hurry.

As I pull up to the service doors they open for me and I drive right in. (I am ready for my close-up Mr. DeMille) I gather up all relevant papers and enter the service department. She (Janet) looks up and says I bet I know who you are – you’re my 1:30 appt. and I am so sorry that you had to drive all over the county to get here.

I say nothing but give her the scheduled maintenance booklet so they can check off what they do and put their stamp on it. I am very skeptical.

People are friendly. They ask if I need anything. I am on guard. Not used to this kind of treatment. And NEVER from an auto dealer. Jeez!

She enters info to generate the paperwork for the 5,000-mile maintenance, shows me to the “owners” lounge, and disappears.

In the lounge area there are 7 or 8 other Toyota owners watching TV (Fox New is on and one person is watching, which does my heart good) or reading as their buggies are being serviced. None of us know one another, but there is chatter going on that after about 5 minutes I am as involved in as all the others. They love their cars. They love this dealership. They love the maintenance staff – even know some by name.

This is amazing to me. I am so effing naïve!!!

In a little over an hour the car is ready and I was at the cashier’s corner paying up. Well, it turns out that all the work done cost less than if I had taken the car to a place like Jiffy Lube.

Yes, it’s a bit of a drive, but well worth it to do business with friendly folks who get to know you and your car and its history.

Hey! Could Spielberg make this up?

All in all, a very good day.

And now it’s martini time. Prepare for the worst and be pleasantly surprised…Cheers!

More later.

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