February 3, 2006

biggest storm yet. And…

The winds are gusting to 50-60 mph in the city this morning, and as high as 90 mph on the coast. It is pouring rain sideways. Not good newspaper delivery weather at all. I should get paid extra for working these conditions, I really should. People bitch that the paper that they buy in the store is not, like perfectly folded and is wrinkled – and they’re gonna throw it away anyway…they don’t think much "how did my paper get here".

I will be driving that big white box this morning, oh joy! In high winds too. Last week we were father up on the loading list and were outa there by 8:20 am, but this week, we are farther back on the list.

I like getting done early on Saturdays because it’s light out and people are around and I don’t feel like the only guy in the city awake, but today I’m sort of glad our papers will get to us later, it’ll give the winds time to die down. It’s a good thing the paper bundles are strapped together – they are not as likely to blow away on me.

I didn’t do the laundry last night, I went over to A and J’s house to give J a ride to Walmart. The 91 Saturn they bought is turning out to be a money pit – now it needs a new timing belt or chain…at $900. And possibly a new computer.

Damn cars. Way too complex to do anything with other than pay someone else to work on them anymore.

Last night, on my way over to their house, my van stalled out again. I had enough momentum so that I didn’t stop IN the intersection, but omfg, the damn thing would not restart. I pulled out the cell and told J that I was stuck out and might or might not make it over. I tried starting it as I was talking on the phone, and it did start up, and it did run without flaw the rest of the evening, but I hate hate hate worrying about the vehicle. The phychological toll is too high.

But driving around in a big box while the winds blow … it’s gonna be an interesting morning.

***

On a more positive note, I’ve been writing here for two years now. I have posted 885 entries and have received over 9100 notes. I have 52 favorites. No wonder I’m behind in reading their entries.

I can see doing this two years from now.

*****

battle-axe

February 4, 2006

hope you got home safe lj

TheWoodsprite

Geez, well maybe you should put a sail on top of the Big White Box?? if you’re going to get blown, at least maybe then you could direct your course! I sympathize with newspaper carriers, mail carriers, or anyone who must work outside in bad weather. Oh, and darn, I’m sorry your van is acting up again. Damn vehicles is right!! hugs, Weesprite

maybe I should do a blessing ritual for your van…smiling…glad you made it home safe, and it might please you to know you inspired me to write this morning’s entry…see how you affect other people??? Have a good weekend my dear Cat! ~the feline~ 😉

LilyCat

Good Lord, Cat, what miserable weather you are having. And what nasty stuff to be delivering newspapers in! I hope you stay safe and keep warm, my friend. I wish I could send you some of this California sunshine.

LightButHearty

I hope you survive the deliveries without incident. I’m with you on the comment about the sophistication of newer cars. I’m glad your gov’t won an anti-trust case making the diagnostics on new vehicles available to private mechanics. One good thing about our old Bronco is that it’s still part of the old breed and if we baby it by driving around town it should survive a few more years.

I think I caught up with you! Try to stay dry. It sounds like it could be a challenge. But hey, it could be worse. 🙂 I’m not sure what I want to do with the OD thing. I do know that it is an obsession with me. I’ve met too many good people here to have it taken away from me 🙂

I’d do a serious web search or see if you can find a mechanic or auto parts person who is familiar with the fuel systems of the MV. I suspect that there may be another in line filter somewhere, I’ve seen them right at the carb, clogged just as bad as the “main filter”. I think the fuel pump for this car is in the fuel tank, perhaps the tank is full of sediment. Pump could be bad too.