Proof that there are signs of life on our property. The lilac has buds.
I’m not all that into astrology, though I do follow a couple of people on YouTube who are quite insightful. One thing I do know: Mercury is retrograde now and one of the consequences of that is tech problems. As you know, I’ve been dealing with tech problems with the blog for about 3 weeks. And yesterday? A new one.
I took our car in to be inspected. Don went with me. We waited quite a while and then the manager called us over. There was a problem getting the emissions part of the inspection because – get this – when my battery was replaced in January, monitors in the car had to be recalibrated. This apparently takes time, driving time. Something about 5 recalibrations and two of those have not completely recalibrated and until at least one of them does, they can’t run the test on the state’s computer system. What the ????? I have never heard of this before. The deadline to have it inspected is on Monday, the last day of the month. (I had to have them explain all this a couple of times because my non-tech brain couldn’t take it in.) It’s supposed to be taken care of after 100 driving miles, but it’s taking longer with our car.
So now, we have to drive the car over the next couple of days and stop by the service center every day to see if one of them has finally done its thing. My next question was “What if it doesn’t?” Then they have to wait until Tuesday to ask for a 10 day extension. Apparently they see this with older cars and our car, though low on mileage, is 13 years old. And, of course, we’re trying not to add too much mileage because we want this car to last and here we are, doing exactly that and spending money on gas in order to get the inspection completed.
I have to tell you, I was so over all of this that I lost it when we got home. It’s just been too much. I feel like I’ve been dealing with so much tech stuff that I haven’t had time to just be and mourn Jan’s death.
I think cars were better when they weren’t controlled by computers. The problems with Don’s car also involve computers. I don’t want a computerized refrigerator or car or anything other than an actual computer.
Anyway, that’s what we’re dealing with. Don is going to drive it up the thruway this morning – he likes to get out for a drive – and then stop by the service center on the way home. Cross your fingers. I’m going to do some laundry and work outside. I desperately need to do that after the past couple of weeks. I need to get out there and do some clean up and get away from all the crap.
I did a little tour of the china cabinet in the den about a week ago. If you’re interested, here is the link.
Okay, my friends.
Stay safe.
Happy Friday.
I’m hoping that my old car lasts as long as I do. I don’t like all of the computerized stuff on newer cars. And those cars with the computer screens that are such a distraction to drivers. No, thank you.
Hope Don’s driving sorted out the car problem for you!
Happy Friday, Claudia!
I think the same thing. How can you concentrate with a big old computer screen on your dashboard??
Thanks, Ellen.
Stay safe.
My car is a 2016 the screen only comes on when you are backing up. Maybe mine is just a camera. Newer cars may be different. I didn’t think I would like it but I do. My state has inspections but only in big cities like Phoenix. My small town doesn’t require one. Hope the problem is solved by driving. Sincere condolences for your friend Jan.
Newer cars are different, Olivia. I wouldn’t mind the back up screen, but that’s it.
I’ve never heard of having inspections only in big cities. That’s strange. After all, you might be driving in a big city at some point or other.
Thank you so much for your kind words about Jan.
Stay safe.
Claudia, I’m so sorry to hear about your friend Jan…you were a good friend.
I had the same thing with my car one time. It’s a pain when you just want to have it done and over with. Hope your car will pass this time.
Take care!
Thanks, Barrie.
Fingers crossed.
Stay safe.
dear Claudia/Don — the hits keep coming !! sorry for your car trouble — totally frustrating to deal with the aggravation — did Henry Ford cause this ??? sure wish some smart person could/would find a simple solution W/O computers but think that is only wishful thinking. hope a remedy/fix is coming your way!! spring is showing up around here right now — with alot of unwanted wind blowing pollen everywhere — wx says to be weather aware thru Mon am b/c big systems moving from Plains — have we become another tornado alley??? seems like a strong possibility. hoping for a simple car fix for you. stay safe/healthy
No, Henry Ford did not cause this. He simply designed the Model T – right in my hometown of Dearborn, MI.
The computer crap is thanks to the times we live in,
Stay safe, Linda.
I agree with you totally! I want just a turn on , select cycle on a washing machine and dryer, I want a ordinary refrigerator not one with TV..I do have these things and I do not want them. I do not understand all the functions on my car and that is okay..I know how to turn it on and off, work the heater/air conditioner, lights and radio. I did not get a navigation feature which I hear are always wrong . I like to be in control not my car. But, it is 2017 Subaru so it has a computer functions. Sorry, for this little outburst.
I just finished Anna Quinlan’s most recent book “After Anne” It is a very tender, touching book. It made me cry because it is sad and because it is hopeful, too. I am not suggesting you read it. It is about loosing someone dear and grief. You just lost your dear friend Jan and are in your space dealing with that loss.
Take Care and fingers crossed for your car,
Kaye
To me, all of the computer stuff is just an opportunity for more to go wrong. And more expensive things to go wrong.
You are welcome to vent, Kaye!
I love Anna Quindlen.
Thanks so much.
Stay safe.
P.S. I re-read my comment and I left out a word the word being NOT..I do not have a refrigerator with a TV and I have ordinary turn on select cycle washing machine and dryer
I should be more careful.. re read before I push publish..
Kaye
xoxo
For the love of… In order to pass an emissions standard they are making you put more emissions in the air. Sounds about right in the upside down world we’re all living in now. Hopefully Don’s jaunt does the trick.
It’s spring break and I feel sorry for the neighborhood kids whose family didn’t get away for the week. It did, however, get all the way up to 75 here today! But we’re curbing our enthusiasm because tomorrow it will only be 53 then forties all next week.
Thanks for your kind words about Gracie in the last comments. When Kezia died I thought, “well, I’ll never love another cat as much as Keeze.” Then this poor little rail thin, deprived sweetie came into my life and I’m head over heels.
Have a great weekend,
Kay
It didn’t do the trick and he’s pissed off. But he did call the Honda dealer and they said to get on the thruway and drive at 65 mph with cruise control for about 20 minutes. Exit when you can and turn off the car and let it cool down. After it’s cooled down, turn around and head back home on cruise control and then head to our local guys who are doing the inspection. Fingers crossed.
Stay safe, Kay.
Hi Claudia,
I’m not a “huge” astrology fan, but I get it that there is an influence from the planets, after all, the moon moves the oceans big-time! And I am aware of the Mercury retrograde thing… it is useful to think of it as a time for dealing with old stuff… at least for me it is.
As for the car… I had the same thing done in February…. new battery and the guy did tell me to drive around for a while so the thing could re-set, but he didn’t mention any specific amount of miles. My car is an ’08 Toyota and still going strong. I’m completely in agreement with you about not wanting the computerized car thing! fortunately, I have til the end of next month and I have had to drive some distances lately.
And thank heavens the Spring has arrived! I planted some pansies today (in my planters) and they cheer me up so much! That and the birds being back… hearing them sing in the mornings now.
I hope you get some time to just “be” with the garden and the outdoors.
I’m getting ready to plant some pansies. My favorite early spring flower – and they last so long!
Thanks so much.
Stay safe.
Oh man, I hear you! This sort of thing ALWAYS throws me for a loop. And it’s gotten so much worse as I’ve gotten older. If it’s just one thing I try my best to push through, but more than one thing, like this, and I basically shut down! It bothers me a lot that I can’t handle things like this any more. I had a recent issue with my brakes and I almost convinced myself it was just time to stop driving all together!!
I have a hard time coping with any stress or perceived setback. I wish I was more resilient than I am these days.
Stay safe, Debbie.
We were pulling into our parking place at dads favorite buffet place when we had a bumper accident. A big black suv backed into.us. Our Nissans paint is scraped, their vehicle was fine. The woman driver was upset. I told them not to worry about it. My computer has been hacked. It happened just after i activated my new visa card. I will have to take it in somwhere to have it fixed. Yikes, always something that costs money.
Just came back from dads, I laughed so hard I almost peed my pants. We shouldn’t try to fix things together.
Again, my condolences on your dear Jan
Thanks so much, Irene.
Stay safe.
I so agree with you about the computer thing. Why overcomplicate machines? Why can’t those that want simple, non computerised appliances have them?
We recently had to but a new washing machine and it was a real struggle to find one that didn’t connect, by bluetooth to an alexa (which we don’t have) type system. It’s ridiculous. We now have a washing machine that when we turn it on, we have to wait for about 5 minutes for it to ‘search’ for a bluetooth connection that we don’t have, for it so start as we want it to. Honestly, I really think the world has gone a little bit crazy.
I hope you both have a restful, calm weekend and that you can get out into nature to restore you a little.
I want nothing to do with Alexa! Why do we need bluetooth for appliances?????
Thanks so much, Fiona.
Stay safe.
sometimes that adage is true … “when it rains, it pours”. sorry that you’re having more troubles. cheering for you that they get taken care of and quicker and cheaper than might be expected.
kathy
Thanks, Kathy.
Stay safe.
I had the same problem with my car about three years ago. My car is a 2002 model only used in the summer and the battery was unconnected for a period of time. My mechanic gave me a temporary 10 day inspection sticker allowing time to accumulate the necessary miles. I live in Orange County, NY.
Hope this helps,
Anne
The advice of the Honda tech worked, Anne.
All is well.
Stay safe.