Showing posts with label cars. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cars. Show all posts

Saturday, March 20

all clean


Unfortunately, when my car lurched yesterday, I pulled into the first driveway I could with the intention of turning around and trying to make it to my mechanic’s repair shop. I didn’t make it. When I saw the smoke coming from the car, I quickly switched the car off and got the children out. That is when I saw red fluid leaking from my car. I couldn’t pull back into the street as there was no parking and cars were pouring past.

No one was at the house where I parked, so before I left the scene, and it was a scene, I left a note with my name and phone number on it, a brief explanation and the assurance that I would come back to clean the driveway. He called. I’ll just say the conversation was short and to the point. He was rightly perturbed but pleased I had actually left my information and was willing to clean up the mess.

Mr. Don, my awesome, handy neighbor and I were going to swing by and scrub the driveway today, but at the last minute, my lovely husband stepped in and offered his help. They used a product called, Zep, a concrete driveway degreaser and cleaner. It worked magically!

Although it was a bit traumatic having my car die on me, I was able to snap a photo while I was waiting for the tow truck. This is my reflection in the red, transmission fluid that is no longer there. Thank you Greg and Mr. Don, you guys Rock!!! Now, if I could magically find another car…

Friday, March 19

a smaller carbon footprint


We have such an earth-friendly, conscientious car. It sustained jobs at our local, auto repair center and consumed a bunch of our green paper over the last year. And today, on my way to take the boys to their doctors' appointment, it decided to make our carbon footprint even smaller. Yes, it composted the transmission.

What I learned today:

Transmission fluid is red.
People don’t like transmission fluid on their driveway.
Local county fire departments put kitty litter on transmission fluid that is flowing down the street to soak it up.
Everyone loves to slow down and stare at a fire truck, tow truck and stranded passenger on the side of the road.
(O.K. I knew the last one)
Riding high up in a tow truck can be fun.
Roadside service is so worth the annual fee!

The little things I am thankful for:

No one was hurt.
I had my cell phone with me.
My oldest son (21) was able to pick up the younger two so I could wait for the tow truck.
The tow truck driver gave me a ride to the auto repair place and home.
I am in walking distance to grocery stores and parks until we figure out what to do next.
People don’t mind if you cry for a good reason.

Gotta love those granola, hippie cars. R.I.P. Pontiac Bonneville!