It's 1pm and it's windy but not too bad. Left the store site about 9.30 and have had the valves readjusted, got gas, and done my grocery shopping. So now I'm relaxing at Plateau Espresso wtih a chicken & portobello paninni and an espresso milkshake. Yum.
Got a workamping offer from a campground in Schulenberg TX, which I turned down. Back in the early 60s I lived in Weimar, about 25 miles away. Both places are between Houston and San Antonio, not the part of Texas I'd want to be in for the summer.
The State of NC is trying to dissolve my corporation, saying I haven't filed any annual reports. Totally wrong. I file every year and pay the corp. franchise tax, etc. Have been trying to get through on the phone, but think I'm going to try the internet route.
I'll probably do one more post on Sunday before I leave Weds. am.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday 3/20
Tues 3/30 9am
Alfred was in the store yesterday. Beyond a generic "how is everybody," he didn't speak to me at all. Not even "sorry to hear you're leaving us" (even if he isn't). I wonder what his reaction will be to the letter I'm going to send him (and Johnny in HR) about the detailed reasons I'm leaving.
He did say that all the tables are too loaded up. Caleb and I have both told Kenn that there's too much stuff on the tables and it doesn't look good, but Kenn thinks everything should be up on the levels and nothing underneath. So it's really junky looking. I suppose it's a food service thing -- you know, a cornucopia thing. We've both also said that if you get several of the same thing in boxes, you inspect them, price them, and put all but one or two back in their boxes and put the boxes below. That way, a customer can buy one already boxed up and they aren't all cluttering the table.
I've got several things I want to do Wed-Sun before I work my last two days and then leave on next Wed. But high winds are now predicted for Wed-Fri. What a drag. I think I'll just have to go out but very slowly.
I got a job offer (site/utilities only for 24 hours a week) from a luxury RV resort in northern Michigan that I really need to send my regrets to. She saw my resume on WK News (it's been viewed 25 times). I'll keep her email for future reference -- might be something I want to do next summer.
For now, though, I'm going to pursue the recall company job as it will afford me more freedom and better pay.
Alfred was in the store yesterday. Beyond a generic "how is everybody," he didn't speak to me at all. Not even "sorry to hear you're leaving us" (even if he isn't). I wonder what his reaction will be to the letter I'm going to send him (and Johnny in HR) about the detailed reasons I'm leaving.
He did say that all the tables are too loaded up. Caleb and I have both told Kenn that there's too much stuff on the tables and it doesn't look good, but Kenn thinks everything should be up on the levels and nothing underneath. So it's really junky looking. I suppose it's a food service thing -- you know, a cornucopia thing. We've both also said that if you get several of the same thing in boxes, you inspect them, price them, and put all but one or two back in their boxes and put the boxes below. That way, a customer can buy one already boxed up and they aren't all cluttering the table.
I've got several things I want to do Wed-Sun before I work my last two days and then leave on next Wed. But high winds are now predicted for Wed-Fri. What a drag. I think I'll just have to go out but very slowly.
I got a job offer (site/utilities only for 24 hours a week) from a luxury RV resort in northern Michigan that I really need to send my regrets to. She saw my resume on WK News (it's been viewed 25 times). I'll keep her email for future reference -- might be something I want to do next summer.
For now, though, I'm going to pursue the recall company job as it will afford me more freedom and better pay.
Sunday 3/28
Sun 3/28
Began the cleanup from the sandstorm. Took a shower. Yes, I lead an exciting life.
Last night, on some weird side channel, found "A Boy and His Dog" playing. Probably the best thing a very young Don Johnson ever did. If you haven't ever seen it, it's a post-apocalyptic SF movie with a talking dog. It's not a comedy.
And "Thunder Road" with Robert Mitchum was on last week. Fun seeing the parts of Asheville that aren't there any more or have been changed out of recognition.
Have decided to go to Albuquerque for sure, and will probably stay there for the summer. I'm going to apply for that product recall job and I have a friend in Abq who'll let me use her address. I'll move myself to an RV park after I get signed up. She's going to move out of town in Sept. so I'll probably move to Tucson for the winter (and for my events in Oct. near Phoenix). Both those cities are big enough that I should have enough work.
If all goes well with that job, which is sporadic work, I'll try to set my life up so that I'm in Asheville for summer/fall and in the Bay Area for winter/spring. That way I'll get to see everybody regularly and won't have to crisscross the country going from job to job. And I'll have travel time to be a tourist and visit friends along the way, too.
I still want to get to Michigan to deposit Mom's ashes. I want to see the Badlands. I'd like to see Jackson WY again after almost 40 years. I'd like to see New England, too, but that would have to be a trip by itself.
We'll see how this all work out.
Began the cleanup from the sandstorm. Took a shower. Yes, I lead an exciting life.
Last night, on some weird side channel, found "A Boy and His Dog" playing. Probably the best thing a very young Don Johnson ever did. If you haven't ever seen it, it's a post-apocalyptic SF movie with a talking dog. It's not a comedy.
And "Thunder Road" with Robert Mitchum was on last week. Fun seeing the parts of Asheville that aren't there any more or have been changed out of recognition.
Have decided to go to Albuquerque for sure, and will probably stay there for the summer. I'm going to apply for that product recall job and I have a friend in Abq who'll let me use her address. I'll move myself to an RV park after I get signed up. She's going to move out of town in Sept. so I'll probably move to Tucson for the winter (and for my events in Oct. near Phoenix). Both those cities are big enough that I should have enough work.
If all goes well with that job, which is sporadic work, I'll try to set my life up so that I'm in Asheville for summer/fall and in the Bay Area for winter/spring. That way I'll get to see everybody regularly and won't have to crisscross the country going from job to job. And I'll have travel time to be a tourist and visit friends along the way, too.
I still want to get to Michigan to deposit Mom's ashes. I want to see the Badlands. I'd like to see Jackson WY again after almost 40 years. I'd like to see New England, too, but that would have to be a trip by itself.
We'll see how this all work out.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Today
I've been coming to the Plateau Espresso wifi cafe all the time now. It's a much nicer place, near the university, with lots of computer users. I'm here at 1pm and it's practically empty, which is unusual. Of course, we had that nasty weather yesterday and today it's pretty nice, so most folk are probably out running around.
Got turned down for another job, but a park in Missouri (or maybe Mississippi) saw my resume and would like me to apply. I'm pretty sure I couldn't handle that climate in the summer.
A friend is doing a kind of independent contracting that I think I can do, too. Just have to figure out where I'm going to settle for the summer so I can give them a real address. Will have to purchase a printer, too, as there's much stuff that comes in from the company. But it sure sounds like something I'd enjoy and it's sporadic so no getting bored.
Am looking forward to 7 April and hitting the road. I think Albuquerque will be my next stop.
Got turned down for another job, but a park in Missouri (or maybe Mississippi) saw my resume and would like me to apply. I'm pretty sure I couldn't handle that climate in the summer.
A friend is doing a kind of independent contracting that I think I can do, too. Just have to figure out where I'm going to settle for the summer so I can give them a real address. Will have to purchase a printer, too, as there's much stuff that comes in from the company. But it sure sounds like something I'd enjoy and it's sporadic so no getting bored.
Am looking forward to 7 April and hitting the road. I think Albuquerque will be my next stop.
Thu & Fri 3/25-26
Well, I've applied to some more jobs. One is assistant manager at a small RV park in Tucson, working two days a week for site and a small wage. Sounds good. We'll see if I get it. Supposedly it could work into more hours. But at least it would be a good stopgap.
Update Fri 1pm -- The manager called. She thoroughly enjoyed my resume but they really want a couple as they're so busy, esp. in the winter, that even for just two days they need two people. So, that's that.
Poor Sandra Bullock. I like her.
If I head toward Albuquerque from here, I'm going to do some sightseeing on the way. There's a few sites I haven't checked out (like the Malpais, a huge lava flow).
Forecast for Friday afternoon is for high winds (sustained 35-45, gusts to 60) and zero visibility with blowing dust. In other words, a sandstorm, a ghibli. Will be cooler after (high 60 or so) for a couple of days, and then back up into the low 70s. El Paso almost hit 80 yesterday. Just hope it doesn't blow me and Ghibli away. Fortunately, being sited east/west means the broad sides don't get the full brunt of the weather, but I expect I'll be rocking and rolling. It also means I'll have to keep the vents and door shut to keep out as much dirt as possible; I'll just sweat it out.
Update Fri 1pm -- The manager called. She thoroughly enjoyed my resume but they really want a couple as they're so busy, esp. in the winter, that even for just two days they need two people. So, that's that.
Poor Sandra Bullock. I like her.
If I head toward Albuquerque from here, I'm going to do some sightseeing on the way. There's a few sites I haven't checked out (like the Malpais, a huge lava flow).
Forecast for Friday afternoon is for high winds (sustained 35-45, gusts to 60) and zero visibility with blowing dust. In other words, a sandstorm, a ghibli. Will be cooler after (high 60 or so) for a couple of days, and then back up into the low 70s. El Paso almost hit 80 yesterday. Just hope it doesn't blow me and Ghibli away. Fortunately, being sited east/west means the broad sides don't get the full brunt of the weather, but I expect I'll be rocking and rolling. It also means I'll have to keep the vents and door shut to keep out as much dirt as possible; I'll just sweat it out.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Notice Given
Resigning 3/23
I wrote a short note to Kenn that I was giving two-week notice and my last day of work would be 6 April. I left it on his desk for him to see on Weds. 3/24.
No idea where I'm going as I have no job offers, but will probably head for Tucson and try to find a part-time job somewhere. May check in with agencies like Kelly Girls and see what they have to offer. Or I may go up to Albuquerque and visit Libba for a couple of days and then Gabi & Greg for a couple of days and see what kind of work might be available up there. Might be nicer to stay there for the summer instead of Tucson (higher so not as hot).
Basically, I decided that not only was I not having any fun working at Bowlin, but I don't want to work with (or for) someone who has the opinion of me that Kenn does. And it's now Thurs. and I've heard nothing from him about my leaving, not even "why" or "we'll miss you" or "I'm sure I know why you're leaving." Nothing.
I'm sure he thinks he knows why I'm leaving -- he probably thinks I don't want to be a good Bowlin employee and work to make a better impression. And that isn't it at all. Ah well. As I've said before, his mind is made up, don't confuse him with facts.
I wrote a short note to Kenn that I was giving two-week notice and my last day of work would be 6 April. I left it on his desk for him to see on Weds. 3/24.
No idea where I'm going as I have no job offers, but will probably head for Tucson and try to find a part-time job somewhere. May check in with agencies like Kelly Girls and see what they have to offer. Or I may go up to Albuquerque and visit Libba for a couple of days and then Gabi & Greg for a couple of days and see what kind of work might be available up there. Might be nicer to stay there for the summer instead of Tucson (higher so not as hot).
Basically, I decided that not only was I not having any fun working at Bowlin, but I don't want to work with (or for) someone who has the opinion of me that Kenn does. And it's now Thurs. and I've heard nothing from him about my leaving, not even "why" or "we'll miss you" or "I'm sure I know why you're leaving." Nothing.
I'm sure he thinks he knows why I'm leaving -- he probably thinks I don't want to be a good Bowlin employee and work to make a better impression. And that isn't it at all. Ah well. As I've said before, his mind is made up, don't confuse him with facts.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
White Sands & Today
White Sands Natl Park, Friday 3/19
Here's the three I kept (out of 14 I took), showing the gypsum dunes. It's a really eerie scene, especially when you get several miles in and there's no vegetation at all and you can see where they've bulldozed the gypsum off the road. Beyond this national park is the White Sands Missile Range where they test things. Because of the air force base nearby, the radio announces when there will be sonic booms.
Also, I just got an email saying they'd filled the Grand Canyon bookstore position. Oh well.
RIP Fess Parker. I just got a DVD of "Hell is for Heroes," a little-known WW II movie that he's in with Steve McQueen. I actually didn't know he was still alive.
Here's the three I kept (out of 14 I took), showing the gypsum dunes. It's a really eerie scene, especially when you get several miles in and there's no vegetation at all and you can see where they've bulldozed the gypsum off the road. Beyond this national park is the White Sands Missile Range where they test things. Because of the air force base nearby, the radio announces when there will be sonic booms.
Also, I just got an email saying they'd filled the Grand Canyon bookstore position. Oh well.
RIP Fess Parker. I just got a DVD of "Hell is for Heroes," a little-known WW II movie that he's in with Steve McQueen. I actually didn't know he was still alive.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Today 3/19
It's supposed to get really really windy later today (45mph gusts) so I was up and out early as I was determined to go to White Sands Natl. Monument. I'm now at Plateau Espresso so haven't offloaded the pics I took out there yet. Next time.
Just indulged in a pannini with chicken and portobello mushrooms. Yum.
Have just applied for a job in the Grand Canyon bookstore for the season. There's been a huge response so have no idea whether I'll get the job, but it would be a good fit. Full-time but a decent wage and a gratis FH site. A good deal, and it's certainly work I would enjoy more.
I'll be back on Sunday, when the weather calms down, and I'll post white sands pics, if any came out okay.
TTFN
Just indulged in a pannini with chicken and portobello mushrooms. Yum.
Have just applied for a job in the Grand Canyon bookstore for the season. There's been a huge response so have no idea whether I'll get the job, but it would be a good fit. Full-time but a decent wage and a gratis FH site. A good deal, and it's certainly work I would enjoy more.
I'll be back on Sunday, when the weather calms down, and I'll post white sands pics, if any came out okay.
TTFN
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Today 3/17
I went to the cafe last Sunday after glyphing but there wifi was down so no posting. I went there again today and it turns out some phone tech accidentally clipped that phone line along with a few other lines, so the truckstop folk are pissed. After a meal, I drove up the hill to Plateau Espresso, where I am now. A nice-looking abode-type building. I'm on one of those couch lounge thingys. On battery, so I'm be finishing soon. It's a lovely place but their espresso is weak.
Will be heading out of this town fairly soon but no idea where. Will let you know.
Will be heading out of this town fairly soon but no idea where. Will let you know.
Sunday 3.14
Started out early (about 10am) and went to see the petroglyphs. Here's a record of my expedition. And no, I don't know why it's underlining.
Next picture is my rig in the parking lot with Sierra Blanca in the near distance.
This is the 500 ft climb up to where the petroglyphs start. You can keep going on up the ridge for another 1000 ft, but I thought not (and so did the knees).
And here's some pics of interesting rocks sans glyphs.
Next picture is my rig in the parking lot with Sierra Blanca in the near distance.
This is the 500 ft climb up to where the petroglyphs start. You can keep going on up the ridge for another 1000 ft, but I thought not (and so did the knees).
And here's some pics of interesting rocks sans glyphs.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Today
I called another shop, said the words "rod knock" and got the reply "replace engine." So I looked in the yellow pages, saw a shop with an ASE certified master mechanic and determined to go there, driving very carefully, and drag somebody out to listen.
No dragging necessary. Xavier said, let's go look. Took about 10 second to discover that the alternator bracket has cracked.
You remember, the bracket that I had fixed in Deming in October. That's why I discounted the noise as being from the bracket, even though it sounded familiar.
But at least, it's NOT THE ENGINE! And a parts store had a brandnew bracket in stock and so at 10am tomorrow, I'll get a new bracket installed.
And quiet will reign across the land.
No dragging necessary. Xavier said, let's go look. Took about 10 second to discover that the alternator bracket has cracked.
You remember, the bracket that I had fixed in Deming in October. That's why I discounted the noise as being from the bracket, even though it sounded familiar.
But at least, it's NOT THE ENGINE! And a parts store had a brandnew bracket in stock and so at 10am tomorrow, I'll get a new bracket installed.
And quiet will reign across the land.
Wed. 3/10
Wednesday 3/10 8.30 am
The shop that was supposedly looking for a new engine called me before I had a chance to call them. It seems that my rig is too tall for their bay and so they wouldn't be able to work on my engine. They recommended somebody else. I said, that's just as well as I've discovered I don't really need a new engine, according to my master Toyota mechanics, and thank you so much.
I also got a look at the evaluation Kenn did of me. Talk about "experiential differentiation"! Now, you understand, he hasn't ever worked with me except for New Year's Eve, when he got all pissed because I took a break for 3 minutes, and one or two days when we were both at Akela Flats.
However, it seems that he thinks I'm a counter "hawk" (he means "hog") because I've taken over the jewelry displays (which are the counter, you understand). And of course, I haven't touched the jewelry in weeks. I'm too independent-minded and do stuff on my own that then has to be put right according to the Bowlin standard. On the other hand, I should take more initiative in getting things done (like cleaning).
Oh yeah, I'm not even-tempered, or words to that effect. But I am reliable and honest. The only time I would say I'm not even-tempered is when he's bitching me out about something he's decided I've done (which I haven't) and steam is coming out of my ears. But I don't get into shouting matches, then or ever (his mind is made up, don't confuse him with facts).
Caleb says he hasn't told Kenn anything about me, and hasn't been asked how it is to work with me. So where Kenn is getting this info is a mystery.
Alfred is supposed to be here next week to discuss these evaluations. That ought to be an interesting session.
The shop that was supposedly looking for a new engine called me before I had a chance to call them. It seems that my rig is too tall for their bay and so they wouldn't be able to work on my engine. They recommended somebody else. I said, that's just as well as I've discovered I don't really need a new engine, according to my master Toyota mechanics, and thank you so much.
I also got a look at the evaluation Kenn did of me. Talk about "experiential differentiation"! Now, you understand, he hasn't ever worked with me except for New Year's Eve, when he got all pissed because I took a break for 3 minutes, and one or two days when we were both at Akela Flats.
However, it seems that he thinks I'm a counter "hawk" (he means "hog") because I've taken over the jewelry displays (which are the counter, you understand). And of course, I haven't touched the jewelry in weeks. I'm too independent-minded and do stuff on my own that then has to be put right according to the Bowlin standard. On the other hand, I should take more initiative in getting things done (like cleaning).
Oh yeah, I'm not even-tempered, or words to that effect. But I am reliable and honest. The only time I would say I'm not even-tempered is when he's bitching me out about something he's decided I've done (which I haven't) and steam is coming out of my ears. But I don't get into shouting matches, then or ever (his mind is made up, don't confuse him with facts).
Caleb says he hasn't told Kenn anything about me, and hasn't been asked how it is to work with me. So where Kenn is getting this info is a mystery.
Alfred is supposed to be here next week to discuss these evaluations. That ought to be an interesting session.
Tuesday 3/9
Tuesday 3/9 6.30am
What a great group my Toyota MH on Yahoo is! On Sunday I posted "Jasper engine is a lemon" with my phone number and asked for help, and yestereve I got a call from two of them, telling me about all the posting that's been going on and discussion of my problem, etc.
One said she'd been in email discussion with Jasper Co. about the warranty, using her MH as an example, and they said she had a 3-yr warranty, so she thinks I should, too. Unfortunately, last July (2009) was the 3-yr period, so that's not going to be too much help. But what a nice effort. And it does let me know the guy I talked to at Jasper was mean and nasty and trying to shunt me away (which I already knew).
The other caller was "Sunrader" Bob. He's called that because that's the model of Toyota that he likes (I think he owns 3 or 4 of them). He restores them from the ground up. And there are a number of master Toyota mechanics on the group, so he called to give me their combined wisdom.
We had a long discussion about the details of my "rod knock." He thinks -- actually, he's pretty sure -- that I don't need to replace the engine, that all it needs is a bearing insert and a rod cap. Should be about an hour's job. He also said there's no way the rod is knocking stuff down into the engine.
Isn't that exciting news??!!
We talked about how to find someone who can do the job. He thinks I should go to the dealer here that handles the Toyota line and ask the service manager if there's a mechanic he knows who'd like some side work (and choose the oldest one, who'll probably have the most experience with old Toyotas). Or I could advertise on the local Craigslist for an experienced mechanic, which I'll do if the other option doesn't work out.
And checking the oil and topping it up may help the bearing and rod be less noisy for now. I'll do that tomorrow. Today I'm going to call the shop and tell them to stop looking for a new engine.
It's wonderful to think I can save my savings.
What a great group my Toyota MH on Yahoo is! On Sunday I posted "Jasper engine is a lemon" with my phone number and asked for help, and yestereve I got a call from two of them, telling me about all the posting that's been going on and discussion of my problem, etc.
One said she'd been in email discussion with Jasper Co. about the warranty, using her MH as an example, and they said she had a 3-yr warranty, so she thinks I should, too. Unfortunately, last July (2009) was the 3-yr period, so that's not going to be too much help. But what a nice effort. And it does let me know the guy I talked to at Jasper was mean and nasty and trying to shunt me away (which I already knew).
The other caller was "Sunrader" Bob. He's called that because that's the model of Toyota that he likes (I think he owns 3 or 4 of them). He restores them from the ground up. And there are a number of master Toyota mechanics on the group, so he called to give me their combined wisdom.
We had a long discussion about the details of my "rod knock." He thinks -- actually, he's pretty sure -- that I don't need to replace the engine, that all it needs is a bearing insert and a rod cap. Should be about an hour's job. He also said there's no way the rod is knocking stuff down into the engine.
Isn't that exciting news??!!
We talked about how to find someone who can do the job. He thinks I should go to the dealer here that handles the Toyota line and ask the service manager if there's a mechanic he knows who'd like some side work (and choose the oldest one, who'll probably have the most experience with old Toyotas). Or I could advertise on the local Craigslist for an experienced mechanic, which I'll do if the other option doesn't work out.
And checking the oil and topping it up may help the bearing and rod be less noisy for now. I'll do that tomorrow. Today I'm going to call the shop and tell them to stop looking for a new engine.
It's wonderful to think I can save my savings.
Sunday 3/7
Sunday 3/7
My wallowing in self-pity seems to have taken the form of sleeping. Not only did I sleep all Friday night, but I took a nap Saturday afternoon for about an hour, and then I dozed all evening through whatever was on TV, and then I went to bed about midnight and slept till 7am.
Today, I borrowed Caleb's car to run errands for a few hours. I paid him by filling his tank up -- he must have a huge gas tank as it was half full and it took $37 to fill it all the way up! He's going to let me use his car once a week until I get my new engine. I'm very grateful.
I stocked up a little on foodstuffs as I'll only be going once a week instead of twice. And i went to the cafe and did my email, got my bank statement downloaded, etc.
Watched the Oscars this evening. Enjoyed Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin as hosts. I wish Baldwin would quit taking his shirt off (which he's done in lots of movies, including this past year with Meryl Streep) as he's so hairy. Some hair is okay but when it mats up so you can't see skin and looks like it's about to become the chest hair that ate Chicago -- ick ick ick. There's only a very few places that thick hair is okay and, yes, the head is one.
No job offers as yet.
My wallowing in self-pity seems to have taken the form of sleeping. Not only did I sleep all Friday night, but I took a nap Saturday afternoon for about an hour, and then I dozed all evening through whatever was on TV, and then I went to bed about midnight and slept till 7am.
Today, I borrowed Caleb's car to run errands for a few hours. I paid him by filling his tank up -- he must have a huge gas tank as it was half full and it took $37 to fill it all the way up! He's going to let me use his car once a week until I get my new engine. I'm very grateful.
I stocked up a little on foodstuffs as I'll only be going once a week instead of twice. And i went to the cafe and did my email, got my bank statement downloaded, etc.
Watched the Oscars this evening. Enjoyed Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin as hosts. I wish Baldwin would quit taking his shirt off (which he's done in lots of movies, including this past year with Meryl Streep) as he's so hairy. Some hair is okay but when it mats up so you can't see skin and looks like it's about to become the chest hair that ate Chicago -- ick ick ick. There's only a very few places that thick hair is okay and, yes, the head is one.
No job offers as yet.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Bad bad news
Friday 3/5
Bad news. I talked to a mechanic (highly recommended by other mechanics) who said that the rod knocking down in the engine could only be fixed by replacing the engine.
Shit shit shit.
Seems the looseness, indicated by the knocking sound, means that it's messing with other parts and putting nasty stuff everywhere, like metal bits etc. So there's no fixing it, just replacing the whole thing.
And they have no way to let me stay in the rig so I'll have to stay in a motel for a couple of nights. More expense.
So I called the company who did the remanufacture of this engine, Jasper. This company has the best reputation in the business. And this engine, which was installed in July 06, only has 25,000 miles on it.
They were ever so sorry but there's nothing they could do about it as it's out of their 18-month warranty. Even though their brochure says because their products are "remanufactured" not just "rebuilt" they should work just like a new product. I don't think a rod should fail at 25k miles -- these engines should work fine for 200k miles.
So I'm screwed.
I will be posting this to the Toyota RV yahoo group, made up of long-term owners and master mechanics. I told the Jasper guy I was going to tell them and he was outraged. I said I'd bought this RV because it had one of their engines in it and I expected mechanical reliability and longevity and am not getting it.
I'm deeply depressed and plan to wallow in self-pity, at least for a while. This also means that I'll have to stay with this job until I have a definite job elsewhere, as my savings are about to be wiped out.
Sigh.
Bad news. I talked to a mechanic (highly recommended by other mechanics) who said that the rod knocking down in the engine could only be fixed by replacing the engine.
Shit shit shit.
Seems the looseness, indicated by the knocking sound, means that it's messing with other parts and putting nasty stuff everywhere, like metal bits etc. So there's no fixing it, just replacing the whole thing.
And they have no way to let me stay in the rig so I'll have to stay in a motel for a couple of nights. More expense.
So I called the company who did the remanufacture of this engine, Jasper. This company has the best reputation in the business. And this engine, which was installed in July 06, only has 25,000 miles on it.
They were ever so sorry but there's nothing they could do about it as it's out of their 18-month warranty. Even though their brochure says because their products are "remanufactured" not just "rebuilt" they should work just like a new product. I don't think a rod should fail at 25k miles -- these engines should work fine for 200k miles.
So I'm screwed.
I will be posting this to the Toyota RV yahoo group, made up of long-term owners and master mechanics. I told the Jasper guy I was going to tell them and he was outraged. I said I'd bought this RV because it had one of their engines in it and I expected mechanical reliability and longevity and am not getting it.
I'm deeply depressed and plan to wallow in self-pity, at least for a while. This also means that I'll have to stay with this job until I have a definite job elsewhere, as my savings are about to be wiped out.
Sigh.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Mystery phone call turned out to be my emergency road service company. Bet they want me to renew.
So it's Wednesday and instead of going to see the petroglyphs, I had to wait until the delivery truck finished at the back of the store so I could get out. Then I decided it was time to get my hair cut, so I now have had it whacked severely, in what the stylist liked to call a "pixie" cut. We'll see how it looks when it comes out of shock in about 10 days. Also did grocery run and dump stuff at thrift store run and am now eating lunch and blog posting (to keep my many fans happy).
TTFN
So it's Wednesday and instead of going to see the petroglyphs, I had to wait until the delivery truck finished at the back of the store so I could get out. Then I decided it was time to get my hair cut, so I now have had it whacked severely, in what the stylist liked to call a "pixie" cut. We'll see how it looks when it comes out of shock in about 10 days. Also did grocery run and dump stuff at thrift store run and am now eating lunch and blog posting (to keep my many fans happy).
TTFN
Tuesday 3/25
Tuesday 3/2 5.30am
Nothing exciting or even interesting has happened since Friday. The weather was rainy and windy on both Sat. and Sun., so I just holed up and ate aspirin. Was going to go out on Sun. but decided being broadsided by 40mph winds was not going to be fun.
Kenn and Carol took off in their RV yesterday for an overnighter, so he hasn't seen my self-evaluation yet. Caleb said Alfred (director of operations) is going to be here in two weeks to let us know what "going to happen" with the staff here. Supposedly, Kenn already knows but isn't saying. Ooh, tenterhooks!
It'll be interesting to find this out. Caleb is expecting to be named Asst. Mgr. I could be fired. But who knows. It doesn't really matter to me as I'm already working on my letter of resignation.
Got a mysterious call (missed) call yesterday from Denver CO (they called twice). I haven't applied to anybody in Colorado so have no idea what that's about. I'll return the call today and find out. Maybe I won a sweepstakes or lottery (though I haven't entered any, but hey, who knows).
Am determined to go to the petroglyph site on Wed. Determined, I say.
Nothing exciting or even interesting has happened since Friday. The weather was rainy and windy on both Sat. and Sun., so I just holed up and ate aspirin. Was going to go out on Sun. but decided being broadsided by 40mph winds was not going to be fun.
Kenn and Carol took off in their RV yesterday for an overnighter, so he hasn't seen my self-evaluation yet. Caleb said Alfred (director of operations) is going to be here in two weeks to let us know what "going to happen" with the staff here. Supposedly, Kenn already knows but isn't saying. Ooh, tenterhooks!
It'll be interesting to find this out. Caleb is expecting to be named Asst. Mgr. I could be fired. But who knows. It doesn't really matter to me as I'm already working on my letter of resignation.
Got a mysterious call (missed) call yesterday from Denver CO (they called twice). I haven't applied to anybody in Colorado so have no idea what that's about. I'll return the call today and find out. Maybe I won a sweepstakes or lottery (though I haven't entered any, but hey, who knows).
Am determined to go to the petroglyph site on Wed. Determined, I say.
February RIPs
How did I miss the death of Howard Zinn last week? He wrote A People's History of the United States, the best history book you'll ever read.
And Pernell Roberts, who was the only reason to watch Bonanza way back when. A handsome man with a great voice.
022110 And I've just learned that Dick Francis died on Valentine's Day. He was 89. He had an amazing career overall. A small man, not good-looking, who became a champion steeplechase jockey and rode for the Queen Mother for many years. After a short stint as a journalist reporting on horse racing (what else?), he started writing mysteries, most with a horse or racing related plot. He is one of my go-to guys when I want a decently written mystery with interesting characters and complicated plots and a leavening of dry British humor (I have about a dozen of his titles in my permanent library, and just today got three more at a thrift shop). After his wife's death, he tried writing without her and it wasn't the same. Then he tried writing with his son, a physicist, and that wasn't a good fit either. So I suppose he's left us to join his Mary wherever she is.
And Pernell Roberts, who was the only reason to watch Bonanza way back when. A handsome man with a great voice.
022110 And I've just learned that Dick Francis died on Valentine's Day. He was 89. He had an amazing career overall. A small man, not good-looking, who became a champion steeplechase jockey and rode for the Queen Mother for many years. After a short stint as a journalist reporting on horse racing (what else?), he started writing mysteries, most with a horse or racing related plot. He is one of my go-to guys when I want a decently written mystery with interesting characters and complicated plots and a leavening of dry British humor (I have about a dozen of his titles in my permanent library, and just today got three more at a thrift shop). After his wife's death, he tried writing without her and it wasn't the same. Then he tried writing with his son, a physicist, and that wasn't a good fit either. So I suppose he's left us to join his Mary wherever she is.
Old Photos
Old Photos
Ran across two old photos. Have no idea why I'm carrying these around instead of having put them in storage before I left. Anyhow, thought they might be amusing. The resolution and focus aren't great as I shot them with my camera, so don't try to blow them up.
The first is me at my 40th birthday party (1983) in Tucson, thrown by John Gaines. I'm holding the bottle of vintage port he gave me.
It was a splashy affair, with a champagne fountain, a tub full of ice and bottles, fabulous food like salmon mousse, and a bunch of us winding up naked in the garden hot tub about 3am with a police helicopter circling overhead. We all waved.
The second is from 1978 in Tucson. Chuck's cousin and his girlfriend came to visit us from Chicago. Their first visit to "the West." Neither had ever so much as touched a firearm of any kind, so a bunch of us decided to take them out into the desert for some target shooting. We brought every gun we owned (I brought my shotgun, a 20-gauge pump, and I brought the .38 revolver Chuck gave me for my 35th birthday -- which I still have). We laid them all out on pickup beds and watched their eyes pop.
Anyhow, we decided a "wild west" photo would be a good souvenir. Don Young, the guy in the photo (our next-door neighbor), outfitted me with the holster and the rifle and I'm holding my own shotgun. I'd bought the Coors t-shirt at a 7-11 store (orange! shudder!). Don't we just epitomize the rabid western gun nut?
The girlfriend, small and thin, wanted to try shooting, so Don, out of pure meanness, gave her a .357 for her first shot. You could see the recoil ripple through her body. The shock made her really want to throw that pistol as far as possible but she hung on to it, to her credit.
Ah, the good old days.
Ran across two old photos. Have no idea why I'm carrying these around instead of having put them in storage before I left. Anyhow, thought they might be amusing. The resolution and focus aren't great as I shot them with my camera, so don't try to blow them up.
The first is me at my 40th birthday party (1983) in Tucson, thrown by John Gaines. I'm holding the bottle of vintage port he gave me.
It was a splashy affair, with a champagne fountain, a tub full of ice and bottles, fabulous food like salmon mousse, and a bunch of us winding up naked in the garden hot tub about 3am with a police helicopter circling overhead. We all waved.The second is from 1978 in Tucson. Chuck's cousin and his girlfriend came to visit us from Chicago. Their first visit to "the West." Neither had ever so much as touched a firearm of any kind, so a bunch of us decided to take them out into the desert for some target shooting. We brought every gun we owned (I brought my shotgun, a 20-gauge pump, and I brought the .38 revolver Chuck gave me for my 35th birthday -- which I still have). We laid them all out on pickup beds and watched their eyes pop.
Anyhow, we decided a "wild west" photo would be a good souvenir. Don Young, the guy in the photo (our next-door neighbor), outfitted me with the holster and the rifle and I'm holding my own shotgun. I'd bought the Coors t-shirt at a 7-11 store (orange! shudder!). Don't we just epitomize the rabid western gun nut?
The girlfriend, small and thin, wanted to try shooting, so Don, out of pure meanness, gave her a .357 for her first shot. You could see the recoil ripple through her body. The shock made her really want to throw that pistol as far as possible but she hung on to it, to her credit.
Ah, the good old days.
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