Purple Sage / Governors Landing / New Battery

While I keep all records that have to do with the upkeep of our cars it is another matter to be able to find them in the many boxes that I have. I try to document important items like when I purchase tires and batteries, when I take the cars in for service, etc., etc. I am somewhat forgetful at adding labels to my posts to make them easier to locate on my blog.

Something kept on nagging at me but with my CRS it is hard to remember things. I believe the last time I replaced my tires a short time later I bought a new battery for Midnight. Sunday, August 28th I drove to town early to go pick up our mail. The car was sluggish to start and I panicked since being Sunday and early in the morning auto parts stores were closed.

The only thing that came to mind was what my late mechanic told me...Belinda, anytime the car starts acting up take a drive to the lake and floor it...and that is exactly what I did. 

That is when I noticed that the recent rains had made the purple sage bloom all over the city both at businesses and homes alike.

I, therefore, expected to see this beautiful shrub in full bloom on the way to Lake Amistad but sadly that was not the case. I drove to my favorite campground that being Governors Landing but there was only one campsite in use by a young couple car camping. The sites here have been cleared to make them larger and they also set up tent sites about two years ago while only increasing the fees by two dollars to $10.00 per night.

The effects of the drought were evident and it is so sad to see the low lake levels. There is some good news though the boat ramp they closed two weeks ago is once again open to the public though there were few boats at the unloading parking lot (not sure that is the correct term).

I parked the car in the front driveway rather than the garage Sunday night but barely slept since I had a doctor's appointment Monday morning and was afraid the car would not start. Lucky for me it started and as soon as I got out of the doctor's office I made a beeline to Auto Zone where they tested it and sure enough it needed to be replaced.

While I have no idea what I paid for the last one, I was surprised that it now costs $199.99 before tax. Much like the tires, it is the peace of mind that I am purchasing. Let's hope this is the last I have to spend on Midnight for a while.

I was correct the Del Rio area received 3 inches in 3.5 hours yesterday morning. The creek that separates us from the county road overflooded and the road was closed for several hours. School did not start until ten o'clock and it goes without saying I found out about this thanks to El Zócalo. https://www.zocalo.com.mx/caen-3-pulgadas-de-lluvia-en-tres-horas-y-media/

Good night.  May you all have Terlingua Dreams.

Aunty Acid

Triple A to the Rescue

I think one of the best decisions I ever made was to join the American Automobile Association otherwise known as Triple A.  I was in my early twenties, single and living in the big city.  I have always strived to be self sufficient and not bother my friends or family with little things like flat tires, jump starts and the always dreaded mechanical failure.  If you use them just once a year...you basically have recouped your annual dues.  Even if you don't use them at all...the peace of mind it buys is priceless.

He jumped started the Toyota and for a little extra removed the battery from mother's mini-van.  I went off to town to purchase a new battery for her car while at the same time charging my own battery.  It was awfully hot as I decided not to turn on the A/C hoping that would  help in charging it up faster.

Later in the afternoon something kept on nagging at me...my sixth sense?...so I went to start my car.  Darn it!  It was almost out of juice but I floored it and got it started.  By now it was close to 7:00 p.m. and the dealership was closed...I was not about to have it be drained by morning.  So off I went back to the auto parts store to have them check both the battery and the alternator.  Lucky for me it was only the battery that needed replacing.  Oh well...had to replace two batteries in one day :-(

I was going to drive to the lake and then around town but thought it best to bite the bullet and just get it replaced...it is after all almost four years old.  Was glad it happened while I was in Del Rio where I have access to another vehicle and not in Houston or worst yet in Terlingua!

Good night.  May you all have Terlingua Dreams.