Of Earl, And Change

I manned up and took the vehicle to the local Ford dealership to get its 3,000 mile oil change (at 3,800 miles). This is its THIRD oil change, so don't think badly of me!

What do you get for your 27 (and change) bucks from Ford?

• Oil
• Filter (I hope, I didn't ask)
• Peace of mind
  

If you want the multi-point inspection, it's $18.00 more. I declined the suggestion tire rotation, it's not due till 5,000 miles, and that could be another year. At least! The cashier gave me a card for a free oil change after five paid ones. W00t!

What do you get at Jiffylube?

• Oil
• Oil filter
• Visual inspection
  
• Vacuum interior floors
• Clean exterior of windows
• Lubricate the chassis (when applicable)
• Check tire pressure
• Check and top off fluids
• Scary rumours
  

I don't know how much it costs, but I don't think it's any more than Ford. But they have had so much bad press, I'm scared to go there! I know people who do, with no problems, but, STILL...

What do you get from Factory Tire Automotive Services on Convoy St.?

• With synthetic blend oil. Up to 5 quarts 5W-30 oil.
• New oil filter
• 64 point inspection
• Check fluids
• Check tire PSI

How much does it cost? $19.95 with a coupon in the San Diego Reader.

So, DO you get what you pay for? Should I fork out the 18 bucks to get the windshield wiper fluid topped up?

I have never opened the hood on the vehicle.

This, from a guy who replaced the piston rings on ONE cylinder of a V-8.

This, from a guy who split the cases on a Hodaka to get to the transmission.

This, from a guy who pulled the engine on the Cortina TWICE to replace the clutch.

How sad is that?

Tea For Wednesday

I have accumulated quite a stash of tea, as it were, at home, mostly through gifts.



From left to right, not counting measuring cup, oh, and check out the Mug Rug my mother made for me! What do we have here?

• Whitefield Estates Organic Tea Pure Green Tea -- Haven't tried it yet. A gift from Brenda, thanks!
  
• Harney & Sons Hot Cinnamon Sunset -- This stuff is spicy and very aromatic! A gift from the other Cheryl, along with a tea mug at work, thanks!
  
• Whitefield Estates Organic Tea Classic Breakfast Tea -- Haven't tried it yet. A gift from Brenda, thanks again!
  

Und here we see:

• Salada 100% Green Tea -- Tastes green!
• PG Tips -- Have not tried yet. A gift from Cheryl, thanks!
  
• Celestial Seasonings Country Peach Passion -- Very peachy! Smells great!
• Albertsons Tea Bags Naturally Decaffeinated -- Cheap, but good enough for the likes of!
• Bigelow Earl Grey -- Almost gone! Good stuff.

I runned outa Splenda so I am drinking tea "commando", as it were. My non-educated palate much prefers a sweetner.

Yesterdays Crapola

I can't think of a whole lot that makes me angrier than someone trying to rip someone off, especially that that someone is old and/or mentally feibile.

Got this in the mail yeseterday. Wow, I've won $600,000!! W00t!!


You may have to view the image in a new window to see the whole thing.

Note my annotations...

It came in this envelope, that should have been the FIRST clue.



Here's the check, for your amusement.


You may have to view the image in a new window to see the whole thing.

If you don't know how the scam works, just look it up on the web. There are only about 160,000 hits on the terms "lottery" and "scam" on Google.

I am constantly beset by these jerks, being in the circumstances I am, and it is quite trying. I may have to change my telephone number and get an unlisted, uh, listing.

What's To Eat?

Ran across the Foodopolis blog while searching for info. on a restaurant I had just came home from. Why I need a review of a place I've already been to, I don't know. Validation?

Anyway, lots of reviews of places in the San Diego area, and some in other places. Pictures! Lots of pictures!

This is my tea-drinking cup at work.



Everyone makes fun of me and my cup. One person has even hinted they are going to give me a "proper" tea cup for Xmas.

Hey, I LIKE the BIG CUP! I like the Pyrex, it's retro, babe!

And I use a two-cup measuring cup at home, too!

But I won't say no to a new cup for Xmas.

But it better be a BIG CUP!

Sunday Afield

The boy and I went geocaching this afternoon. Good thing, or I never would have accomplished ANYTHING at all. We found four caches, and I took this pic from atop a high hill, looking towards beautiful Santee.



Since it rained the other day, it was a little muddy. We saw six bicyclists, two runners, and one walker.