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Friday, April 24, 2009

So if we're taking up a collection....


I took the Mighty Windstar (aka "the soccer van") into our favorite repair shop yesterday. This shop is owned and operated by a gentleman who resembles Elvis. Ribhard thought the van needed a tuneup at the very least; it was running rough, and the gas mileage had dropped. Elvis determined it needed an ignition coil pack, various wires, and an oil change. Ribhard approved the $400 contribution. Elvis later called to tell a sad tale about a non-driveable van, loud engine noises, and "blowing a rod" (I don't know mechanics, but this is apparently not as fun as it sounds.) He said we now own a hunka hunka useless crap. Elvis said we're pretty much "caught in a trap". He's given us a few days to say our good byes and find someone to tow it off - in case any of the organs can be donated. We're left with unanswered questions: Why now? Why couldn't the MW have hung on another month until the end of the school year? Good bye, Mighty Windstar.

6 comments:

Ribhard said...

this is all true...I went down to the scene of the crime and made elvis unplug two or 3 ignition wires..start and stop the engine for 5 seconds...it sounded so close to death I stepped back and covered my ears.....and then I listened to elvis sing a few more lines before I believed him. Anyway the Windstar awaits the final rites now..plou and I have tried to deal with the loss the best we can. We ride to work, the stores, and to sonics together and talk quietly. We both find it ironic that plou was the last living person to drive the mighty windstar (she drove it in to the shop that ill fated day.)


And I was kinda amused that Plou used the line :blew a rod. I have probably worked in and around parts and service for most of my adult life...and I personally have never heard anyone talking about a rod breaking and calling it "blowing a rod"....I have heard that experssion in other environments in regards to other "rods"....throwing a rod is all I have ever heard in relation to engine failure...but hey maybe I am behind the times.

P-Lou said...

I did, in fact, check google before I blogged as I was unsure whether it was blowing or throwing, and I found equal numbers of both. Blogging accuracy is sacred to me , after all. I do have to bow to Victor's service experience. (bow, not blow)...but, then again, in terms of language, he does, after all say "yall" and "bald" (for boiled)...

valencia said...

I am so sorry for your loss.

I will always remember all the good times riding around in the Great White Whale . . . Ribhard calmly driving 5 under the speed limit.

When is the service?

Stephany said...

"ribhard calmly driving 5mph under the speed limit" in the LEFT hand lane and STILL missing the turn-off, ahhhh...great memories!

Ribhard said...

calling hours will be from Sunday 6:00 AM thru Tuesday 7:00 PM at Manitou Auto Service, 449 Manitou Ave, Manitou Springs, CO 80829. The family has requested cash (please no checks Abzugg) donations be mailed directly in lieu of flowers or sympathy cards.

Ribhard said...

the mighty windstare still lays in rest at Manitou.......I need to call some more rest homes...the best price now is $250....so if yall wanna bid, let me know.