Stuff to do and stuff done

My van just barely limped into my dad's yesterday due to a plugged fuel filter. Today I had the joy of replacing the filter. Whoever designed the filter system on a 2001 ES 350 van has some explaining to do. It's nearly impossible to change the filter, even after substantial disassembly of various engine components. Nearly is not completely so I eventually was able to accomplish the task. Sometimes the solution is brute strength.

I had two spare filters on-board. One bad load of diesel and filters quickly die, so having a couple handy is a good practice. Also, every tool necessary to change a filter is kept on board the van. Another handy item is a headlamp. Sure beats holding a flashlight in one's teeth.

The previous time the filter had been changed back in February at a New York State rest area. It was 30 degrees, windy and dark. Today, in Florida, it was 80, sunny, and I was working in my parking area.

While the van was apart I attempted to fix the AC. I'm not sure if the fix will hold, but I thought I'd try the economy patch job first.

Part of settling in to my dad's place was getting connected to his home computer network. He had computer work done since I'd last been here, so the password was new. Dad could not find where he'd written the new code. It took a good hour and half with two different technical support people to acquire the password. At least everyone was patient, so it could have been worse.

My lovely wife and I even worked in a little shopping. Sadly, my dad's refrigerator is stocked with the quick frozen meals of the older bachelor. We bought some real food for all of us. In our travels I was able to pick up a few little marine supplies that were unavailable back home.

-and this was supposed to be a rest day.

Apparently we didn't need the rest. I must admit that I felt worse at the start of our trip than at the end of it. After doing all the last minute house chores and loading the boat and van, I was pretty beat. We made plenty of stops on the way down and it paid off.

I see the government decided to put off the day of reckoning one more time. A casual reading of the agreement seems to point to large amounts of pork spending being used to grease the skids. There's always money to bribe key congress critters. Looks like an expensive way to kick the can down the road.

Here's an idea. Let's use all the unlimited money that we were going to spend on a Middle Eastern war on the US economy instead. There's never a money shortage for war. Let's use some of that magic money domestically.

-Sixbears