Yay!

Howie is home!  I’m not sure if he’s fixed fixed for real for real or not.  The whole time he was with them he started every time they tried.  They tested all they could with their fancy gizmos and nothing showed up.  So they replaced the ignition switch which they tell me is the one thing that goes bad and doesn’t trigger any bells and whistles.  Keep your fingers crossed for us!

While at the garage to pick him up I learned something, much to the staffs’ amusement.  Cars that are finished are always parked at the far end of the lot.  I got in, Howie started just fine.  But there was a HUGE gap between the steering wheel and the dials which left all sorts of wires exposed.  No, it’s never been like that before.

So before we took off I stopped back in the office and expressed my concern to Patience.  Yes, I think she’s aptly named as well.  Howie’s regular mechanic was already gone for the day but she went to get one of the others to assist me.  We met up outside and he was sporting the same grin she had been after I explained the circumstances.

As it turns out Howie has an adjustable and telescoping steering wheel.  I never knew that but isn’t it cool?  I admit it.  I oohed and ahed a bit which had the mechanic chuckling openly.  Howie, being Howie, had it adjusted just right for me all this time.  I had the nice man demonstrate how it worked anyway.  I wonder what other hidden talents Howie has that I have yet to discover.

Happy weekend all!

Howie Update

I was at work today, doing what I do when I received a phone call from the owner of Howie’s garage.  Apparently when Howie came up in the scheduling meeting he was not happy to have him back for the third time with the same problem.

He wanted answers to questions the mechanic didn’t have so he called and asked me directly.  No, Howie was not making strange noises before he stopped this time nor either of the prior two times.  Yes, he got a new battery and wiring harness before the first starter went bad.  Then, when I mentioned the crayon smell was back, he was very interested and said that is important.  Seems Howie really isn’t supposed to smell strongly of crayons.

We had a lenghty conversation and I was very impressed that he took the time and actually listened to me.  He did not speak to me like I was a clueless idiot as the garage owner I went to previously had.  He seems to understand the meaning of customer service and cares that things are done properly.  He’s also concerned with the reputation of his business, something that not every business owner seems to be these days.  All in all it was a good thing.

So no, Howie is not fixed yet but I feel confident he will be soon.  In the mean time, I’ve been doing some urban hiking, mainly to prove to myself that I can, even with blisters.  Anyone up for some vicarious exercise?  My treat this time.

Whatever your plans are tonight, be safe,  Happy New Year all!

Howie and the Beau Kitty

After work today Howie and I went off to get his new wiring gizmo installed. Ten minutes and $168 later, we were on our merry way. Before going home, we stopped for gas and to check the air in his tires. Howie is now a happy little bug. I, on the other hand, am a tad depressed.

On a more cheerful note, the ten minutes I waited was enough for me to finish writing down the end of Beau’s latest tale, his fourth. I swear that cute-as-can-be, innocent looking kitty is getting wickeder by the word. It’s fascinating. I can’t wait to see what he comes up with next.

I’ll be off now. I’m working on a little crafty project and the deadline is rapidly approaching. I’ll share once it’s delivered.