...And then there was one.

I sold Mean Green, the other Dodge Caravan, yesterday. Only two people came to look at it. Both offered me 1500$ for it. Only one had 1500$ cash with them when they came. Guess which one took it home? Now I have to get the Cavalier back on the road; shouldn't be too difficult. I just wish I didn't have to work on it outdoors. I also wish I didn't have to bicycle to work in December...but you do what you have to do.

I'll be heading over to Kathy's today to visit my folks and do "Uncle Brian's Bag-O-Gifts Exchange". It really isn't that difficult to wrap up a dozen or so gift items for under 100$ I also got Kath and Grant a present just for them. The kids will swap amongst themselves for what they want. Nobody is excluded except Jacob...it will be a few years yet before I'll be including him. The game only works with gifts that nearly all ages can use, and Jacob is still at that age where gifts have to be tailored specifically to a preschooler.

I've had a good Christmas thus far. In spite of spending most of it alone, I have still visited and talked to family and friends, got to play with my kids, and had a pleasant Christmas Dinner with the Newtons and Flores' families. Thanks to Kerry for inviting me. He's been a true Brother and a good friend all through the separation.

Coming up, I'll be selling the Cavalier as soon as it is fixed. I'll probably have to clean out the garage because there is a good chance we'll have more snow sometime in the following weeks and I just can't see myself fixing that steering rack in a snowbank. I'll also be purchasing another car, and possibly another curbing project (we'll see). I have also laid the groundwork for a re-arrangement of my finances with an eye towards finally laying aside all my credit debt this year. That trip to Disneyland I didn't get to go on this year? - It's going to happen next year, Lord willing and the creek don't rise. I've also got the papers together to file for divorce. I was advised to see what options BC Family Law society could offer towards getting all the interested parties 'round a table to discuss a less expensive joint filing plan. I'll try that, I think, but if that doesn't work, I'll be filing solo and all the custody and property arrangements will have to be hashed out in court. I'm hoping the expense of that alone will persuade my Ex and her mother to play along with a mutually agreed upon joint filing.

We'll see. Here goes nothing...

Kudos and Props...

To Scott Road Husky Service Center.

They not only ran the van's engine thru an analyzer, and "scoped" the ignition timing, but they also took the van through AirCare for me - thus saving me the trouble of doing it myself. The van runs very well now and I consider this money very well spent. Wayne's only advice to me was to swap out the lower-temperature thermostat for one in the normal temperature range. He says fuel injected engines run best at the higher range. It's an easy fix so I'll see to it sometime in the next few days.

Got a nice Email from Paul. Had a nice visit with Gloria. She "surfed" my couch last night and I got her to the ferry terminal this morning. She's visiting her Mom on the Island. Kelli made me some homemade chicken soup (YUM) and a nice card.

Also got to see Mom and Dad. They're in town for a few days.

Red Mittens: who knew?

HBC is selling (about 10$ each pair) Red Wool Mittens. The mitts in question have the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics logo and are lined with polar fleece inside. The stores have been running out of them constantly. It seems everyone wants a pair; and at 10$, how can you go wrong?

Of course, I work at the warehouse...and shipments and stock do get "misplaced" from time to time. Such a mishap resulted in a couple of cases of the coveted Mittens ending up at our HR office, offered for sale to the DC staff. I bought a few pair. I have connections.

Why does technology have to be so difficult?

I've got a new phone...

And a new phone number.

The new phone I was planning on...but not the new number. I was told that my old phone number could be "ported" to the new phone if that phone was being activated with a new account.

However...

I signed up for the Bell Mobility account through HBC's Associate Buying Club. It was all automated, and my new phone and contract arrived already activated and with a number assigned. I was informed that I could pay extra to have my old number added to the new phone...or I could just tell everybody I've got a new phone number. Hmmmm...pay extra...nope, I don't think so.

It's also been a major hassle getting Rogers to shut down the old account. I may have to visit my friendly neighborhood Rogers retailer and see about getting "un-accounted". It seems that somebody (me?) set up a PIN for the account and since L doesn't know it and I can't remember either...We eventually got Rogers to accept that since L already has a new single user account and I am with Bell now, maybe they should cancel our old, expired, joint wireless account.

After the joint phone account is gone...the only remaining "joint" possession L and I will have is the house...

-I don't account my children as "possessions".

This sounds like a good juncture to get going on filing "the paperwork", eh?

Well...yes, actually.

The Caravan's engine is running without steaming. I was so elated that I threw caution to the winds and took it thru aircare on Saturday without so much as a tune-up.

It didn't pass. Then again, I wasn't really expecting it to.

All the emissions gear is in place and evidently working correctly, so they gave me a 90 day conditional. I could try a tune up and some automotive patent medicine (ie: Bardahl No Smoke), but I think it will be easier if I just flog this sucker outside the Lower Mainland. It looks good, it runs strong, it doesn't leak anything, and the transmission has less than 3000k on it. VMR says I can get about 2000 for it. I can only ask for that here in Vancouver if it passes aircare. We'll see.

I'm changing careers.

It's time. My heart just isn't into working for HBC anymore. I dented the conveyor incline at work while swapping out a clamp attachment on the #2 dockstocker. When you keep running into things because your mind is elsewhere...and you long ago stopped caring whether or not you are "getting the job done"...it's time to move on.

Here's where I am.

Separated 18 months. Financial part of separation agreement set out. No agreement yet for property division or child custody.

Credit debt: I have the means to pay it off in full now, if I want to starve for awhile. Instead I will park some (at 2%) and pay off the rest.

Assets: 1 used vehicle in good condition ready for sale. A second used vehicle needing a minor repair and a replacement tire. My great Aunt's legacy also arrived and I will be seeing about its disposition. Savings account is solid. Separation package from HBC will likely include getting my pension contributions back. Enough, perhaps, to go back to school for a few months?

Perhaps.

The thought of shifting out of my comfort zone ("rut"), no longer scares me. This is a time of opportunity, and I'm actually a little excited about it.

Stay tuned.

Am I ever going to have wheels before winter?

Checked in with Atkinson and Terry insurance tonight. Turns out the plates from the white van are now no good because the insurance is expired. The green van needs aircare, so I can't even put plates on it. I don't think it will pass aircare because it's still blowing a little steam...not nearly as much as the first time, mind you; but bad enough.

I may just take it through anyway on Saturday. What have I got to lose?

In the meantime, I need to get my one and only (so far) credit card back up and active so I can buy a bottle of blue devil and hope that seals up the engine. Ditto for coolant flush, a flush kit (or new hose clamps for mine), and fresh coolant. Might also want to do an oil change before this is over. Oh, and I could really use some additive to quiet down the valve lifters. One of them is probably stuck, if the castanet player under the hood is any indication.

I am wondering about the wisdom of trying to unload this sucker. If I can get everything to work, will it be worth it?

I'm already dealing with...issues.

The fuel gauge doesn't work. I am told that a solid hit with a rubber mallet on the fuel tank will sometimes jar 'em loose. I may give that a try. The battery keeps going dead, and for no good reason that I can tell. I think I gave Dad back his old charger before they moved. Granpa Stouten's charger doesn't work at all. I keep having to pull the battery from the cavalier to start the van.

The Cavalier is another issue. L didn't just grab that new tire she bought for it, she grabbed the whole wheel. A replacement will cost 25$ from a wrecker; maybe I can get one with a tire still attached? Yeah...keep on dreaming. The steering rack appears to be functional. If I can determine what bit of the steering gear is leaking (my favorite suspect is the connecting hoses), I may just replace whatever is worn, rather that replacing the whole steering rack.

So much to do...and all before it starts to freeze.

I figure I have about another ten days...at most.

Stay tuned.

But wait! There's more!

The Great Caravan Adventure: The final ignominy.

Well, it runs. It runs very well, actually...

BUT.

There's coolant leaking into one (or more) of the cylinders; causing lots of white smoke/bubbles in the coolant/coolant in the oil, etc. The leak isn't bad enough to either drag on or hydraulic the engine...but it is bad enough that the van will never pass aircare the way it is now.

I give up. In the meantime, I'll switch to the Cavalier. Now that the Van is at least mobile, I can move it to the end of the driveway and bring the Cav back to where I can drop out the steering rack. At least the Cav runs...

I'm going to try flushing the coolant system thoroughly and then treating the engine with Blue Devil. If that doesn't work...I'll see what I can get for it as salvage.

Update Time!

Work: I'm re-instated and no further incidents to report. We've instituted a new system for our storage trailers that is working well enough that I am confident we will get through most (if not all) of our backlog by the time I go on vacation in two weeks. I don't know who came up with this system but it's sheer genius. I no longer have to call trailers on and wait to see if they show up. We were getting 2-4 trailers done per shift using that "method". Now, I make up a list of outstanding pick trailers (usually dates from the previous week or earlier - eek!) and we run three doors on the crossdock. All I have to do is tell the gatehouse when I'm finished a door and to bring the next trailer. More precisely; the next trailer that they are able to find and move easily. Our yard is uncommonly crowded lately and it is going to take another week or so to get the situation under control. From a list of say, twenty trailers, they are usually able to find and move at least half of them. I've gone from 2 per shift up to 8 or more per shift. Running three doors means very little wait time between picks. Ideally; I'll be working one door, while a new trailer is being put on at the second door, and another (finished) trailer is being taken away from the third! Like I said, this is working really well.

The Caravan Adventure: the Final Chapter.

I managed to get the crankshaft pulley bolt and harmonic balancer off the crankshaft without an impact wrench. I removed the starter and jammed three Stanley screwdrivers into the starter port. You know, the screwdrivers with the big acrylic handles that are shaped like gears? Did a very effective job of holding the engine still while I removed and later re-installed the bolt. Ended up with ring gear marks on my large #2 Roberts, but more importantly; no damage to the engine or transmission. Today I'm going to complete the re-re-re-assembly, and hopefully the bucket 'o bolts will run this time. I believe that it will. Then...insurance and aircare, and THEN I have to "doll it up" to prep it for sale. Paint scratches, spots on the carpet, that sort of thing. Might also take a pressure washer to the underside of the engine compartment.

Got a few errands to run with it too...before I let it go up for sale.

It's getting on towards noon now...I best get going on it.

Well, it doesn't run...

...yet.

I think I set the static timing wrong. I may have over-finessed the position of the distributor rotor...or maybe it just needs a new rotor and cap. I'll pull it and check it over tomorrow. I also tried to hook up the new battery the wrong way around and almost fried something...

Today has not been a terrific day.

We're hip deep in stock transfers. We're also short staffed. I was switching between a short reach and a high reach to both pick and load the transferred stock. I was using a high reach to shove a skid off a loading ramp and into a trailer...

...when I rolled down the loading ramp and hit the bottom of the overhead door with the reach mast.

Nuts.

Now, this is only about the sixth or seventh time a loading door has been hit this way. We all know that the high reach machines are never, ever supposed to be anywhere near a loading ramp...

Disregard the rules and correct procedures at your peril...and it will bite you on the ass.

Especially if you are honest enough to 'fess up afterward.

SO:

"By the Book Brian" is not going to be bringing high reaches anywhere near the loading ramps.

Plus, I have to re-take the OPAL course on Machine Operator Safety. Last time this happened they made me re-certify.

It took MONTHS. I am not kidding. I was taken off the machine on or about November 15, 2007 for a "rack bump" that may or may not have actually occurred. But as I am an honest soul, I reported it anyway and even though there was no evidence at all...I still admitted that I had not been "following procedure" to Carlos. I finally got re-instated January 19, 2008...once the planets were aligned and the moon was in the fifth house of Aquarius. I do try to be on good terms with people; especially people I work with...but I didn't like Carlos. I really didn't like the way the whole thing was handled, either.

A short addenda on the continuing saga of the Great Caravan Adventure.

The days are getting shorter, with sunset coming about 7:30PM or so. I get home between 4:30 and 5PM, and I usually am very hungry from the ride home plus the full 8 hour shift at work...

So I'll eat...and then unwind for an hour or so. Then go out and work on the van about 6PM.

This doesn't leave me a whole lot of time.

The quick and dirty gasket replacement on the '94 was just that. I am now thinking I was lucky that engine started at all, let alone that it ran for six weeks. I simply unbolted the major components, swapped the head gasket, then bolted everything back together without checking for wear or breakage on anything.

I'm being much more thorough this time.

I finally got the manifold on, using the *TFAR method as opposed to trying to use my cheapo torque wrench to get the bolts tightened properly. I stripped one stud out of each head on the manifold side and one of them broke trying to get the jammed nut loose!

Fortunately, I have a pile of spare parts from another (identical) engine. In going over the intake plenum, I discovered the Idle Air Control valve needed replacing. I've already replaced the vacuum fitting that was the primary cause of the '94 van running so roughly. I'll be finished by the end of this week; I know I've said that before, but this time I MEAN it!!!

Things still to do:

Refit the alternator, thermostat, and distributor. Set up the static ignition timing. Re-connect the wiring for the alternator and distributor. Check the plugs and wires. Re-fill the engine with coolant, oil, and check the power steering fluid. Install the intake plenum and throttle, throttle linkage, and EGR bypass pipe.

After all that (some of which will take only a few minutes), I have to "roll" the engine over about 50 times to make sure the various fluids get to where they're supposed to go. Then I can finally re-connect the ignition and start the engine. Once the engine is running, I can put the RH front tire and fender shields back on. I'll still need to replace that door seal, and dress up the scratches on the paint, but it will finally be DONE.

I can hardly wait...

More on the Van;

The parts of the engine that require laying on the ground underneath the van are all done...almost. I'm still going to remove the oil filter (I was going to replace it anyways) so I can re-route the alternator wiring around the filter housing. Right now, it's stuck between the filter and the starter.

I need to replace a couple of the wheel covers on the passenger side.

The weatherstrip seal around the sliding door has a hole poked in it, fortunately the same seal on the '94 is intact; so I'll be replacing it.

I'll need a Simoniz (tm) Fix-it paint scratch repair pen. Some antisocial...individual...has repeatedly keyed the passenger side of the van. Not too bad, but bad enough to be annoying. All these minor fix ups so I can get as much ca$h as possible for the van when I sell it, which will hopefully be sometime REAL soon.

Another Air Show Season is almost over...so let's talk about the Snowbirds.

Nobody died this season, did they?

The last accidental death among the members of 431 demonstration squadron was on or about Thursday, October 9th (?) 2008, during a training flight at the squadron's headquarters in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. The incident previous to that was May 18th, 2007 near Great Falls, Montana. Or rather, those are the most recent ones I could find...this year's season isn't over yet. As one website dedicated to the "Snowbirds Aircraft Replacement Project" (S.A.R.P.)1 stated; "the Snowbirds team becomes a political issue whenever pilots are killed". The Canadair CL-41 Tutor is a two seat 1960's-era trainer that at nearly 50 years old; is well past its intended service life.2

So why are we still using them?

Simple: we own them.

The current jet trainer in use by the CAF is the BAE Systems CT-155 Hawk.3 The Hawk would, in fact, make an ideal replacement for the Tutor...except for one problem: we don't own any, we lease them all from the British.

A number of options have been proposed by the Government and Military leaders who are currently sitting on this situation:

1. Keep using the CL-41 Tutors and accept that pilots are going to die while flying them. Accept also that these "regrettable incidents" are going to occur more frequently. Apologize profusely to the pilot's families and friends and whatever media flacks happen to show outrage over the latest lost pilot. Continue making noises about finding a solution to the "problem" and then go back to sitting on it when the media coverage moves on to something more interesting.

2. Use some other aircraft from the current CAF inventory. We do own, for example, a number of CF-116 Freedom Fighters...better known as the CF-5. A canadian variant of the USAF F-5 light supersonic fighter, the CF-5's were retired from CAF service in 1995. The remaining airframes still in Canada are currently stored at CFB Mountainview. CFB Mountainview is located south of Belleville Ontairio, near CFB Trenton. I don't know what it would cost to get these planes put back together and flying, but there is at least one other aerobatic team using them currently; the Patrouille Suisse. 4

3. Buy some more modern aircraft. The BAE Hawk, for instance, which our maintenance crews and supply depots are already set up to support; has been around for awhile. Earlier versions of the Hawk are available for purchase as surplus. For example: Venga Aerospace (a could-have-been contender from the 1980's) entered into a partnership with ALINC engineering to lease 20 Hawk mk 66 aircraft which were being phased out of the Swiss Air Force inventory. These earlier version surplus Hawks would have been cheaper to lease (or buy) than trying to buy (from the British) any of the present CT-155's currently operating. Most of the current operating fleet were due for upgrade or replacement as of last year...would it be too expensive to keep 20 or so of the older models as a basis for a new Snowbirds squadron? Would buying surplus Hawks be more economical? Better question: would operating Hawks be less expensive in terms of fuel, parts, and Pilots?

One final note:

The Indian Air Force demonstration team faced a similar problem. 5 For about the last 15 years, the Surya Kiran team (Sun Rays) has been flying the HJT-16 trainer. This is a two seat, 1960's-era trainer that is at this point about 45 years old. Sound familiar? The HJT-16's were manufactured in India by Hindustani Aeronautics Limited. Got that? The Indians manufacture their own aircraft. Of course, having hostile neighbors does tend to loosen the purse strings when it comes to military spending.

The HJT-16 "Kiran"6 looks a lot like a Tutor...flies a lot like one too.

To replace them, HAL developed the HJT-36 "Sitara"7. The Sitara looks a lot like a BAE Hawk

...and probably flies a lot like one, too.

I wonder if they're going to sell them for export?

Still not done the van engine...

Sorry I didn't get that update done; I spent the day in bed instead.

It's not that I can't figure out each piece and subsystem of the engine.

It's that I keep forgetting (as usual) in which order to install the parts!

Tonight I put the lift bracket on the outboard exhaust manifold. I forgot it when putting the manifolds back on the heads. Then I torqued up the cam sprockets and it wasn't until I finished that I realized that I couldn't fix the timing on the sprockets because the brackets that have the timing marks on them - which get installed behind the sprockets!!! - hadn't been installed yet.

Yikes.

It's been a Not So Good Day. We were short staffed at work too.

I can hardly wait 'till this week is over. The seasonal rains will be kicking in about...tomorrow, I think. Arrgh. I hate riding in the rain. However, until I fix up a working set of wheels; I really have no option, do I?

I've been on tenterhooks about this engine.

See, all through the overhaul and etc. I've been plagued by the thought that I was missing something obvious.

Let's recap:

This van was sold cheap because the #1 cylinder was full of (fresh!) coolant and the engine had hydraulic-ed ("just a little") when somebody tried to run it. I guess I shouldn't have insisted on seeing it turned over before buying it.

The engine compartment was extraordinarily dirty. So was the engine...from about the top of the block downward. Still is.

There was no obvious damage to the head gaskets. In fact, they appeared to be new O.E.M. gaskets.

There was no obvious damage to the head.

There was no obvious damage to the block or cylinder liner.

There was no leakage I could detect across the manifold gaskets. They were near-new O.E.M. as well. There was quite a bit of gasket residue on the head side of the intake, but not from those gaskets.

The cylinders have been honed. Recently. By an amateur. Someone used a de-ridging tool on them as well. That part, at least, was properly done. I don't know if the rings and crank bearings were replaced...but it isn't really important now.

Conclusion?

Someone attempted to overhaul this engine just before it was sold to me...and it went wrong.

I'm almost certain it was a D.I.Y. job, as well.

I'm using updated and upgraded aftermarket gaskets (Fel-Pro "Permatorque" brand). I've carefully cleaned all the mating surfaces on the head and block, in addition to having the heads themselves "shaved" at Heads Unlimited Machining in Whalley. I've replaced the seals on the coolant transfer pipe and even replaced one of the pipe sections. I've also put a new seal on the outboard head timing shaft where the distributor drive is. I'm having a little difficulty with the seal on the inboard head. I may have to leave it where it is.

In short, I'm doing everything I know how to do to make sure the job goes right. Take the torque settings for the head, for instance: the instruction sheet that Federated includes with the Fel-Pro gasket set gives the head bolt torque as 80 ft-lbs. That is indeed the correct torque...

But the Haynes manual AND the Chrysler shop manual both recommend torquing the heads in three separate stages: to 50 lbs first, then to 65 lbs, and finally to 80 lbs. Going straight to the final torque using the pattern that Chrysler recommends might actually warp the heads, once the engine is under operating load and pressure.

And heaven help you if you don't torque them according to the pattern...

Anyways...wish me luck people, I may need it.

More tomorrow.

Progress report: part III

I'm dragging my nether regions on this project. So finally about 6PM this evening, I said to myself, "I ought to at least get the prep work done".

That took three hours.

First up was the sensor plug on the transmission. The plug itself is fairly robust. The wire leads attached to it aren't. I got the new plug spliced in and then just for good measure ran some heat shrink tubing around the leads that will add another layer of protection.

Next was the intake pipe from the rear of the water pump. As I've mentioned before, the pipe is in sections with collared couplings between them. The junction where the heater core return line joins the radiator return line was badly corroded. There was also some pitting on the inside of the pipe. Causing me to yank yet another replacement part from the '94...

The engine compartment is extraordinarily dirty. What I really need to do is blast that puppy out with a pressure washer. Hmmm, I wonder if Manny would be willing to loan his out?? Or perhaps my generous (ex) father in law Bob would be willing to let me have his for a day or two.
Or, I could just try the jet nozzle on our garden hose...

I just don't see the sense of re-assembling that engine with newly machined parts and shiny new seals and have all those crud coated fenders and body panels surrounding it.

I also set up the worktable in the garage and spent a half hour getting the manifolds back on the heads. I managed to find enough pictures to figure out where the various hangers and extra bits belong. After all, I no longer have an assembled engine to look at; I'm doing the rest of this job from memory!

Progress report: part II

Finished the breakdown on the '94 engine. I still need to extract the fluid sensor plug on the transmission housing. The engine is secured and the '94 is ready to be towed. I'll be starting the re-build as soon as I've got the transmission sensor repaired. I still need a couple of tires for the cavalier. This means I can't actually move the '94 until I've got the '95 running, as I will need a vehicle to get the wheels over to action tire. Once I've got a full complement of wheels and tires for the cavalier, I'll have the '94 van towed away and start on the cavalier's repair.

Sell the '95 once the cavalier is running.

Sell the Cavalier, once I find a suitable replacement vehicle.

If I do.

Along the way, we'll be getting rid of a mountain of JUNK from the garage and several items from my suite I'm not currently using (and am probably never going to use).

Progress report:

I've spent nearly three hours on the '94 engine dis-assembly. Not much progress. I've got the intake manifold off. I'm already contemplating "mixing and matching" parts as the '94 engine has higher mileage, but its parts are in better condition. I've also finally figured out a way to test the block on the '95 to see if the cylinder liner leaks or not. The '94 had a broken vacuum line. It figures - I really was at a loss to figure out why it ran so roughly and why the timing wouldn't stay put. This particular vacuum line was connected to one of the widgets that modifies the ignition timing, of course. Broken fittings; good thing I have a spare set.

Add the broken vacuum fitting to the transmission sensor connector and the broken brake light switch to the list of annoying minor details that have to be covered before I can put the engine back together on the '95. So much to keep track of. I'm already committed to using the inboard exhaust manifold on the '94 with the '95, as the manifold on the '95 has a hairline crack running right up the middle of it on the topside. I do believe I'll be consulting the manual fairly frequently before this job is over.

Kerry Newton called earlier this evening and - miracle of miracles - he has a Honda for me to look at. If I'm not going to keep the Cavalier after repairing its steering, this Honda might be a good answer to the question; "what will I be driving this winter?"

All in all, this project is looking like it will take some time; a few weeks at least. I just have to keep plugging away. I will probably make some real progress this Saturday, as we have no overtime planned at work...for a change. I hope the weather holds.

Final note: Grandma Sanderson and Aunt Pat arrived from Estevan last week. They're doing a tour of the BC relatives. They dropped in at Audrey's place a few times and I was able to visit them with the kids. Sunday Grant and Kathy and their kids and me and my kids all had an outdoor picnic in Audrey's backyard. We all caught up...and the kids got to see their cousins again. L was nowhere to be seen for either event. Grandma S looks in good spirits and it is apparent that the trip has been a good one.

The Ex bought a new car...

Well, it's new to her.

L bought a 2003 5 speed cavalier. She is probably thinking that I won't be able to resist the impulse to fix it when it breaks...I think I won't have a problem...

Oh, I may help out on occasion...just to be a nice guy. Irony: this is exactly the sort of vehicle I was pushing as a replacement for the white '96 cavalier -- two or three years ago.

What brought on this extravagance? The '96 lost it's steering. L was noticing puddles in the driveway (as was I) and that the steering on the car seemed to be getting a little "heavy". She finally brought it home one day early last week complaining of a "grinding noise" and claiming that the garage she took it to wanted to sell us a new tie-rod end for only 300$. I took it for a short spin and after parking it asked her, "when was the last time you filled up the power steering fluid?", "It's fine...I think", she answered.

The reservoir was empty. Bone dry.

I topped up the fluid and the steering response was almost normal. Renewal of pressure in the system busted the leak wide open...and it was dry less than two days later. She had it re-filled and it now was shaking so bad the garage now claimed the entire rack was shot. I don't blame them, that's what I thought too...

...at first.

The Haynes manual is fairly specific on the procedures for replacing the hoses, seals, or even the entire assembly. All of the above procedures include a *vital* final step:

If the fluid level in the system has gone below minimum...you have to bleed all the air out of it before it will work.

Otherwise the air in the system will cause the wheels to track really roughly...and inputs to the steering linkage will have the wheels jigging all over the road.

Which is what it's doing now.

Even if the entire assembly is toast I can get a replacement for under 400$. The new hoses will cost 110$. The job will involve jackstanding the front end of the car and supporting the rear engine support frame with a jack. This means I better finish up with the '95 caravan soon, because my stands and floor jack are currently supporting it. L sold me the cav for 50$, the value of two tires she put on it earlier this year. She's keeping the other new tire, so I will need a replacement rim. This will be an additional 25$ at a wrecker. Getting a couple more salvaged tires swapped around at someplace like action tire will probably be another 50$ or so.

I'm looking at 600$ to get the beast running again. It's worth about 1000$ tops in running, aircared condition. Perhaps I ought to sell it as well. Still leaves the question of what I'll be driving once the snows come...

I think I have the last of the details I was looking for...

Just by chance today; I was talking with Brother Kerry Newton and told him about the plans to remove the engine from the '95 van and drop in the engine from the '94. I also mentioned that I was hoping to do so without removing the transmission, and that I did not know how to detach the torque converter from the engine block. He explained it to me, in detail. He even drew me a diagram. The only remaining questions are: can I get the transmission shifted into neutral so I can rotate it, and will the used hoist I bought be okay? The lift arm on the hoist is a little "wrinkled" as the previous owner used it to lift out a big V8 diesel. I suspect that the engine's size wasn't the cause of the damage, but rather his failure to completely detach the engine before trying to lift it.
This unit has been strained beyond its capacity and while I'm certain it will lift out the engine by itself...I'm not sanguine about lifting the engine and transmission as a unit. I will review the procedure and what Kerry told me and decide. Goal is to have the swap done this week and the van up for sale in August. Once the van is done, I move on to get the garage and yard cleaned up. Once the van is sold, I will be selling the remaining parts and the hoist, I think.

I'll be buying the replacement vehicle I ought to have bought in the first place. I'm thinking a mid to late nineties VW...perhaps a Jetta or a Golf. Economical, 4 cylinder, 5 speed, and easy to maintain. I'd love a Honda, but they're getting scarce these days.

I'll also be selling some of the other "stuff" I've acquired lately. The recumbent exercise bike has got to go. It does provide a good workout...but I'd rather ride a real bicycle and I'm doing that every day now. I won't be riding come wintertime, or at least when it snows, but I can't see that I will suffer too much. I may just go ahead and buy an indoor wind trainer; perhaps one of the compact ones that straps to the back wheel. I've still got a couple of TVs and computer items that quite frankly I couldn't sell if I wanted to, so they're going out to the recyclers. It's time to lighten up my life...

100$ worth of Groceries on a bicycle.

Things I learned:

Grocery shopping takes on a whole new aspect when you have to schlep all the goods home yourself.

Secure the basket before you load it.

Mind how you arrange your bungee cords.

Putting eggs between cans and bags of frozen food is not a good idea, especially if the un-secured basket falls over.

My Schwinn can safely support 350 lbs...but braking can be a bit tricky.

That promotional ruck sack that my Ex thrifted (and my daughter used for her paper route) has really strong straps

It's probably better to buy only the necessities on one trip, and the "other stuff" another day; instead of trying to transport two weeks worth of groceries all at once.

I really wish Superstore would stock 2l jugs of milk. 4l jugs are really heavy.

I'll be going back tomorrow for more eggs. Nice to know what the parameters are for "cycle shopping". In hindsight; I probably shouldn't have forged ahead without some more work on how to pack the goods for transport. I've been running low on almost everything lately...but now I am pretty well stocked. Except for eggs.

Things that have gone right so far:

I've lost weight. I now have 2 suits I can wear to church.

I'm riding my bike. I have gradually increased the distance of the ride to where time and distance are just about optimum for my age and current fitness level. I've had to overhaul the new bike's bottom bracket; the first 3 piece cartridge bracket I've ever dealt with.

I've fixed the broken stud on the head. The manifold is still cracked, but again, that's what JB Weld is for.

I've found TWO sockets on the roadside in the past few weeks. Both were useful additions to my current tool collection.

I paid my property tax assessment, I'm broke...this has put the engine job on hold for the moment because I can't afford to have the heads machined (and I want them machined) until I get paid again. On the upside, I can sell a bunch o' stuff for extra cash. I've got a real incentive to do so now.

Things that have gone wrong so far:

The cylinder isn't cracked. Now that I've seen what an actual cracked cylinder liner looks like - this ain't it.

I broke one of the exhaust manifold studs on the inboard head.

A sensor on the transmission housing, next to the fluid dipstick, got its connector yanked out. This revealed stripped/melted leads. I'll have to arrange a replacement.

This engine is extraordinarily dirty. Oil leakage and being left out-of-doors on the world's largest sandbar (Richmond, BC) has left crud on every exterior surface below the valve covers. The valve covers would be where the leakage is coming from. They were never sealed properly, and have been tightened repeatedly in an effort to stop the leaks. They've been tightened so much, in fact, that they can't seal properly.

Fortunately, I have a set of heads with un-broken studs, and a set of valve covers that will seal properly. In fact, I have a whole working ENGINE! So why am I back to re-building the engine that's in the '95, as opposed to swapping the engine from the '94?

Because I can.

Okay...there's more to it than that. First, there's the quick and dirty job I did overhauling the engine on the '94. I re-used the gaskets and so there are some vacuum leaks. It runs...but it doesn't run all that well. Then there's the mileage: the '95 has about 100,000k less on it than the '94. This is borne out by the general condition of the manifolds, coolant plumbing, etc. If I swapped the '94 engine into the '95 I might still have to do the overhaul again and so why not just overhaul the engine that's already there? There is the crack in the manifold to consider...but that's what JB weld is for...

Right now I'm more than a little uncertain how to proceed. I'd much rather put the engine that's already there back together than swap it out for another engine. Details from the Haynes manual spell out that the engine is designed to be re/re'd with the trans axle still attached. I can certainly sell the hoist for what I bought it for...assuming I won't actually need it. I may be setting myself up for disappointment here. I could get this engine all completed and find out it really *does* have some hidden flaw that means I'll still need to re/re this engine for the other one.

I see one of three possibilities:

I'll get this engine rebuilt. It'll be an A1 job, following all the recommendations from the manual. It will run just fine and this van will actually last long enough for me to get the stuff done around the place that I need done AND will last long enough for me to sell it for profit.

OR

I'll get the engine rebuilt and the van will still die from a broken transmission.

OR

I'll get the engine rebuilt and it won't run fine, but will, in fact, need to be swapped out for the other one. Which opens a whole new can 'o worms...but which I now do have the tools to deal with, if necessary.

A man needs goals, so here are my current ones:

1. Swap the engine from the van with the busted transmission to the van with the cracked block. Scrap the wreck and sell the repaired vehicle for a decent price.

2. Clean the garage. All the newsprint, motor oil, and scrap metal needs to be GONE. See goal #1 for how I'm going to manage to haul all that refuse to where it needs to go.

3. Hire a lawn guy -OR- hire a brush-clearing mower and get that back yard under control again...one day the dog is going to escape back there and we'll never know she's gone. I may just bite down and do this myself with what tools we have on hand...but that will be a painful few days and it'll have to wait until goal #1 is underway.

4. Retire my remaining credit debt. Does not include new acquisitions like this system. See goal #1 for how it's going to happen.

5. Lose some weight. As I don't have a vehicle at present...this may be easier than it sounds. I've lost a little lately as I am doing the bus/bicycle thing to work. All I would really have to do to make this happen would be to keep it up for...the rest of my life.

6. File the divorce papers already. I've got the package, I've got an agreement on finances...we still have to hash out property division and custody. Perhaps I'm putting the cart before the horse...we still need to address some issues before we're ready to file. But I *really* want to get going on this already.

7. I'm going to Disneyland. This year. I will find a way.

Well, it doesn't run anymore.

I am beginning to re-think my "junkers on parade" strategy of vehicle ownership. With the death of yet another vehicle in only the past six months. It beggars belief that this one only lasted about six weeks. Live and learn...at least I didn't pay that much for it.

On to the '95 van. It is newer, lower mileage, and better kept than the '94. I ought to have had it fixed by now, but there remains the specter of a cracked head...which I now have a suitable source of replacements for. I fully intend to cannibalize any and all necessary parts for the '95s engine from the 94. Ooh, that reminds me, better grab the CD player too...

Score: One dead van to the recyclers for a 50$ charitable tax receipt.

One live van once I fix the engine on it.

Some serious weight loss while I ride my Schwinn to work again.

Minimal extra expense for insurance as the vans are nearly identical.

I'm back down to owning *one* vehicle again. I wish it weren't necessary to keep the beast, but I shall have to keep it for awhile; until I can find a less "temporary" vehicle. It's really inconvenient having to fix junkers all the time. Economical, yes, but really a bother. It's not worth the time and effort, if I'm only going to have wheels for a couple of months.

GM filed chapter 11...

Wow.

Chrysler is seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Of course, Chrysler corp already set up partnerships all over the world starting about 20 years ago.

Ford may actually be able to survive the current crisis intact...without any Federal bail-out money.

Ford could probably use that bit of info in a new ad campaign.

You remember: "Ford: Quality is job one", "Built Ford tough".

How about: "Ford: we didn't do anything stupid".

Or perhaps: "Ford: last one standing...wins".

New plan;

Sell Everything.

I got my credit card balance...and I don't really want to drive a van. So I've started the breakdown on the 95 van and I'll be fixing it up A.S.A.P. (or as soon as I can). The 95 will go for 2000$ I think; with a solid rebuilt engine and a body and interior that is near 100%. The white one may go for 750$, I think.

What am I going to have next for a replacement? So many choices!

I've been doing some research on suitable curbing vehicles. A legacy of the planned obsolescence strategy of the Big Three automakers is the sheer number of vehicles with "throw-away" engines. These are engines that work just fine...for about ten years.

It's not that auto makers can't make an engine that lasts for more than 100,000 miles. The Ford 3 litre Vulcan V6, for instance, has a reported lifespan of 350,000 miles or more. It's all in how the engines are made. For the most part, they make 'em just as bad as the market will bear.

But there are some of these throwaways that are very easy to fix. I'm sure this was an oversight on the part of the manufacturers. I've come up with four candidates so far, and I've already got experience with two of them. If I were to expand my repertoire to include transmission repair, I would likely find an additional number of vehicles suitable for the amateur curbside mechanic's trade. I'm looking into that next.

Well...It runs.

'Tis sort of anti-climatic; you know? After flushing six liters of MUD out of the crankcase...and a brief trip to canuck tire for a cheapo oil filter, I disconnected the ignition coil and rolled the engine over about 50 times until I was fairly sure the various fluids had ended up wherever they were supposed to be.

Then came the moment of truth...

There's a little oil on the outboard exhaust manifold, so we got a little smoke happening after the first five minutes. No backfires, drips, or strange noises, so I suppose I got everything tight and dry. Timing was obviously correct, although I may just 'scope it to make sure. There was a little valve-clacking; but as the lifters have been dry for the past few weeks, that is to be expected.

Next step: test drive. We're not quite ready for prime time yet...

As to the 95 van, I still can't prove the head gasket is actually gone. In fact, it would seem that an overpressure in the coolant system (filled with concentrate rather than pre-mixed) breached the intake manifold gasket and is forcing coolant into the cylinders. This is an annoying flaw in this particular engine, the heads have coolant channels less than 1/4 inch away from the intake port. Care must be taken to ensure the seal between the two.

So...the '95 may actually be much easier to fix than I thought.

I hope so.

Addenda: I spent way-y-y too much time on this engine...but time well spent because now I actually know my way around this particular engine.

Brutal honesty time;

I'm dragging my ass on this van engine. In part because, once again, I have more of one attribute than another.

I've got more ambition than I have money.

I bought two sets of head gaskets...but only one set of engine gaskets.

I am re-using (for the most part) the gaskets on the '94 van. I am counting on RTV silicone sealant to ensure the engine doesn't leak. The problem is, every time I do use RTV, it delays the process by another few hours while I wait (if necessary) for the sealant to dry.

I'm still not out of the woods yet...I have yet to re-install the valve covers (more RTV), and the thermostat (yet more RTV). I will still need extras for some of the smaller seals, as well. I have managed to salvage some otherwise un-usable bits that would have meant this engine could not be rebuilt. All thanks to JB weld.

I will have the van done this week. That's a fact, not just a hope. Once the engine is running and I've got the plates back on it, I'm going to be stuck driving this wreck until I can get the '95 van's engine repaired. If I can't get it running...I'm going to be riding my bike to work for another few weeks. I'll have to part out the white van...and try again with the green one.

I am assuming the engine damage on the '95 is not as severe as what I've found so far on the '94. I also assume that means the repair process won't take nearly as long. I certainly hope so, anyway.

My original intention was to give away the Eagle wagon to someone in need of a vehicle. I didn't pay for it, why should anyone else? This was before it died, of course. Now, I've got the '94 van...which has turned out to be much more of a "junker" than I had anticipated. I had hoped to keep the '94 and sell the '95, as I could get a lot more re-sale value from the '95. I would have been able to get myself a working vehicle, and made a little extra on the deal besides.

Instead, I'm going to give away the '94 when I have the '95 completed...and keep the '95 to drive. I'll probably keep it another year or two. One or two of my friends that I have discussed this situation with have agreed that I probably won't get enough out of the white '94 van to break even, expenses-wise. Might as well eat the expense and invest in some karma. I certainly don't want to keep the '94, knowing what I know about its innards, but if it can serve someone for the next year or so, at least until it finally dies, so much the better.

JB Weld is your friend...

Okay...so I'm finally ready to start putting the '94 van back together. I had considered wrecking it, but I guess I'm going to go through with the engine re-build instead.

I am not certain why, but the block around the #1 cylinder, where the head gasket failed, was badly pitted and the residue from the gasket was particularity difficult to remove. It was almost as if the residue had been chemically bonded (glued) to the block. I finally ended up using a deck scraper to remove the gasket crud from that spot. Once cleaned, the extent of the pitting on the block was evident. I asked Marv what I could do to fix it; short of having the block machined. He told me I should "fill" the damage with JB Weld.

I've never used it before.

I mixed up a small amount, which was more than adequate to fill the damage, then applied it and shaved off the excess with a razor. The JB Weld is setting up and will be curing overnight.

Next we got some of the crud off the engine.

There was quite a bit of gunk - chiefly oil mixed with coolant - in the engine vee between the cylinders. I shopvac-ed it all out and cleaned what was left with paper towel. To do this, I had to remove the return pipe from the lower rad hose to the water pump. The pipe is in two sections, with a gasket in between and another gasket where it connects to the pump. I am pretty sure the pipe was leaking; judging by the amount of fluid crud that was sitting just underneath it on top of the engine block. I cleaned the pipe with steel wool.

I discovered severe pitting inside the sleeve that connects the two sections.

More JB Weld, please...

This little "repair" is turning into an all-out restoration project.

Live and learn;

Van project week one:

The 1994 (white) is stripped down. Finally...

Lost three days to pouring rain.

Score:

-One broken 1/2 in. ratchet. I dropped it, and it literally flew apart.

-One broken exhaust flange bolt. Brute force and ignorance triumphs again!

-Broken corner on timing belt cover. Not bad...a little duct tape should cover it.

-TWO useless tools purchased. A one piece cam sprocket tool bought from Lordco for 60$ and subsequently returned again. A two piece tool bought from princess auto...which I still haven't got 'round to returning.

-A bodged-together cam sprocket tool made from some angle bracket and some high tensile allen bolts. Should last long enough to get the cam sprockets off of (and back onto) both engines.

I have marks on various engine parts for re-assembly...and an already assembled engine to look at if I need to. The only difficult part about the job thus far has been trying to follow the procedure(s) in the Chilton's Manual I got from the Library. I may have to use the new copier/printer that came with this laptop to copy the relevant pages with the specs and torque settings I need. Having Lorne Kintrea here earlier this week was great. He really knows his way around an engine! I just hope I can get 'er all back together again before I forget how.

It was gratifying to find I was right about the cause of the flooded cylinders: a head gasket breached right over the #1 cylinder. This explains the coolant in the inboard side of the block...but not the water I found in the outboard side!. There are no obvious cracks in the heads or block...and no connection between that #1 cylinder and the other side of the engine thru the intake...that I know of. There is a connection thru the exhaust, of course, but I don't see any traces of water inside the manifolds, or the crossover pipe.

I return to work next Monday...unless I pull a fast one and request a 3rd week of vacation. I need to finish the white van and get it running. I can then switch my insurance from the Junk Tank to the van, and move the 1995 (green) van into the driveway...where I will proceed to DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN...

Hello again, been awhile, hasn't it?

Oh what trouble I make for myself!

First, let's finish off some business from my last entry:

Here's some pictures of the Patullo Bridge Fix:

That's from under the bridge on the north side, south (surrey) end. Note charred and blackened concrete. Are they sure this repair is "safe"?

This is a longer view from the same spot...this "pre built" structure just happens to be the same width (more or less) as the very narrow Patullo Bridge deck. Convienient, no?




Here's a view from the south side, surrey end of the bridge...showing that the homeless are still, in fact, camping out under this bridge. Or, so it seems, they were...

Finally, a close up of the underside showing scorch damage. The sooner they replace this monster, the better...
Okay, so other than taking pictures of potentially suspicious civic eyesores...what other troubles have I been getting into?
Well, I helped out Gloria.
Gloria is setting up a DIY business with the help of her Landlady/friend/host in Merritt. She needed a few things for their home office...business cards, a network router, and a fax machine. These are all things that it is much easier to get cheap down here in the Lower Mainland than in Merritt. After all; they're just a Craigslist posting away...
So I found all what she was looking for, and for under 60$ too. But I couldn't find anyone who could deliver them to Merritt on time. Gloria needed the business cards particularily by last weekend for a local Home Show in Merritt. I didn't get the package together until thursday night and I couldn't find anyone who could get it to Merritt overnight in time for Saturday morning.
So I took it there myself.
Let us note two facts: my 1992 Eagle Summit Wagon is a beater. I've taken to referring to it as the "junk tank". It has a tendency to overheat and it cannot shift higher than third gear. Highway travel in this vehicle is not recommended. It works just fine as a commuter, but don't be doing any long road trips...
Merritt is 275kms away from Vancouver.
In light of those two facts, AND my need to keep my word and get this stuff to Gloria in time for it to be some help to her in her current endeavor...I hit upon a plan.
I would drive up at night. It was cold at night, right? Overheating shouldn't be a problem...
This plan worked...almost too well.
It began snowing lightly by the time I reached the Fraser Valley. This was at about 2AM...
By the time I reached the Coquihalla summit, the storm was in full fury and the roadway was beginning to disappear. This caused me to slow my rate of speed somewhat. By the time I got to the Nicola Valley, at about 4:20AM (no jokes, please), the snow had just started falling there. This after most of the previous winter snow had already melted a week or two before!
The engine did not overheat on the trip. But it did almost freeze. So did I.
I called Gloria at 6AM saturday and spent a couple hours napping once I reached the house. Then we went to breakfast at the local landmark hotel (whose name escapes me at the moment).
An hour later at about 11AM I was back on the highway, which had disappeared for the most part...with the snow still falling heavily. I joined a snaking line of fellow travellers plowing their way thru the ice and muck...for the most part, we followed the big trucks, there wasn't much else to navigate by. All thru the journey, I didn't worry...and I'm not really sure why. I had no assurance whatsoever except a gut feeling that I would make it back home safe.
Huh? Why yes, yes I do believe in Divine Providence...what of it?
But that's not the trouble I'm getting into now...
I need to replace the Junk Tank.
The used car market in Vancouver is realllllly strange right now. There's a very high end; consisting of listings for new or nearly new lease vehicles, with the owners wanting somebody to take over the remainder of the lease. Some owners even offer cash incentives and 1-3 months worth of lease payments thrown in to sweeten the deal! Then there's the very low end: beaters. One thousand dollars and under, frequently 500 dollars and under, with people just wanting these vehicles they don't need, and don't want to spend money fixing; gone.
And there's very little in between. With the current economic crises...most people who have a used car that is running well and still holds a little value, are keeping it.
Now, a few years back I used some "inside knowledge" about GM fleet cars to get a good deal on a "fixer upper" Cavalier. My Ex is still driving it, and even before she was my Ex, it served her and I very well. If a "fleet" vehicle has a known flaw that undercuts it's re-sale value, and you know how to repair that flaw for cheap; you may be able to find yourself a real bargain.
I was carefull, however, to limit my scheme back then to vehicles with a simple, four cylinder engine. Four cylinder engines are easy to work on. Some of them are ridiculously easy to work on. I have deliberately avoided "fixer upper" vehicles with V6 or V8 engines as I had a bad experience a number of years ago.
One week before L and I were married, I agreed to do a ring job on my friend Spencer's used ford station wagon. That's one of the few times I had to walk away from a job. Oh, we got the engine repaired and re-assembled, all right; but Spencer had to send it away to a real mechanic to get it running again. There was just too much about that big V8 I was unfamiliar with. I have avoided even looking at vehicles unless they had an inline four cylinder engine.
Until now...
I got a line on a 1994 Dodge Grand Caravan with a 3.0 litre V6. The 3.0 was an option on the 1994 model, and this one has a leaky head gasket. I've read the procedures, and I *think* I can pull it off.
Of course, it also helps that the owner is selling it for 200$
Then I got a line on a 1995 Caravan (base model) with the same engine and the same problem!
So I decided to buy both.
What's the worst that could happen?
Well...I could be stuck with two whopping towage fees, and find myself unable to effect the repair properly...and end up scrapping both for a 50$ tax credit (each). I'd still be out 300$ bucks net...plus the towing costs!
And I would still need a car to replace the Junk Tank!
Why do I do this to myself?

Karen posted a bit about the Patullo Bridge fire in her 'blog - entitled "The Times and Life". That's the title of the 'blog...not the article.

I posted a comment to the effect that the whole affair was somewhat "suspicious". Or perhaps it's just my paranoia talking.

Consider:

The Patullo Bridge catches fire. More specifically: the only remaining timber support structure on the Surrey side of the bridge that hasn't yet been replaced was destroyed in a fire which was at first thought to be accidental. Some homeless individuals trying to stay warm. A day or so later, the RCMP spokessuit stated that they had found that the homeless person's campfire could not have been the cause of all the damage, and they were pursuing an arson investigation.

In the meantime, it was announced that the Patullo bridge would be closed for "four to six weeks" while the burnt timbers were demolished and hauled away, and suitable replacement materials were located and put in place.

Four days later...the homeless were again the cause of the "accident" and no mention of any arson investigation is to be found in the local papers.

And then: Fortunate Happenstance!

A steel bracing structure that had been used a few years back as part of the construction of the Canada Line commuter rail was located at a storage yard in rural Langley. A "turnkey" deal was instantly inked to allow the steel structure to be purchased and used as a suitable replacement for the destroyed timber supports on the bridge. The good fortune keeps on rolling as this lucky find just happens to be the right size to replace the timber structure and just happens to be certified by the city engineers to last for the next six to ten years; that being the window those same engineers are looking at as being the best time to replace, twin, or upgrade (or possibly some combination of the three) the Patullo.

The bridge re-opens in two weeks, instead of six. Celebration and accolades all around. Additionally, the project comes in well under it's 10 million dollar budget. Woweee...under budget AND ahead of schedule.

Ignoring the fact, of course, that neither the expenditure or inconvenience would have been necessary if someone hadn't lit the bridge on fire in the first place!

I don't know...but it sounds suspiciously to me like someone used a judicious spot of freelance arson to do an end run around a budget committee somewhere.

Okay, forget what I said about our seasonal slow-down being not happening.

It's happening now.

Should only last for this week, tho' - our trailer traffic for the month of February is nearly 300 units and most of it will be patio furniture. Why patio furniture? Because for some reason people keep buying it...

HBC goes with what sells...last year.

Don't know if we'll have a repeat of previous years' sales. I do know that HBC introduced a number of new product lines and we seem to be seeing a lot of returns from the stores of these items. I really hope my employers aren't being foolish.

For example: electric bicycles.

We bought these (I presume) as gasoline prices were heading into the 1.00$ per litre range. By the time they arrived, gas was at 1.50$ per litre and it looked like a WIZARD time to be selling cheap, enviro-concious electric bicycles.

At the onset of winter...

Priced at about 700$ each, they were put on sale for the MOONLITE MADNESS!!! event...and didn't sell.

Now we've brought all the unsold units back into the warehouse and stored them, presumably so we can again attempt to sell them later. I'm thinking a summertime sales event next time; how does that sound?

Massage chairs, popcorn wagons, hotdog stands, dollar store trinkets, plush winter olympic mascots - all new product items HBC must have got a really good deal on...but does not appear to have made a profit from. Those are just the few I can remember.

On the upside, our "25/24" program to expedite the re-stock of perishable and everyday-use household products seems to be a resounding success. The new pick module we're having installed is dedicated to increasing the efficiency of shipping these "priority" items.

Speaking of work: let's talk about my commute.

Somebody lit the Patullo Bridge on fire. The bridge will be closed for at least the next four weeks.

This has made it necessary to roll my usual morning commute clock backward about thirty minutes. I must now leave at least 20 minutes earlier in the morning to match my typical arrival time, and I now arrive at least 10 minutes later coming home.

At least no-one is being stupid and causing major traffic accidents...so far.

The ideal solution would be to ride my bike to work. But I cannot; for that would leave my carpool in the lurch. I am amazed that so many people depend on me and my junker to get them to and from work. Share the blessing.

Ever felt like you had words pent up inside you and you didn't know which to let out first?

Yeah, that...

And - I'm feeling a little frustrated at work.

We are in the midst of what would be our annual slowdown.

Except we didn't slow down...but management cut staffing levels over the holidays anyways. We are now about 7 days behind on our regular central stock replenishment picks, and almost TWENTY days behind on central stock product that is in storage trailers out in the yard.

I did try to stay on top of this situation...but I am only one man, after all.

I had to point out to Mr. Goodall that every hour I spend doing something other than those "trailer picks" puts the current backlog yet another day behind. I am getting thru all these...but it is taking wayyyyyyy longer than it should. I need help, and I'm not getting it...may have to go see Jeff or Amir.

Of course, the heavy snowfall we've had these past few weeks was no help at all. I'm relieved that it's mostly gone now.

I have discovered a trend. This trend coincides with one of my personal pleasures.

Choral music.

The old College Glee Club is making a comeback. Given that this is the age of YouTube, most of them have posted videos of their performances. Some of them sound excellent, despite the generally poor sound quality of YouTube's user-generated content. A few of the groups are leading the way and using YouTube as a promotional tool. They're selling albums...

If you want to see what I mean, use this search on YouTube's page: How to Save a Life a capella.

A couple of years ago, someone arranged The Fray's "how to save a life" for an a capella chorus. I don't know who did the original arrangement, but by now everyone has performed it. I like the Vassar Devil's version best; despite the poor audio, they do a decent rendition. I also like the Devil's version because they're one of the few groups that keeps the tempo of the original Fray single...most groups slow it down somewhat.

The Umass Dynamics (dyna-mikes?) don't have "how to save a life" in their repetoire. They did "cablecar (in over my head)" instead. I love listening to that number.

YouTube is user generated...and consumer driven.

Anything you want is on there...and some Artists have started to take advantage.

Take Jeff Dunham, for example; his second HBO Comedy Central special "Spark of Insanity" is available in its entirety (nearly) on YouTube - all for free! - divided into 10 minute clips.

Of course, if you'd like to watch the whole performance without interruption (and with bonus features) you could, say, buy the DVD... It's available at Amazon.com for about 10 bucks.

Jeff has sold a whooooole lotta copies of that DVD.

Even more surprising (and amusing) is Moosebutter...

Moosebutter?

They're a little comedy troupe from Provo,(?)Utah. They do "a capella comedy"...they do it at business seminars, mall openings, and county fairs...

They released a CD a few years back with a "Star Wars tribute to John Williams". A young aspiring videographer named Corey Vidal loved the tune when he heard it and contacted the group to ask if he could do a video for it.

They said "sure".

3.95 million hits later (as of Jan 12, 2009), the video got nominated for "best user-generated video" at the People's Choice Awards. Moosebutter got Corey to produce their own version of the video...featuring the current members of the group singing the song using the same layout - as opposed to Corey's version, in which he is lip-synching to all four parts of the album single.

Moosebutter's version of the video has been up about a month now...and has 210,000+ hits of its own. People outside of Utah actually know who Moosebutter is now...and they've only just begun.

Speaking of do-it yourself...

I found an air-hockey table on Craigslist for free. It works just fine but one of the legs is broken. I've been pondering for the past week how to fix that leg, or make up a new set of legs that won't break. I came up with a solution...now I need to put it into action. The table itself is plywood and plastic, but the legs were made of cardboard - no lie! - and I thought to myself; "I can do much better than that". The real problem has been the kids: they CAN'T WAIT...literally. I'm surprised they haven't broken it by now!

My, how time flies when you're having fun...

What's new?

Vancouver is enjoying it's wettest winter on record. Lots of rainfall, with snow a'plenty at the higher elevations.

I live in one of those "higher elevations".

Exhibit A: our front yard from last week:

Now, if anything, we have much more snow in the yard and drive this week...it's been fun fun fun shoveling all this stuff over and over and over. Snow load on the roof is becoming a concern.

Xmas was good. I bought gifts for the kiddies, and their cousins. Went to Kathy's for Xmas day and had a wonderful day visiting with her family and Mom and Dad as well. Sent a package to Estevan with a long letter. Sent a gift card to Karen's family. It has yet to get there....may have to send another. Birthdays for the kiddies are upcoming and Coral has already got hers. Colin's I may have to travel far and wide to find. He wants (groan) another Hot Wheels widget for his computer.

I want a new laptop. Prices have dropped and they may not drop again this decade. Thank you, rampant inflation... In the meantime, I may have to bite down and get this one's display fixed.

I am Delta Ward Sunday School President. Again. We haven't had one, apparently, since the last time I was Sunday School President. I guess I'm being given another opportunity here. I have to order up supplies, make certain the teachers we have aren't getting burned out, call some more teachers, and call some counsellors. Been there, done that, gonna do it again - only better. Delta Ward is on the cusp of being a functioning congregation again. I'll do what I can to move that forward - or at least not hinder it any.

It's now Divorce Time. I have my offer in order and now it remains to present it to Laurie and see if we can, in fact, reach a settlement. If we can, next move is to file. I am willing to make several concessions...I hope she is as well. We shall see.

Finally, we have heard nothing from Tae Kwon Do about Coral not passing her black belt testing. No news is good news, so I guess she made it. We find out for certain tomorrow.