Clear Transmission

I was up on time and ready to get after it. The fact that it was Friday, my favorite day of the week, only made it that much sweeter. The sky was mostly clear and the early temperature 64 degrees. Another summery day in the offing.  

I completed calisthenics then leashed up Eiknarf. We walked towards the west where she took care of business in a hurry. Back at home I sipped coffee in front of the PC. The forecast was calling for 80 degrees and partly sunny skies. Chance of late day showers, though.

Unfortunately, the weekend wasn’t forecasted to be so nice – upper 60’s with a chance of showers Saturday, then clouds, rain, and cool on Sunday. We are in that transition period. I guess that's to be expected. Even worse, the high temps Monday and Tuesday aren’t expected to get beyond the low 50s with still more rain. The lesson? Enjoy the warmth while we have it.

Meditation and stretching went well. My neck and shoulders are still holding up well. I delivered coffee and pug to Mindy at 625a. She was in the middle of a shower. I wore shorts and a short sleeved wicking shirt for my run once again. The sun was already above the eastern most roof tops. Just beautiful!

I ran the full 4.1 miles without issue and finished strong and sweaty. Mindy had fried eggs ready and waiting. They were extra delicious. I heated leftover scrambled eggs for Eiknarf. She was very excited about that. Mindy left for school at her usual time after reminding the kids to bus home as normal.

I was off to the shower before 735a and ready within fifteen minutes. With the few minutes we had before bus time, I packed my lunch. With the ongoing threat of storms, I decided early on that I'd be driving the Trooper. The kids and I headed for the bus stop at 757a. We met Kenny and the girls there. Kenny shared that he was gonna rent the power edger and would likely edge both of our yards sometime that afternoon. I felt bad that he’d be stuck doing all the labor.

After the kids were on the bus I packed all of my gear, including my lunch and iTouch. I scrambled around looking for my Trooper and office keys. They weren’t in there usual place. Thinking it through, I figured I left them in Mindy’s purse after our Barley’s date the evening before. I have extra keys for all our vehicles, so rather than call and bother Mindy, I grabbed the extra Trooper keys and left for work at 815a. Once at work, however, I’d have to get the master key to gain access to my office.

The Trooper’s transmission slipped or jerked a couple times on the way into work, a gentle reminder that this new problem wasn’t simply going to go away. I arrived at work just after 830a. I had to track down a peer that had access to the master key vault. That took about ten minutes. No worries. By 845a I was finally settled into my office and the work day.

Given our light staffing, it wasn’t as busy as I expected it to be. Thank goodness! I had a lot to do still, including plenty of administrative stuff. Just to get away for a while, I took lunch around 1p and drove to Lowes.  I looked at flowers and shrubs then perused a few inside aisles as well.  I was gone for something close to 45 minutes. My peer wanted to leave for the day soon after I got back. I encouraged him to. Like most Friday’s, the afternoon got a bit dicey, but I managed through it. I was very much looking forward to a weekend despite a less than favorable weather forecast. At least now, though, they were predicting Saturday to be partly cloudy and in the 70s. I left for home at 525p.

The Trooper gave me fits all the way home. In fact, there were times when I worried that it wouldn’t make it. The transmission was getting worse by the mile. Something wasn’t right.

Mindy was out with the pug when I pulled up at home. My first thought was to check the transmission fluid and then peak underneath. I was beyond being frustrated and aggravated. Mindy stood there observing me. But in my cantankerous state, I didn’t really want to be stood over and watched. I shared as much, and I know it came off a little rude.

What? I couldn’t find a dip stick for the transmission anywhere. I peaked underneath. I could see transmission fluid all over the front and rear axles. Must be spraying out, I surmised. I got out my owner’s manual to learn how/where to check the fluid. Turns out, it’s a sealed transmission without a dipstick. Says to have the dealership check and service the transmission. Great! I headed in the house still a little frustrated with the whole mess.

Inside, I took care of my routine chores then walked out to check out the edging Kenny did. Nice job. I’d have to pick the edgings out of the beds on Saturday. Wasn’t sure where Mindy was. Later, found her sitting on the deck relaxing.  We talked about the Trooper. I hate feeling like my hand is being forced despite thinking/planning for a new car for many months now.

We decided we’d leave for Barley’s around 7p. Meeting nephew Joe there. Between work and the Trooper, I wasn’t in the best frame of mind. As planned, we left for Barley’s around 7p. We parked close. Inside, we grabbed a couple stools at the corner of the bar. Mindy’s teacher pal, Phyllis was already there.

I had just received my first beer when Ben & Ryan came in. Mindy earlier said they might be joining us. They presented us with a gift from the Ohio historical museum. It was a furry 'dick mitten'. We laughed hysterically. Others nearby were immediately curious. It’s an inside joke. I explained its roots to the others who were listening. Too funny!

Nephew Joe showed about 30 minutes later. Mindy, Ben and Ryan ordered food. I didn’t, but should’ve. Mindy ordered a hummus plate. And while I had a couple slices of pita with hummus, I didn’t eat anything substantial. Instead, I survived on beer, bouncing between the Hoptopus, Avery Maharaja, and Stone’s Sublimely Self Righteous.

I had a healthy beer buzz going to be sure. Darwin stopped in somewhat late. We chatted for the short time before we left. We invited Ben & Ryan to follow us home. Told Darwin to stop by too. Ben & Ryan left when we did and followed us home. Mindy paid the tab and drove.

At home, we broke into my personal beer stash and turned on some music, listening to tunes from my iTouch and Ben’s iPhone.  Darwin showed up at our door with a jug of Barley beer a short while later. I have no idea what time that was. He soon introduced his iPhone music into the fray. At some point, we headed out to the tree house. I remember spotting Eiknarf out in the yard unleashed. I’m surprised she didn’t run off.

I got a little buzzed to say the least. Had no idea the time when our company left and Mindy and I headed to bed. Thankfully, I had the wherewithal to take a few Advil before heading upstairs.