Mitch coming home! - Day 1851 (Year 6, Day 25)

Zephyhills, FL

Mitch was expected to be home at 6:00 am on Friday (leaving Reno at 6:30 pm Thursday), but some time during the day on Thursday, the company decided they needed him to work an extra day to finish up the job.  They didn't bother consulting with him in advance but just went ahead and rebooked his flight to leave on Friday evening.  He made a big fuss about it, explaining that for religious reasons, he doesn't travel on the Sabbath and needed to leave on Saturday night instead (and he would have told them that if they had bothered to ask).  But they decided to accommodate him and change the flight again and grant the extra day at the hotel, car and meals.  So he should touch down at 5:15 am Sunday morning and I'll see him in less than 12 hours!  It's been a really long 1 1/2 weeks (and 2 Shabbats by myself), although I did invite Ellie over again and we had a wonderful time.

Another truck "adventure" - Day 1847 (Year 6, Day 21)

Zephryhills, FL

Ok, last week (Wed. when Mitch left for Reno), when I took the truck out for a shopping run, I felt that something wasn't quite right, but I couldn't put my finger on it.  It didn't seem to have a lot of power while accelerating, but then again, I was on 30 mph streets, so it was hard to tell.  I chose not to go to Shabbat services because I was afraid it would break down.

Yesterday, I had an appointment for xrays and labs (for my hips and rheumatologist follow up).  I had a little bit of trouble getting it to start.  While driving, I noticed the gas tank was a little below 1/4 (I never like to go below that), so I switched to another tank (we have 3 totaling 105 gallons) which put the gauge up to FULL.  While driving the 2 miles to the doctor, it still didn't feel right: the idle was weak and it felt like it was going to stall.  I did make it to the office ok.

On the way home, I had a little more trouble getting it to start and the feeling of it being about to conk out was much stronger.  I was going to stop en route at the supermarket to pick up a few things, but decided not to tempt fate.  That was a good decision because just as I was about to cross the street into my RV park, it did die.  After what felt like an eternity (but was probably only about 5 minutes) I was able to get it started again, at which point I slammed on the gas pedal and went as fast as I could into the campground to my site and landed safely.  I'm sure someone "up there" was watching out for me.

Anyway, I arranged for my friend to take me to Walmart to pick up my groceries (that I buy online) on Thursday and figured Mitch will deal with the issue when he gets back (which will be 6:00 am on Friday, so that's really not very fair to him).  When I was a bit more calm and level headed this morning, I thought the best I could do is find a diesel mechanic in the area.  I lucked out!!! I actually found a mobile diesel truck repair place that not only answered the phone on the first ring, but said they could be here within 1/2 hour! (I had a client call so I needed to push it out another hour).  I checked out their reviews and they come out to 5 stars.  And yes, they deserve every star!

Bottom line is that the problem was that I was out of gas in all of my tanks!  There is something wrong with the gauges so for the time being, we'll need to use paper, pen and math to figure out  how much gas we're consuming since we can't rely on the gas gauges now.  While they were here, they also did an oil and fuel filter change.  Total was only about $350 (plus the gas they had to run out to buy) which is very low.  Would have been closer to $800 at a mechanic shop.  Anyway, truck is now fixed and purring.  Glad I was able to get the problem resolved and not leave it to Mitch.  I know he'll need a lot of decompression time when he gets home.

Hey y'all
Mitch here.  In Reno Nevada! 
Yes, by myself.
Previous post by Cheryl explains why I'm out here alone.
First of all.
Besides the 9 hrs of flying with two layovers I discovered that Reno is almost as weird as Austin Texas
Here's my first photo getting off the plane in Reno

Still quite a shock, even though I've been in Vegas before.

Now we'll talk about my work later.
It's after shabbos, needed to go get some food, decided to stop off here.

So, I wandered into the annual chalk art festival 

Couldn't resist stopping and listening to the band ...

Here's a SHORT sample clip of this blues band..(only 25 mb), but I DO have a 200 mb clip if you really  really want it!

Anyway amazing time
Here are a few photos of the chalk art

That's called "Escher's water park"  (as in M.C. Escher) complete with a 3-D interactive photo op!
and here is a full link to the pictures I took from this festival

anyway that's it for now...

Mitch

Mitch in Reno - Day 1842 (Year 6, Day 16)

Zephyrhills, FL

Mitch is still seeking employment in the IT field.  He gets lots of initial interviews but nothing has jelled yet for anything full time.

Interestingly, he got a call around noon on Tuesday.  There was a need to install a computer system at a military base in Reno, Nevada -- can he be there tomorrow (Wednesday)?!!!  When he got the call, he was with me at the doctor's office, so it just wasn't possible logistically.  He left on Wed. at 6:00 am and is expected to return at 6 am on Friday!  The flights they arranged for him really suck big time (3 stops on the way over, and red-eye returning).

Who knows -- maybe this company has nationwide contracts and can keep us traveling?  We shall see what happens next.  But at least, it's a few $ in our pocket.

I have to admit this (being apart) is new to me.  Whenever one of us has gone out of town on business, it has always been me (to the UK 3 times, San Antonio recently).  But this is the first time I'm left at home and Mitch is away.  Thankfully, during the day, I have a lot of work which distracts me, but the evenings are a little hard as it throws me off the routine.  For example, I'm not making fancy dinners (just throwing up veggie burgers in the microwave) and not making it to be ready by 6 so we can go to sleep by 9.  Can't watch our usual "tv" stuff (which is downloaded) because I shouldn't get ahead, so watching real tv or YouTube.

Was having a hard time figuring out what to do for Shabbat.  I don't want to invite myself to the rabbi as I don't want to sleep over and I can't drive at night.  Can't see myself making a special meal, baking challah, even setting the table for myself alone.  So I invited a friend to join me to give me an excuse.

Meanwhile, looks like Mitch may have a lot of extra time on his hand over the weekend and the day he returns home (11:00 pm flight) so he has the chance to explore the area of Reno/Lake Tahoe.  I sure do hope he takes advantage and takes lots of pictures and maybe even journals stuff.  MITCH --- I invite you to put a post here to record Reno!