DigitalSandbox

Yesterday was one of those days. As I alluded to earlier, we are in the midst of a move. I say “in the midst of” because currently we have moved out of our place and are technically homeless. Thankfully, The Wife’s brothers have allowed us to crash at their townhouse. Anyway, the stress of not having a place of our own to call home was really getting to us.

And then the car died.

As The Wife was driving me to work yesterday we heard an ominous ticking sound coming from the engine. Then we lost our ability to maintain speed. When we saw the smoke coming out from under the hood we knew it was time to pull over. By the time we stopped the car had already given up the ghost. Great.

The diagnosis was a split radiator hose, a blown head gasket, and probably a cracked head or two. The damages: at least $1000 but more likely $2000. On a car that is worth only about $500-$700. No thanks.

I got this car (a ‘94 Ford Explorer) back in ‘97. And it has served us well for 8 years (163,000 miles, all but 38,000 of them are mine). Alas, it is time to move on. You will be missed old friend.

FYI: We bought a 2002 Ford Taurus to replace it. It’s nice, but it will take a while to get used to driving this close to the ground again.

Update: For anyone that cares, there are now pictures available in the photo gallery.