Sojourn Chronicles

Mesa, Arizona–The weather is beautiful in the Valley of the Sun. Nothing but sunshine today, and the high temperature 85 degrees. Where is my motorcycle when I really want it? Back home in the garage while the rain continues in the Ohio River Valley.

Two tasks dominated my attention today: diagnosis and resolution of my abnormal car sounds, and completion of edits on an interview done recently.

Carla King and I interviewed motorcycle legend Ted Simon for Carla’s podcast program Miss Adventuring. Then, I had a computer crash, so the finished product had to wait on the new computer and installation of all the old software. Today, it’s finished, but I am without a local Internet connection.

Superstition Springs Honda listened intently to my car issues, and then promised to have a diagnosis within 90 minutes. When you’re on the road with auto problems, you feel a little vulnerable. So I was pleased with the initial treatment. Secondly, the rather large dealership offers free wi-fi connection in their waiting area for customers. I began to see a plan coming together.

The car was dropped off, and I returned to my home away from home at Mom’s kitchen table to complete the podcast edits. Then the phone call came from the dealership. They identified the problem–they recommend the axles be replaced on the Honda’s front wheel drive. What! It only has 162,000 miles on it! Yes, but the rubber boots protecting the axles’ vulnerable joints were shot and had been letting in the elements for quite some time.

They agreed to let me look at what they were seeing. An appointment was made for 1:30 p.m. I showed up at 1 p.m. with computer in tow to upload the mp3 file and send an e-mail to Carla for her download. I also called. We finished our conversation at 1:30. Time for car talk.

The mechanic put the Honda up on the hoist and showed me the problem. Frankly, if I had seen that back in Cincinnati (and, I don’t know why my shop didn’t see this when it was serviced two weeks ago) I would have told them to fix it. The protective rubber boots were shot and had been for quite some time. It was very evident. “Go ahead and fix it. I’ll drive home knowing it’s safe.” Three hours later, they called. The car was finished.

When I picked up the car, not only did they honor the estimate when they claimed to underestimate the actual repairs, but they also ran the car through their car wash! I highly recommend Superstition Springs Honda in Mesa!

After picking up the car, I returned home to make pizza for those of us who have already gathered for Mom’s 80th. The pizza was good, as was the beer.

The fact, and just the facts:

• Car fixed–two new axles for $400. I’m happy, but poorer.
• Carla King’s podcast edited–40 minutes of conversation with Ted Simon. She’s happy.
• The pizza was good–family is happy and full.
• I talked with the lovely Lin for about 20 minutes this evening. I’m happy. She’s happy. But, we miss each other terribly. That’s to be expected of best friends, lovers, companions, confidants, spouses, and soul mates.

DBrent

Coming tomorrow–Will I actually experience vacation? Why did I bring all this camera gear? Will the Hasselblad come out of its bag? And, what about that portable digital recorder and microphone in the backpack? Stay tuned.