I’ve owned the same car since I graduated from college about 5 years ago. It’s a 2001 Ford Taurus and I nicknamed her “Taury.” Very original I know.
Turns out that Taury is kind of a lemon. In the five years I’ve owned her, I’ve had her brake system completely rebuilt, her transmission completely rebuilt, a new alternator and battery installed, and multiple new windows and windshields. The last part is not her fault. It’s the city’s fault, but whatever.
So she had yet another sickness this week and is now having a day at the car spa (dealership) getting pampered. Continuing with the spa analogy, I think mechanics in DC actually charge more per hour than massage therapists. But that’s not the point.
The point, you see, is that these trips to the “spa” just reinforce that I know absolutely nothing about cars. This is frustrating to me because A) people for some reason assume I know things about cars and I hate to disappoint and B) it leads to me being hung out to dry during these spa days.
I think before I go next time, I’m just going to get a shirt printed up that says, “You can sell me anything if you start your pitch with, ‘If it were my car I’d…’” Tell me where to sign!
I guess you pick your battles in life and I decided to let the possibility of car knowledge get pushed out by Saved By The Bell Trivia.
Ok. Enough complaining. The real question of the day is….
And some links as always!
Salted Butter Caramels – I don’t have a sweet tooth, but I DO have a salt tooth and so these salted sweets are right up my alley. If you’ve never had salted caramel before, try it as soon as possible and thank me later. (@ David Lebovitz)
Pizza with 00 Flour – 00 Flour is Italian and kind of hard to find in the states. I’ve seen it around, but you have to hunt for it. It’s supposedly perfect for pizza. After seeing the final results, I think I’m on board with it. (@ Pete Bakes)
Indoor Pulled Pork with Sauces – Talk about game day food! These are my kinda snack. Pulled pork is so delicious, but really I think the sauces might steal the show here. (@ The Bitten Word)
10 Things to Put in your Drink in 2010 – An awesome list of inventive things to add to your next cocktail. Some of them might be a little too out there for me, but some of them (okra!) are my fave. (@ Endless Simmer)
Have a good weekend everyone!
Photo by ChrisGoldNY.
Two words: Public transportation! (?)
Best piece of advice I’ve ever gotten with respect to car maintenance: don’t buy what they’re selling when they’re just changing your oil. Top off fluids only, don’t replace them – that bright pink power steering fluid turns dirty brown (like the old stuff) as you drive off the lube joint lot.
It’s time to donate that car and help stimulate the economy — I know you’re getting married but car payments vs car spa payments?? Second thought you live in DC, a Taurus is one of the the few vehicles no one would steal or vandalize.
You would think that, but people love destroying and steeling my car! It’s been actually stolen once (and returned to my dismay) and broken into a few times… I think maybe previous Taurus owners take their anger out on it!
Fix
Or
Repair
Daily….
haven’t you ever heard that as a selling point? My Dad said that constantly as a Ford owner for 55 yrs.
My buddy had a Ford Taurus during high school and college. He named his car the Cli-Taurus.