The Death of A Long Time Companion

So it finally happened... after days of barely holding on, my long-time companion and loyal friend died a terrible sputtering death.  Old Dodger was more than just a car, he was someone who came with me on all my adventures.  He took me to Hocking and back, to my first archaeology job, to Cinemark, across the country! He was true and wise and always reliable... never broke down in the winter... always had air conditioning and heat... yes it's very sad to have to part with my good friend :(


I woke up this morning hoping to go to Toy Story 3 and then over to Midas to get my belt fixed... which I thought was the problem.  I never made it out of the driveway.  I had to call a tow truck to come take me and Dodger to Midas.  That's how I met Sean, the friendly boat-mechanic-in-training who wants to move to Orlando to work on real ships haha (and go to Disney of course!). It was free getting to Midas in tow because I have roadside assistance... but having my car break down is the closest I ever wanna come to giving up my life of fun and making friends with a fox in the countryside... uuugggghhhh blog books. Sean tells me wonderful stories about a mall in Sparks called Legends and a casino that changes colors called Silver Legacy. Opening my eyes to the many places I never went before I became immobile. Thanks Sean. Anyskadoo, I arrive at Midas with my car and say a bitter farewell to Sean-the-boat-mechanic.  In walks smarmy Frank; the auto repairman. He calls me Girly.


"Hey Girly, what can I do ya for?" Ah smarmy Frank.  He insists on trying to jump-start my car even after I told him that my roommates, and Sean-the-boat-mechanic, already tried that. Yes, it didn't work, no surprise there. In fact, the battery was fine.  It was the timing belt that got drunk and slipped down the stairs, causing all sorts of damage and $2,000 worth of craziness... so it was at about this point in the conversation, this point:


"We're looking at a minimum of $2,000 in repairs" 


-that I lifted the white flag and abandoned my dear friend. Sorry loyal buddy, but I just can't afford that kind of repair. It was then that we parted ways and I called my roommate Peter to come pick me up at Midas. Hey, but we passed Sean-the-boat-mechanic on the way back home! He was helping some folks needing a tow on the side of Mt Rose Highway :) So no Toy Story 3, no car, no way back home.  I am officially stranded in Reno. Forget Legends an Silver Legacy, I can't go to the grocery store and get some milk if I need it.  I can't even do my laundry. I found a Jeep Wagoneer for $200 on Craig's List, and thought about driving it around illegally for a few weeks without registration or insurance... but even then, how do I get to the Jeep Wagoneer in the first place? How??? With what vehicle!?!? Siiigggghhhhhhh.....


But on the bright side... someone left a window open in our house and a raccoon hopped in through the window and moseyed on down into the living room.  Then he opened up the pantry and helped himself to a box of crackers.  It was a most delightful experience. The cute little darling.