Hey Sparky

Today the sun finally came out for a bit, so I took advantage of the weather and went back at the battery. I swiveled the seat around and pushed it as far back as it would go and this finally allowed me to take the old battery out. You would think they would add that little instruction to the user guide. I disconnected from the terminals and pulled the old one out. The new one fit in perfectly, so I attached the leads and put everything back in place. I got a bit of spark when I was using the wrench on the positive terminal...I think the wrench may have touched both the lead and the side of the battery cabinet at the same time, both metal. I jumped in the driver's seat and Karma roared into life. Yayy! Now I just have to dispose of the old battery, so might take a run to Crappy Tire and drop it there after supper. They take them for free to recycle. I hope this has solved all of those ignition issues I've been having, as I've had to jumpstart a dozen or so times this year, often at the most inopportune times, and following no real pattern. Go Karma!

Karma: The tale of two blinking lights

Karma was finally able to get in to see our mechanic yesterday and resolved all of her issues. (we hope) As you may recall, the oil light came on when I was headed to see Jack Johnson, and I couldn't figure out why, as the oil level was fine. Well, turns out the wire was simply off the post, and so it came on and off each time it made contact with the post. So THAT was easy. The light for the engine temperature was also coming on and off at random times that also made no sense, but this time there was a problem, but just a wee one. Turns  out there were several cracks in the coolant level sensor, and fluid was leaking around it, shorting it out. That would explain why that light didn't make any sense too! Phew! So another easy fix. He found that one when he was looking for my steering issue - it began making some noise again. There is a small leak up front in the steering mechanism somewhere (I can't remember now) and so the fluid level was low again. I just have to keep an eye on the fluid level and it will be fine as the repair is over $400, which I don't really have in the budget right now. 


The problem with the ignition was also an easy fix - the battery is shot. He ran some tests and it isn't even charging up to 12 volts anymore. So I picked up a new battery for Karma. It was time...the old one was from 2001. Wayyyy overdue. Even though it was stored inside during the winter, it is still old. I've had to jump start it quite a few times these past several weeks, twice yesterday - once to leave home for the mechanics, and again when I was pulling into the bay of his garage. I haven't been able to install it yet though as I can't seem to get the front passenger seat moved far enough out of the way to get the old one out. I have already taken the battery out before, so I knew how to do it at one point, but I got frustrated yesterday trying to figure it out in the middle of the Canadian Tire parking lot in the pissing rain. I threw the battery in the back and drove home, thankfully the van started this time. 


There was also that very annoying problem with my electronics. Part of it was tied to the battery as the stereo deck would sometimes only seem to get enough power to play the tuner, but not spin cds. The problem with the satellite radio and gps power was just as expected, related to the shitty installation by Future Shop "professionals". Black tape was just not working. It appeared that the connection of the double female socket's male connector was not making proper contact with the female power connection socket...gee, what a surprise...heh heh...so Peter fixed it by bending out the connector post thingys for a tighter connection, and to keep it in there tight, instead of taping it, he used a series of tie-wraps, those plastic locking thingys. And it did the trick! We shoved the whole contraption back down in through the dashboard ashtray and it appears so far to  be working. Now if I can just keep that damned gps dock from losing suction and falling off my dash 30 times a day...any suggestions?


I also had a look at the oil leak in the engine block. Someone at some point had tried to fix the leak with silicone, but had long since dried out and was flaking off. He figures I might have scraped a lot off when I went in the ditch in August. There was also a deep scrape on the block, about an inch or two long, appeared to be fresh (this year). So also likely when I slammed the van into the ditch, it probably hit a rock. It isn't an issue though, just noted. I had the oil changed, and he recommended that I put a half litre of that stop leak stuff in, so I picked that also up at Canadian Tire. 


He also replaced a section of vacuum hose that was frayed and worn. I'm grateful for mechanics that notice these things when they're in there tinkering around for something else. Keeps me from future problems that might leave me on the side of the road. Thanks Peter Roberts! He's awesome and so knowledgeable about VW's and has several of his own, including a Westfalia. His shop charge is also half of what they charge in town. I would rather put my money into small business anyhow, and drive the few extra kms out to Metchosin to see Peter. Those guys usually seem to have a real passion for the VW's which for me is very important. They genuinely want to see you safely on the road with your VW for as long as you can keep it running. I shall be doing that. The next road trip is in December to Tacoma, WA. with a shorter road trip to Sooke Potholes tomorrow.

A trip downtown

- overheard some gal on her cell phone as I walked by "he pled guilty this time"...
- took a photo of an Asian couple in front of the legislature building, standing at the back of the war memorial. He took one of her alone first, after much prep. It was rather cute. There were many foreigners with cameras, speaking all languages.
- A couple of groups of elementary students went in and out of the legislature building, likely on a tour.
- I sat at the war memorial, trying to sketch the leg building and deemed it far too detailed to do in one drawing (for me). If it's nice out tomorrow, I may go back and get up much closer, and choose a portion to draw. I think I'll also bring a blanket...the grass is very dewy these days.
- the ivy on the Empress is full of autumn's color
- the grass is growing fast still, and landscapers were cutting grass all over the city
- the vendors at the harbour front have thinned out, particularly along the "Welcome to Victoria" bank.
- there are far too many interesting stores between my apartment and the harbour...I did, however, manage to pick up some Christmas gifts, and a few things for myself as well.
- it was so warm in the sun, I took off my sweater and sat in my shirtsleeves...ahhh...

On the Road Again in December

The next adventure is booked. I'm headed to Tacoma, Washington to see Roger Waters: The Wall Live with 6 friends, possibly more. We're going in the Karma van and my friend J.'s VW bug, old style. We will grab the ferry across from Victoria to Port Angeles, and head to the hotel from there. We catch a free shuttle from the hotel to the casino (which is closer to Tacoma Dome), and we'll probably have a few drinks there before heading to the show by taxi. It's going to be epic for sure. I've listened to Pink Floyd for decades, since before my daughter was born. I wanted one of the songs to be the theme song of our graduation but I had difficulty garnering support (We don't need no education). My other suggestion was the song "1984" by David Bowie, as we were graduating in 1984 as the first grade 12s in Newfoundland...again fell on deaf ears. I wanted to throw up at the sound of what they did settle on - Diana Ross's "Do you know where you're going to?" (no.) I boycotted my prom because of it and went camping with some friends and drank my face off. To hell with them...


In any event, I am thrilled to be able to see Roger Waters in person, even more so to be going with an awesome group of friends. Most of us have traveled together earlier this year to shows, so have it down to a science, for the most part. I haven't been to many indoor concerts so this will be interesting. I rather like listening to music outside, as I find it almost too loud inside, as the sound echoes off the walls. I hear it's a great venue, so will see for ourselves.

Under October Skies

Autumn has graciously arrived in Victoria. The leaves are changing color, with many already fallen into generous piles. Some trees won't lose their leaves. The days are warm and usually a period of sun comes to every day. It rains at night, and never very hard, not so far. I did purchase some stylish rubber boots just in case. November is just around the corner and I'm told it comes in with a wind and rain storm. Fine. Bring it on, I can take it. They have snow in the north now, shovels are out, and down jackets find their way out from the back of the closet. I am so glad I am not there. I'm over winter. I`ve had enough snowy, stormy, messy winters. If it snows here, I`m leaving.


Halloween is just a few weeks away. I don`t know if the building receives many trick-or-treaters, so shall have to find out before I buy any candy. I bought a ton last year, and saw nobody, so was forced to eat it all myself. There`s to be a Halloween party somewhere, and I`ve been thinking on costumes. I don`t know what I want to be, but I want to wear a big flowing cape My friend S. suggested I find a fish costume and wear my cape over that as a Cape Cod...hmmmm


The air is more crisp in the mornings, just 6C when I took the day`s catch from the kitty litter to the trash about 8am. It`s to warm up this afternoon, so I`ll likely head out somewhere for a stroll. This morning I finally put on a pair of socks. It was just too chilly on the toes. I keep my window open and my heat off. I`ve found this to be the only way to ensure the apartment doesn`t become like a sauna. My neighbors have their heat cranked up all around me...ugh. I`d rather put socks on than be hot and sweaty all day in my own apartment. Snuggling into a warm sweater or curling up under a handmade quilt is quite cozy. 


I`ve been busy checking out the orphanage`s information where I hope to volunteer. I plan to head there in March after a few weeks of camping and touring in California. I have to send in some paperwork before then. Stormy will be heading north at again to spend some time with my daughter and her 3 kitties. They love having him, and he settles in easily there. It will be too hot to take him south in the van, and they don`t allow pets at the orphanage. Just as well. I should think kitty litter at a temp of 105F would be rather noxious.


In the meantime, I`ve been writing. I write nearly every day, and have 3 chapters in draft form. I`ve got a notebook of notes, and another of people I hope to interview and have been working on the questions I have for each. When I`m not writing, I try to keep my hands busy, so have brought the yarn and needles out again. I`ve knit about 20 pairs so far, and enjoy seeing the finished products. I usually knit mittens for all my friends for Christmas, so need several pairs for that. I`ll gift some of the others and donate the rest of them to a local charity. I can knit without really looking at it, so I watch the telly while knitting.


I`m driving Karma less and less these days, choosing to walk when I can. It`s so very pleasant to walk in Victoria, and I plan to take full advantage of it. Stormy has been out for a few walks on his leash. Well, it`s more like a stand-in. There is not much walking a whole lot of standing around while he sniffs things all over, and when he flops to the ground and rolls around in the dirt. Typical boy. 


I can see the night sky from my bedroom window. I usually spend some time there watching the stars, sometimes the moon, before crawling into bed. This past weekend there was a brawl in the park across the street, in front of the high school. The police were called but by the time they showed their sluggish face, the kids were nearly all gone, just a handful left. It seemed to be a bit of a turf war between rival high schools. 


So here I sit, under October skies, enjoying life.

My Love Affair With Castles

There is a castle just down the street from me, about a 10 minute walk. I can see my apartment building from the turret. It isn't an ancient castle, but holds enough charm to warrant a visit. I toured the inside sometime in August, and found the design to be a bit odd. The ballroom, which was huge, is on the third floor, above the children's bedrooms. There aren't much to the grounds at this particular castle, as they society that maintains it barely managing the maintenance and restoration of the structure. The better grounds are just down the street at Government House, which I posted photos of previously. What is unique about this castle is it contains the largest collection of residential stained glass in Canada. I only posted photos of a fraction of the glass. It was very gorgeous.


When I was a child, we had an old lamp carved into a castle, and when lit, the tiny windows of the castle all lit up. It had stairways going here and there, and doorways that lit up as well. The castle was my favorite piece of furniture we owned, and while it generally traveled well over the years, it eventually was smashed to smithereens by the movers, much to my dismay. I've looked for another the same for years online, with no luck.


I've collected and been given various castles over the years, ceramic, carved, sandstone, you name it. I have none of them left, as I lost all of my castles in the fire. None of them came close to what I loved about that castle lamp.


I've been fortunate to tour a number of castles so far in my lifetime. Some were very ancient, hundreds of years old, while others were just a couple of hundred years old or newer. My favorite so far has been Kilkenny Castle in Kilkenny, Ireland. I liked the grounds at Blarney Castle near Cork, and the castle was quite grand, although the main floors had all collapsed, the spiral staircase remained, and the upper walk was intact, next to the Blarney stone. I'm sure they were cold and drafty in their time, but there is still something very mystical about a true castle, and I'd love to get the chance to rent one some day and explore it's many corners, niches and passageways. They do offer castle rental in certain places, so perhaps some day...