December 2 – “Clean Air Texas”

The truck needed an inspection sticker.  By the end of last month.  I actually noticed it the week of Thanksgiving, but we had no time to get it done then.  So this morning we dropped it off.  I know it needs windshield wiper blades.  When we turn them on, the right one flops all over the place.  That would be a clue.  I also had him change the oil.  We have one of those little stickers on the windshield that tells you what your mileage should be when it's time for your next change.  My usual pattern is to bring it back when the mileage is somewhere between two and five thousand miles over the number on that sticker.  Today I was actually around a hundred under.  The mechanic couldn't believe it.  He called back about four.  The place where he has to take antique cars like ours wasn't able to get to it today, so it won't be ready until after lunch tomorrow.    I took some time out today to put the rope lights back out on our patio.  They are technically Christmas lights, but we use them year round as lighting for the deck.  I'm finally getting around to doing some more things around the house after my six months' hiatus as headmaster.  We still have a lot to do on the house, but at least most of it is not readily visible.    While I was at it, Chris had me put up the icicle lights on the front of the house.  The rest of the stuff for out there is stuff Nathan and April had from before the storm.  I don't know how to set it up.  They will have to finish up.    We filled out our application for the Clean Air Texas voucher today.  That's where you get a couple of thousand dollars toward the purchase of a newer car that is not so deadly to the clean air of the greater Houston area.  Now we have to fax it or mail it in.  Then we get started looking for a newer car.  The "newer car" part won't be difficult.  The Explorer is a 1992.  And it is getting really bad.  The AC doesn't work at all.  The heater is sporadic.  The shocks are shot.  Of course that does make for some fun rides.  Two of the windows won't operate.  The motors are burned out.  Chris thinks the rear universal joint may be going out soon.  We're looking at a Chevy Cobalt or Chevy Equinox.  We sure don't want a car payment, though.  Ah.  One more stress.   Chris has a sore throat.  She mentioned that at least her Mom doesn't have chemo next week.  Is her body taking advantage of that to crash for awhile?  Drink lots of fluids, Chris.   Romans 12:9 says, "Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good."   Father, please heal Chris quickly.  Give her rest without sickness.  Amen.