Once upon a time...

As you all know, once upon a time I owned a BMW. I lost her, but kept a treasure to remind me of her loyalty after the accident (no I didn't arrange anything for the photo, that's the way it looks every day. I've been looking for that paint brush). It's safely tucked in my office/studio. I looked long and hard at it today in an effort to remember the good old days, but mainly because the Mercedes has decided to misbehave and I needed comfort. The BMW is a sports car. Fast and powerful. The Mercedes is a luxury car, fast once it gets going, but very slow on the uptake! But what a gorgeous ride. Rob and I both fell in love with her immediately. I never thought I'd like an automatic, but wow, not shifting is a joy!!! The seats fit my body like a glove, the suspension is amazing, the ride pure pleasure...well, until today.

Rob is helping a homeless guy at the park with a legal issue (at my request of course!!!) and after reviewing and signing documents today, the envelop finally had to be plopped in the mail. I came home from the park, made copies of everything, then headed for the post office. The car was fine. I came out of the post office, got back in the car and it wasn't fine. It was making a very odd sound, had very little power, sounded as if I was driving a poorly maintained diesel (it's not a diesel) engine, and felt as if it would quit at any moment. I pulled off to a side road. Turned it off, started it again. Did that a number of times to no avail. I headed for home and swear to God, prayed. I didn't want to break down on Manzanita and cause traffic problems. I arrived home and called Rob (he's at his mom's) to come quickly. He was unable and besides, it wouldn't have helped. All the rental agencies close at noon and our Mercedes repair shop would NEVER be able to fit us in on such short notice. So when he arrives, if the problem hasn't resolved itself, it's off to the airport to rent a car. Is life ever simple?

I've tried to call my dad, but he isn't home. I'm wondering if it isn't the gas. I'd just put gas in the car. Maybe it had impurities. The Mercedes only takes premium gas and that's what I put in, but perhaps something went wrong. Or perhaps it has something to do with what happened about a week ago. Before leaving for the park I put two quarts of oil in and then headed out. On the way noticed a very offensive smell and white smoke behind my car for miles, and thought "God, someone's having serious car trouble. Poor soul." Then I noticed everywhere I went, the other car was following me, or beside me! "Get away, you stink!" I said out loud. I arrive at the park only to discover it was me. My poor car was billowing smoke. I knew what I'd done, but didn't have time to look because the kitties were waiting. I returned, open the hood, and yup, better than "A Leah!!!" I'd forgotten to put the cap on the oil tank. You know what that means, don't you? Those pistons were just throwing oil in all directions. Checked the oil. Not a drop left. Looked for the cap, but never expected to find it after 80 miles/hour, but there she was, tucked on a ledge! What a little cutie-pie! Got some oil at the nearest gas station. Had the engine, etc. power washed. Helped a whole lot, but still have a driveway covered with oil and kitty litter, and until today, still had and engine burning off oil. Then this!!! Hey! NOT FUNNY!!! Zack, you're as good as my Dad...have a thought!!!??? All the noise is in the back of the car. It's sputtering. Knocking. The car is actually shaking when it comes to a complete stop. Dad always says "Tell me exactly what it sounds like." So I'm good at that. That's what I hear.

Any help is appreciated and wish me luck!!! ;)

XO Me