De-squeaked

February 15, 2007 (7:37am)
-1º F, Sunny, NNW wind 2 mph.

Good morning,

Today we make our overdue supply trip to the big city after a bit of a delay. Sunday getting ready to go to church and warming up the van, I again heard some strange noises coming from the engine compartment. In the past, I thought it was the power steering pump complaining about the extreme cold weather at start up. It wasn’t that cold on Sunday. After lifting the hood, I could not pin down the source of the noise. Alternator, power steering pump, air-conditioner compressor, what? Decided to take it into my favorite repair shop and let them figure it out on Monday. One of the mechanics gave a listen and a feel, deciding it probably was the alternator or an idler pulley under it. He wanted me to bring it back the next afternoon so they could take off the belt and check the bearings of the various units. Tuesday afternoon, when the belt was taken off, it was noticeable the idler bearing was the culprit - but - the parts store didn’t have any in stock. While looking around at the other moving parts, he also discovered the tensioner was also showing signs of wear. He ordered both and I went back yesterday to have them replaced. Glad it was not the alternator or the power steering pump as this is some cheaper.

The fan belt, now called serpentine belt and more expensive, was also showing signs of wear. Since I carry one as a spare in the van, I had them put it on and will use the old one for a spare. Don’t plan to every use it, but - just in case. I am one of those old guys that has always carried some "extra" things along in the van - just in case. Occasionally I have need for them, but not as often as in years past when cars were much more prone to breakdowns. Vehicles are much more difficult to repair these days, but they don’t need any where as much repair either. Most of the van is still original after 10 years of age, almost unheard of back in the good-old-days.

We have had below normal temperatures now for about 3 weeks. Looks like it will be at least the middle of next week before the temperature will come close to normal again. Guess we are making up for the really hot first part of winter. We did get some snow Sunday and Monday this week. Most of it was lake effect snow. We had about 3½" here at FISKLAND, but more at the lakeshore. Two Rivers had 7¾"! There was a very stiff northeast wind, causing the east-west roads to really drift. It was a obstacle course driving from here to the highway on Monday. The snow was extremely light and fluffy, so didn’t need to shovel. Only swept off the ramp and deck. It really is pretty here in the woods, but the wind was really cold out of the woods.

Tuesday we had our breakfast with the Bible study group in Casco. Since were close to Otto’s meats, about 5 miles, we "had" to stop. Our freezer is well supplied again with some really good eats. Margriet almost couldn’t wait to have schweinshaks and kraut with dumplings for supper. That was the menu for Tuesday night. I think my center of gravity shifted - I ate too much. But it sure was good! We have many more good meals a-coming too.

Yesterday, Margriet got into the baking mood again. We now have a batch of hamburger rolls and cinnamon rolls to much on. I know for a fact that the cinnamon rolls are good - had to test them. I suspect we will be having hamburgers for supper tonight. I think the excuse for baking was to try out the new batch of flour she got last week. What ever the reason, the results were good.

Time to get the day a-going.

In Christ My Saviour,

Chris <><