Yabba Dabba Doo!

 

As Fred would say, "Yabba dabba doo!" We are done with Kia for the most part. The contract is signed to have them pay off the loan, give us a small refund, and leave our lives for good. This could take up to 90 days or so and then we will be out looking for another vehicle. I'm hoping the new car is a rose, not a lemon this time. 

Terry and I have had our share of bad luck when it comes to getting a second automobile for me to use for work after my Dodge Neon was having difficulties. Terry paid out $5,000 for a nice hybrid called a Mariner when I first met him. He wanted me to get rid of my car since the reverse gear was not cooperating.  The Mariner was an awesome vehicle. Used, of course, but a nice running and looking car. I believe we used it for about two months, maybe a bit beyond but not much, then boom. It would not start. 

Turns out the Mariner had a part connected to the hybrid battery that cannot be purchased any longer. They do not make them any more. There was a mechanic researching the part for us, but to no avail. We suck. 

Since used vehicles are sold as is, we really suck. Terry was out $4,500 after we found someone who wanted to purchase it from him for $500. I almost cried as the car was towed off and Terry almost cried as his money was towed away. Not a good day. 

Our short lived Mariner was a nice maroon color and looked something like this. We were both disappointed (and a bit pissed) at how the car failed so soon. But onward we went ...

Terry and I took a drive in a new car purchased by our granddaughter, Jessee and her husband, Brandon. They bought a new Kia Sorrento. Shiny, black, sleek, and beautiful. Oh, that new car scent! It put Terry into a trance and soon he became obsessed with the 10 year warranty on the vehicles. 

The night after we rode in the car, off we went to Eugene. My husband kept the trip to Eugene's purpose to himself. I had no clue what we were doing. Next thing I knew, we were sitting in the seat of a new Kia Sportage, a very nice looking vehicle I must say. 

We drove the car back home, parked it for the night, and went to bed. Terry wanted me to have the car to drive for deliveries and to do the grocery shopping, errands, and other regular duties we all take care of. I just couldn't. He purchased the lovely car sitting outside and I felt he had to drive it. 

Terry drove it for a while and soon transferred the keys to me. I was terrified. My sicko brain shot straight to, "What if I hit something? What if something hits me?" I reluctantly got into the Sportage and drove it for all of my needs and for work. I fell in love. 

Two months later, the car failed to accelerate as Terry, Mallory, and me were on our way home from Wildlife Safari. I continued to drive home, very slowly, but we made it eventually. We called the tow truck and so our adventure began. 

After four times of breaking down, the car was certainly deemed a lemon and the lawsuit began. Needless to say, we are looking at Toyotas, Nissans, and Hondas, cars known for their reliability. I do believe the Kia brand may have some great cars, but we were the lucky ones who got a lemon. Under the Lemon Law, we had a case of having options to get out of the car loan and move on. So ends our tale of the broken Kia. 

Our car is the silver one on the left. We had the Soul loaned to us by Kia after the third trip around the sun with the car breaking down. Sitting here, without a vehicle right now, I have to say, I really do miss that silver partner of mine. But it is what it is and life moves on. We will soon be blessed with another car and hopefully one that remains ours for many years to come. Terry is a great provider and I know that he will make it happen. I can finally get back to work again once the issue is resolved. 

***

Wanting to see a movie or show as we ate, Terry rented The Flintstones movie, one that he had never seen. He loved the cartoon as a child, as did I and many millions of other kids, I'm sure. 

We laughed throughout the movie. Not only at the lines spoken but the incredible use of birds as time clocks, work whistles, and even the small creature underneath the kitchen sink used as a garbage disposal. How fun could that movie have been to make? The cast was perfect. I was especially drawn in by Mr. Slate, played by Dann Florek. For some reason, I felt he was the one most fitting for that role. Oh, the others were awesome, don't get me wrong, but he really looked like the Mr. Slate character on the cartoon. 

Terry enjoyed the film so much and felt it was so much fun that he ordered a copy of the film. When Mallory came over for Father's Day, guess what we watched? 

***

Father's Day was a lot of fun. Mallory came over to hang out, give her father some love and gifts, and to eat with us. We were barbecuing some burgers and hot dogs, as it is something we all enjoy. Potato salad and baked beans were thrown into the mix. 

As we ate, we watched The Flintstones again. Third time around in the past four days for Terry and I, but we didn't mind. The movie is fun. I do believe we will retire the movie for a while, however. 

On Father's Day, Terry sat and smoked his cigars, drank tea, and read a book on his tablet. It was a beautiful, 78 degree day, with a cool breeze flowing through the patio. Perfect for our small gathering. 

The lovely, enticing aroma of barbecued food was wafting through the patio, riding the breeze flowing around us. It's a good day. 

Happy Father's Day to all the fathers we know and love! Terry, Happy Father's Day sweetie! Hope it was a good day for you. 

 

With his love for hummingbirds, Terry was excited to receive a beautiful rainbow glass type hummer from Mallory. He also loved his card and two large packs of pecan chocolates. She did well at picking out what he loves, that's for sure. 

As I walked Togo later in the evening, I noticed these flowers blooming. These have always reminded me of morning glory blooms although I'm not quite sure what they are in actuality. 

I can now take back that statement. Doing a Google search, I found the name for the blossoms. This is a field bindweed. Pretty anyway, no matter what the name is. 

***

The other day Terry and I drove to Canyonville to get to his dental appointment. He had to have three teeth pulled, which all went well. Shortly after, we were back in Roseburg where we headed to the VA pharmacy to get his medication. 

Walking through the old buildings that house the VA, I had a chance to look in on the original entrance to the main building from 1932. I love the ceilings and the arches. Beautiful room. 

***

Mallory had given me this gorgeous burgundy-colored necklace for Christmas. It is a perfect necklace! While I love the color and have always loved druzy crystals, there was a clasp on the necklace that was rather odd, making it difficult to take the necklace off or put it on. I would call it a snake or hook clasp, but it was tight and difficult to get the ring on to hold the necklace in place. Once on, it was even harder to remove the necklace, even with someone's help. I put the necklace away until I could get out all of my jewelry making stuff. 

Well, this week was the week I removed all of my jewelry items from the nook. I forgot I had some of the stuff I found in there! I did know that I had a bunch of clasps and jump rings, and it was time to fix that beautiful piece Mallory had given me. 

I removed the hook type of clasp and put on a regular lobster clasp and jump ring to fix the issue. Now the necklace can easily be removed or put on. I love it!

Since I had the jewelry making stuff out and have no job right now, I put two and two together to figure out it might be fun to get into jewelry making again. Off I went, down into yet another rabbit hole. 

I found pieces of Red Creek jasper and copper beads, chain, and findings. Together it made this necklace set. I love jasper!

I also made a necklace made of natural stone in a sky blue hue, with freshwater pearl dividers. 

This set I called Ocean Breeze due to the color and use of freshwater pearls. 

Uh oh. Taking up this hobby really has me reminiscing about how much I enjoyed working on pieces. I sold my other pieces faster than I could make them, which surprised me. Whether they sell or not, or whether others like them or absolutely hate them, I enjoy getting creative with beads and findings. I put both of these sets into Clutterful Crapola and will continue to do just that. I'm having too much fun making these. I don't need any more jewelry myself, so they will go out into the stores I have going. 

***

From our crazy, hectic, but loving household to yours, we hope your weekend was awesome. May you be abundantly blessed. Until next post, take care of yourself and love those around you. We need that right now.