Regarding our cars

After a kind comment on the car I realized that a wrap up on it was needed.
On the Saturn it needed to have the upper engine rebuilt. They got into it and found that it had been opened up before. We had been deceived by the man we purchased it from. Beyond the bent, cracked rods the inner head had been damaged before. They were able to machine it and replace the upper head. All in all it was $2400 to get it done. The mechanic gave us a $300 discount. It is now running great. Almost 35? miles per gallon. Just waiting to run this tank of gas out to measure the mileage. We only paid $3600 for the car. With it only having the 50,000 miles on a 1996 car it was worth saving. Kelley Blue Book at $3900 for one with over 100,000 miles on it.We thought of all of our options. Believing in staying debt free we chose not to get a newer or different car.
My Beloveds parents loaned us a vehicle for almost a month! They really covered us.

Our Honda went into shop during all of this to fix the grinding noise. It was a loose bolt! It had an alignment done that called for a part to extent the range. All of $300 got it home. It is running true and quietly. We are so happy to have found a wonderful mechanic that is honorable.

Highland Auto in Mesa, off of Country Club. I do not usually refer folks but this team is wonderful!

We will get back our savings if we work hard on budget in a couple of months. Being frugal and diligent living debt free is possible. Never give up on a life free of servitude to debt. It was a real hit to lose all that savings but it was there when we needed it. Job one is to build it back up again.

The Saturn and the Honda both get 30mpg. Both are free of debt. Both cost only $100 a month to insure them. Registration for the 1996 Saturn is $40 for a 2 year time frame. The 2001 Honda is only $75 for 2 years registration. Would I like a new car? Not at the cost of owning one. Having a car with low miles, that is only older in years is still a wonderful thing. The repair was high but not as high as to own a new car with the payment, insurance and registration. New cars go bad too. So all in all we are grateful to have what we have.

A time for all things

Two children sing in the background and at last I type a little. My daughter and her girl friend are singing. Imagine two voices sweet. A smile for you and me too. Daddy Man sits in the same room with headphones on. My tender heart son is watching TV.
It has been a summer of rest. This year called me into low gear and a tortoise shell grew over me. Tonight my head peeks out, my voice will exit the keys as stretching out of this quiet place begins. It feels like so much effort to just post.

 Daddy Man was honored on his day. We have the best dad, our family is held together in his love.

 Tender moments suffering humor what a grimace. Note to dad teenage girls do not want dad kisses.

 Dove turned 15 this summer. We had time with the Elders, she so enjoyed being with them. Teaching her grandma how to use an Itouch.

 This was perfect for her. She has been on a kick over owls. Her and one other girl went to the mall escorted my me. We shopped and this generous child of ours gave some of her clothing money to her friend. Dove wanted to make sure her friend had new outfits for school too. I could not fault her on it. She really wanted to do that as her birthday. This child has a great soul.

 We have had a few Haboos, major dust storms. The kids ran to put garden rags under the garage door. I did the same with all the exit doors. That is a wall of dust.

 Life in the desert can have some exciting moments.

Today after sleeping until 11a.m., cooking was done for the weekend. Spaghetti, frijoli beans, turmeric rice, pasta salad and taco meat. We had a fish fry of cod for evening meal. I made a chicken enchilada tray to bake tomorrow. Saturday is low peak pricing on electricity.All the eggs were time checked by placing in a water bath, any that float are tossed out. The jar of eggs cracked are for morning meal. We have an extra child today and tomorrow. Actually there will be a fourth one on the morning.

School starts next week here. Our son will do online 6th grade and our daughter will return to public for 8th grade. My life will hum with business and life will flow.

Last week an MRI with contrast (injected right into my joint) was done on my left shoulder. It is beyond the pain syndrome. It may have a tear in joint or tendon. Yep, surgery may follow. I try to keep my eyes up and feel the warmth of Gods love and my face tiers. Nightly muscle relaxer helps. Yoga stretching is very helpful. This week I was only able to go one time. Next week I hope to be able to do more. In two weeks knee injections will begin again. It can be an obstacle to climb over so much physical pain. I will carry on.
Maybe I'll stretch my neck out again soon.

You all be blessed knowing that God is for you and not against you.

Today had many sweet moments.