Saturday, March 5, 2011

IT TAKES TWO...

...to start my van.
When I drove down to visit my sister last weekend my van died.  We tried and tried to start it but wouldn't. I left in her (not really) spare car and headed back to New Hampshire.  Steve rented a car dolly and drove his big 'ole truck down to Massachusetts to bring back Ruby.  (that's her name)  When he got down there Ruby started for him.  (so glad we rented a dolly and drove the beastly gas hog down to retrieve her.)  My sister graciously followed Steve back to New Hampshire in Ruby and then turned around in her (not really) spare car and drove home.  That afternoon I drove Stevie to her piano lesson and when we got back in the car it was dead. (sigh)  I called Steve to come rescue us.  In the meantime I tried and tried to start it but she just wouldn't.  He arrives, sticks his hand through my door and turns the ignition and it starts.  I'm thinking Ruby is playing favorites.  Annoyed I drive home.  Today I take my girls to the library and again she plays dead.  I call Steve to come rescue us.    He shows up and Ruby won't start.  He lifts the hood and discovers a wire that has been spliced.  He connects the two and instructs me to turn the ignition and it starts.  So THAT'S the problem.  The cop shows me what to do.  "Just take the screwdriver and hold it against these wires so that they connect.  WHAT?!?  Metal against metal?  I give him a nod and I am off to run errands...by myself.  I finish them in record time and wouldn't you know?  My car is dead.  (don't even get me started on what I have to do to even OPEN the hood...the latch is broken)  I finally get the hood open and now have to figure out how to connect the wires AND turn the ignition.  Go, go gadget arms?  I tried wedging something to hold the wires in place while I ran around to the driver's seat to turn the key.  Nothing.  I try again and again without success.  Darn you Ruby.  I have to call Steve and play the 'damsel in distress' for the 86th time in less than 3 days.  
(I think he's tired of rescuing me)

10 comments:

ellen said...

Seriously? I'd be car shopping if I was you. :)

LL said...

LISTEN TO MY ADVICE....
:-)
go on Price is Right.

ANewKindOfPerfect said...

What a mess. For as much as we love cars, we sure do hate them sometimes too! I hope that Ruby stops playing favorites and behaves for you. Hopefully you can get that wire fixed soon!

The Kings said...

oh man! What a pain!! I hope get it fixed soon.

Jo Jo said...

I'd be driving the truck by now!

Smilin' sunshine said...

I agree with Amy Jo, maybe Steve needs to drive Ruby....she seems to like him better!

shirlgirl said...

I agree with Ellen. Time to look for another van/car. This one is extremely unreliable. I know I wouldn't be taking it anywhere wondering if I was going to be stranded. Not a good feeling. Like I've said in previous blogs, your life is an ADVENTURE!! Love, Aunt Shirley

Unknown said...

your life is never DULL!
I'm glad we have our (not really) spare car back.
But I would spend the day driving again just to see you.
:)
xo

Simone Triffitt said...

Wow Ruby is one stubborn car!!

Undaunted said...

I had a truck like that. I think my dad thought I was totally insane because I would try and try to get it started and nothing! He comes along and it starts every time! AAhhggg! I totally feel you pain. Our vehicles should play nice.