Took today off. Slept a little late, 7:45 and then spent several half-awake, tense moments trying to decide what to do with Laura's van. Of late the van has been making strange brake noises. The brake dilemma was whether to attempt to repair them myself or to take the van to a mechanic.

My thoughts: It could simply be brake pads, which I can change, but the noises aren't those kinds of noises. What if I change the pads and the problem persists? Am I then willing to change calipers, master cylinder? A mechanic will cost a lot. It's too cold outside to work on a car. Our garage is otherwise occupied and cannot be of assistance(full of bikes, books and junk). Oh well, I'll give it a shot.

Laura and the kids leave as I begin, no doubt a good idea! I've done this before, ten times maybe. Front disc aren't that complicated, usually. It's going well, car jacked-up, tire off, caliper removed. Hmm there are three screws holding the rotor on, that's unusual. Torx screws, rusty screws. I don't have a torx bit big enough. Be right back, gotta run to the store. Got the right bit, still can't get the screws out.

Solution! Break a rule! You are supposed to "turn" the rotors when you change the pads. Turning the rotors means that you take them to a shop and have the surface ground smooth. The rotors don't want to be turned! I'm feeling like it's "be nice to rotor day"

Be right back, I need to go to NAPA and get the pads. OK pad installation underway, tires remounted, and test drive complete.

The brakes seem to be OK now.

Lunch time, sitting in front of the window looking at the bright yellow maple tree and the contrasting red barberry bushes, beautiful... (insert G snoring in the chair next to the window for 2 hours).

I think I'll make some coffee and try to read some of Biblical Theology by Vos. Maybe I won't fall asleep again.

Laura's home

G