A slow fast hot cold day.

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Yeah, well, some days just have a bit of everything.  Going to town with my mother can test my metal.  Not that she is the problem, she really isn't.  Between biology and psychology, however, along with road rash and city life, things can get itchy.  The plan was a couple of stops for each of us, possibly a oil change, and maybe an haircut.  I called about the haircut, which can't be had until tomorrow.  I also called my friend, who says he can no longer get out of his apartment.  He then hung up.  I will call him again on my way in and maybe stop by and see him.

I waited to call about the oil change until I was sure of the place.  I knew where it was, and had been successful in dealing with them in the past, so wanted to give them another chance.  I drove by and, yep, it was the place I believed it to be.  Oddly, it showed up in none of the phone book yellow pages and only one of several phone books' white pages.  I couldn't even find it online until I knew the name.  I was able to get in, but an hour after I called.  I let my mother off at the second-hand store and headed to the grocery store myself.  Time flew by, what with traffic and my list.  I was hurrying to pick her up, and decided to call to make sure she was ready.  Nope, not even close, sort of.  She wanted me to 'okay' some things, a pair of chairs.

Well, I was in a hurry, feeling late for the oil change, and... almost got very short.  I stopped, just a second, and realized it was not her I was angry with.  Actually, I wasn't angry at all, mostly.  I didn't like making a spot decision on what I didn't really like, but...  Some days you just go with things.  I okayed the chairs, she got her stuff to the checkout counter with me... pushing just a bit.  I got the stuff to the vehicle and lit the engine, then... waited.  Well, fair enough.  We made it to the oil change just a few minutes late.  No, not angry... hurried?  Frustrated?  Drowning?  Something.  It wasn't her, it was the situation(s).  No, I was a good boy today.  No bite, no bark.  Perhaps a hiss or two, but all good.

The shop paid for itself.  While the dealership had pushed a ($249) transmission fluid change, this shop said it didn't need it and wouldn't probably need one for another 10K miles (and they do it for $159).  They did suggest a new air filter and an in-cabin air filter (which I knew needed changed, and I could agree to the air filter easily, after viewing it too).  They checked for winterization, which was fine.  So, I have a new shop, one I can trust a bit more.  Two check-marks in their favor, at the Midas in Logan.  The Big-O tires in Logan has three check-marks in the good.  I'm beginning to have some good things going on.  It takes time to find your stride, get business going to the right people, and such.

This weekend should be slower.  I have over-done, but not too much.  I just need a minor breather, if I can still help and do a bit on my own.  I've had to tinker with the filter on the furnace.  They had had it jerry-rigged, but it worked.  My mother was not pleased, while I suspected they had done as good with what they had, or I have, as possible.  Sure enough, the rigging was necessary.  So I have reinstalled it, now just checking occasionally to see if I got it right.  Little bits of this and that will continue, plus I hope to sneak a little work in on my room through the weekend so the final push won't be too heavy.

I am trying to remember to thank my mother, during and after the work, for her efforts.  It has been much easier this time.  I've only had to bite my tongue three times (corn in the hamburger and bean mash, which turned out just fine, today, and one other non-issue thing).  And I have been able to keep up on her demands.  Though she hasn't been tornado-clean-crazy, either, which helps.  Not bad, not at all.  I honestly think she is enjoying her time here.  It isn't all about work.  It is as much about decor, design, and such.  She simply loves to do that sort of thing, and does it well.  She has turned this somewhat shabby batch-pad into... more of a home, and on a nickle or less.  Plus I have a few utility items that have been on my list for a long time.

It is past bedtime.  Sleep well, have a good day, you know.