Sorry, But I Gotta...

I'm still reading everyone's thoughtful comments concerning what my next post should be about (sample: "Hell, yeah! Tell us about that gay thing!") but as I was reviewing the blogger TOS, it seems we are all contractually obligated to post self-pitying entries whenever any of us experience major car trouble. So...

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My 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan is on a death-watch. The transmission has been re-certified as scrap metal by the man at the repair shop and it would cost upwards of $1,700 to replace what needs to be replaced.

That wouldn't be so bad, if we hadn't already pumped a like amount into the same problem since last October! Here are some posts from the archive of my other blog:

1. The stage is set: Time Enough At Last!
   
2. Things start to go wrong: Check Engine Light In Buffalo Blizzard!
3. Things continue to go wrong: Breakdown in West Virgina Strands Party of Three!
4. Still Stranded: The Waiting Game!
5. The Anti-Climactic Home-Coming.

The tab for transmission repairs to-date is either $,1500 or $2,500 - we've kinda lost track. We can't justify throwing more money down that rat-hole.

My Dad gave me this van a couple years back, when Mariel was born. He bought it back in 1997, after my Mom's stroke, so he could tote her around. She died about six years ago, and when he bought his new KIA Sedona, he let me have the Grand Caravan.

I'm kind of sad about getting rid of Mom's last "ride" but, really it is just another chunk of troublesome machinery that now needs to be replaced. My wife and I will be hitting the used car circuit this weekend...