Bad News

1) We can't fit a Pontiac engine into our Buick because the makes have different motor mount schemes. So either we try to find out if we can use a Chevy or Oldsmobile engine, or we have the prospect of another Buick engine that may only be slightly better than the one being replaced.

So what happened? Our Mechie showed us at his garage. A retaining ring behind a valve disintegrated, and the pieces went into the piston space and chewed up the cylinder and piston.

I found seven leads for "new" engines via car-part.com. The nearest Buick engine is in Maryville. This looks to be an adventure...I am a Raider of the Lost Part.

2) Social Security isn't paying what they owe Cariten for my mother's health care program. Or at least that's what it looks like. Mom & Dad were looking over a bank statement for last month and saw a withdrawl Cariten made without telling them. They called Cariten, and Cariten blamed Social Security.

3) I got my letter from Human Services formally stating that I was rejected for Medicare. So I'll have to take it to the psychiatric clinic tomorrow.

My horoscope for this week said that what happens to me this week will determine how I remember 2007. That thought holds no comfort for me.

FP

Raiders of the Lost Part Act I: Lair of the Lumina

Armed with an advert clipped from a weekly classifieds tabloid, we journeyed up South Cumberland Avenue in Morristown to a lot that sells rebuildable wrecks. We saw a Lumina, a Lumina APV van, a Cutlass Ciera and a Corsica. Only the Corsica's engine mounting layout matched our Skylark's...but the engine in that particular Corsica was in dicey shape.

At least now we can narrow our search some more.

Meanwhile, I dropped my Medicare refusal information with the psychs. Haven't yet made any further appointments with them, as we have enough on our plate at the moment.

The battle with Cariten and Social Security is ongoing but the ball is currently in else party's court.

My sister called to tell us the reason she and her beau went to Boston was to "elope". We supposed that move really isn't so out of character for her and Mr. Livingston. Besides, it's her second marriage. Here's to the happy couple.

FP