The trees and bushes are now leafing out. And the smell of spring is in the air. I went into town mid-morning and came home mid-afternoon and in that time the foliage turned greener.

The horse pen is now free of snow. There are patches here and there, but not much. I predict that the snow will have melted by this weekend.

We got word on the status of the Subaru. It’s history. Pete and Robert (our car friend) gave it last rites. They somehow got it home without it stalling out.

Jim's legacy has taken its last ride as DGNPNY

The past few days, it felt like we were talking about a human, not a car, just waiting for the news. The car repair person did nothing, and still charged us to take a look at it – just like they do with patients in the hospital.

The problem, there were several problems. It was thought that the catalytic converter was clogged. Pete suggested to Robert that he get a hammer and bang on it. This made sense to me. Pete reminded me that there was a rash of catalytic Converter thefts. I said that we should take this vehicle to the supermarket, and write in soap, on the window, “Catalytic Converter must go.” But then I thought that much of the joy of stealing comes from stealing. Taking things with permission does not appeal to many people.

And what does one do with a catalytic converter? Maybe it has some odd chemical in it, and you can get high off the fumes.

I should write a eulogy for this vehicle – but there isn’t much to say. It’s easier to write one for a chicken than it is for a car.

Well, it was a good ride. There will soon be another Subaru in my future. The best we can do is get a used one, but it will be new to me. The one we were looking at tonight, online, has a heated steering wheel and seats. I don’t really need these things, but I will be pleased to have them come winter. Too bad they don’t have heated horse saddles. I just may have come up with a good idea . . .

Spring cleaning is taking place in the local schools, and we are getting a lot of kids’ books. The Meeting House is now full. The back of the red pickup is full. Well, I enjoy sorting and categorizing these books, more so than World War II history. So this is what I’ll be doing the next few days.

Our friend Robert now has more time on his hands, so he’s going to put more time into the BLBP. And this may be fortuitous if we get a place for the project. The wheels may be turning in the minds of some at the Mat-Su School District. I’m now at the point where I don’t believe that this is going to happen. It’s well past the time due. And also make due.

Next: 134. 5/16/23: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow