Saturday, January 31, 2009

Another cold day... What to do?


Why re-enamel the crest caps on The Contessa's wheel covers of course! The real challenge was finding the paint. Very few stores carry Testor paints yet I was able to procure those needed. The hardest part was using a tooth pick and a needle to apply the paint. They came out rather nice if I do say so my self (insert Greg smile). Now to seal them with laquer and put them back on the car.
Pray for warmer weather!


Thursday, January 29, 2009

The weather did not cooperate this week-


The best laid plans of mice and men...
Well, I took the week off just to relax and give The Contessa a bath. 4 days of on/off rain and mist and 3 COLD days knocked that idea out. So I did the next best thing- polish the wheel covers! There are 44 pieces total and it takes about an hour to disassemble/polish/reassemble. This filled 2 afternoons.
Sacha is fading a bit more. Her alzheimer's is getting worse. She'll just stand there sometimes and stare into space for 5 or 10 minutes- then she comes back. I don't think she'll make it through the
summer. But, at 14 she's led a pretty pampered life
and when its time to go I think she'd given everything
she could.
Watch for another update soon!





































Friday, January 23, 2009

The Contessa turns 83!


Yes it's true! The Contessa has turned over 83,000 miles. When I got her 8 years ago, she had 72500. I can't believe I've driven her that much (yeah right- that's only about 1300 yearly). It's not that I don't like driving her, it's just miles are money.


I bought her for $2500 from the original owner. Over 8 years, I've put maybe 2k into her. As she sits, she's worth about $6000. So- I don't run her on long trips- for that I rent. Besides, if I can't find what I need within 5 miles, either I don't need it or I'll order it online and have it delivered. Sounds weird but it works. I save a lot of money because it make me rethink my purchases.




I'm taking next week off just to relax. The weather should be mild (50's-60's) so she will get a full bath inside and out during that time. One of the best things I have is the Bissell Little Green Clean Machine with the Turbo Brush with heat. I thought my car was clean until I saw what this little puppy pulled out. It restores the "new car smell" without all the fumes. It's also great around the house. Get one and see what it pull out of you furniture. I'm starting to sound like an infomercial...




Such is the life in Atlanta




An uncomplicated life is peaceful.


Tuesday, January 20, 2009

The price you pay when its really cold in Atlanta!
















This past weekend we experienced some of the coldest weather in years- 12 degrees! Always being the car conscious one, I made sure the Contessa's oil, antifreeze, and battery water were in good shape (she's 26 years old) to withstand the fridgid days. Always the trooper, she popped right off on the first try each day and quickly warmed up.
My shock came Sunday morning while leaving for the grocery store. I began to pull out of the drive when I saw them. Two huge stress cracks in a once perfect dash. After a few choice words I realized that if was the worst that happened during this cold spell, I felt quite relieved.
Such is the price you pay when its really cold in Atlanta!

Welcome to The Graug Blog

On the advice of Venus in Minneapolis, I've created this as a better venue than Maus Droppings.
I hope all will enjoy and revel in the marvels of Atlanta!