Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[NovaAman]

I'm sorry for both of you, but I think I can trump that. My Jeep is in the shop. Threw a rod as a result of DH not putting oil in it while he was using it. Ouch, was the first thought. Found a good local shop, and should have gotten it back last weekend if everything went well.

WELL...

Mechanic guys came over to the house. Seems that the year/model was made at a time when Chrysler was going thru some financial issues. The engines from this make/model don't even have replacement parts being made because there are too many issues with the engine overall. Our only alternative is to find a rebuilt or brand new engine to install. Brand new, out of the box is just too expensive. Nationwide, there is ONE rebuilt engine available. Seems everyone with this make model is replacing, so as soon as they are available, they are gone. Found a place who promises a back order available within 5-10 days. Best cost, just for the rebuilt engine alone, $2100. This doesn't include other parts, work already done, and labor.

Just goes to prove that when you don't think things can get worse, they really can.

What year and what model? I have a friend here with a grand, but shot axles and 4x4, and he's had a devil of a time fixing it, but the engine is good.... I could run it by him if you guys have the same...

 

[Brethren49619]

It's a 2007 Wrangler. For anyone interested in buying a Jeep, stay away from this model and year.

 

[Stacykins]

*sigh* Third time is a charm. Grandma fell and broke herself. Not too badly, a dislocated shoulder rather than broken bones. I guess I just need to vent. This woman has needed help, such as assisted living or in home care, for a while. But she has refused. The only one who lives close enough to help her out is my father (they live in lower Michigan). He works a full time job as a high school teacher. Of course he is there every day after school to help her. But it isn't enough. She needs more, and he can't just quit his job to be her full time aide.

The family is going to make the decision for her, soon, and move her. Because if something doesn't change, it'll be worse next time. First two falls were just bumps and bruises. Though one of the contributors to her falls is that she does not use her walker, and when she does, does not use it properly. Yes, she has had many education sessions on proper usage, and being told she needs to use it, her balance isn't what it used to be. But it goes in one ear and out the other. The clutter from her compulsive hoarding does not help. What gets removed from her apartment is soon replaced. So trip hazards galore.

In the meantime, she is likely going to come stay with my mother and I for a time, while we try and find an opening for her in a local care facility. I can take care of her full time, though my sanity will surely suffer as a result. I love her, but she is an energy vampire. She can literally suck all the positivity out of the people around her, leaving them feeling like an empty shell. Anything good, she will find something negative about it. I already know what is going to happen. I will have to put my shields up, or else I'll wither from the constant contact. Of course, she wonders why none of her other three children and/or their families step up to help her, she makes people miserable.

 

[chickflick]

It was a pleasure to meet you, Dana! I feel so good knowing the boys will have a great home!
It's always great to meet another BYC'er, and so much better when they are as nice as you. Thanks so much for taking them.

 

[1muttsfan]

Stacykins,

- I know Opa and Hope recently went through a difficult time with a relation. He may be able to help you when you are feeling distressed.

 

[BackyardFarmMom]

I hope everything works out for the best!

 

[taprock]

Stacykins -

It really is much easier to love your older, stubborn family members when you don't have to care for them. I watch my mom take care of her mom and have told her that isn't in our future. They make each other miserable. As much as my grandma thinks living in assisted living would be horrible I think it would be a relief for both of them. I hope things go smooth for you as you all adjust.

My house is WAY too warm today! I am doing up spaghetti sauce using Opa's wonderful oven method. I made beef and barley soup and baked southern biscuit muffins. Now it is 76* in here and I want to open windows only DH won't let me since it is 49* outside.

Last night DH and son spent an hour out in the rain collecting nightcrawlers. My son had so much fun he wants to do it again and is hoping it rains. He sold them to a guy DH works with so he had enough to buy a gallon of gas for his 4-wheeler.

I shoveled wood chips all around the coops today. Hopefully it will cut down on the mud and the chickens will enjoy eating the bugs out of them. Poor Ms. Fuzz is my oldest chicken and every year she has one of the worst looking molts.

 

[NovaAman]

Give this girl a sweater!

Stacykins...I can so very sympathise. I have my 70 yr old mother here. Some days it is hell, other days it is ok. She is also a negative person. You tell her something good, and a few minutes later she can totally kill it with "the other shoe will drop" kind of comment. Then there is the senility, paranoia, nagging at me like I am a little kid... SO... You can vent here and I will totally understand..

 

[NovaAman]

bummer about the jeep. He's got a 97, and its the grand... The engine is smooth running... BUT not the right year. My jeep is still running smooth, just rusting all to heck. OH that's right, my jeep is still an AMC engine... LOL. But 5 years old... to be blown already... sorry for your loss...

 

[RaZ]

I got my truck back. It was the link from the pedal to the master cylinder that rusted out. Seems odd since the moving components are in the cab and under the hood. Not really exposed to the elements but after 15 years I guess all things start to rust. The body of the truck is starting to moult. Just like the chickens.