8.19.2026

 We had reserved a Home Depot van for this afternoon, but then this morning, Jim got a call that the reservation was canceled.  I called and talked to someone and eventually was able to make a new order.  She couldn't explain what happened but it all worked out so we didn't press.  Of course, nothing is as easy as it sounds - even after filling out paperwork on line, there was a lot to do once we got there.  Plus, it was a new system for them so required multiple people.  But eventually, we got the keys...

Back home with the clock ticking...

Jim had everything ready, of course, so first he raised up the block...

Then he brought the hoist over to the back of the van...

Lowering it down...

Strapping it down for the ride to the machine shop.  We were probably back on the road in less than 10 minutes.

Unloading at the machine shop...

They had told Jim that they had a tow motor to get it out, but then he brought over a cart and they just loaded it up.  Made my heart hurt to watch because this block probably weighs over 450 pounds.

We had to fill the van up with a whopping 1.8 gallons of gas and then take it back to Home Depot.  It all worked out great - we only had it for about an hour and a half.

High 77.1/Low 57.2

8.18.2026

Jim wanted to get the engine block all ready to be loaded up into our rental van tomorrow, so he brought the engine hoist out...

Engine block is now on the hoist...

Jim wanted to clean some more parts - here's the before picture of the cross over member, drive shaft, and the oil pump...

Spraying...

First pass - they already look so much better...

This is the oil pump - what a difference...

He's storing some extra parts in the pole barn lean to...

He spent the rest of the afternoon cutting grass - it's amazing how long it has gotten with some sun and a bit of rain!

High 79/Low 64.1

 

8.17.2026

Eight years ago, we were moving in!  We had plywood countertops and free Craigslist cabinets in the kitchen, but we couldn't have been happier to be home.  The best part is that feeling has never gone away and just keeps getting better!

My electric toothbrush died and I ordered a new one.  But then Jim watched a video on how to break into it (because it looks completely sealed) and got it apart.  There was a screw at the top holding the head on that was completely out.  He screwed that back and will now see if he can get it back together.  At least we'll have a spare now if we need one.

In the afternoon, Jim loaded up everything except the block into the back of my car and we took it to the machine shop in Saratoga...

Jim dropped it all off and went over everything with the same guy he talked to a few days ago.  Once we got home, I reserved a Home Depot cargo van for Wednesday afternoon for Jim to use to transport the block.

High 77.1/Low 64.2

8.16.2026

Jim drilled holes in my cabinet for pins to hold my new shelf...

Shelf installed!

Already filled up with sourdough baking supplies!

This is a picture of the parts that Jim cleaned the other day...

What a difference - this was the crank shaft cover before...

And after - amazing!

His cleaning solution came in yesterday, so Jim was able to set up his parts washer...

All ready to go!

I should have gotten a before picture, but he started cleaning the oil cooler...

Really working well and all the mess is contained!

Quite the difference!

High 77.5/Low 50.5

 

8.15.2026

One year ago today, Jim had his surgery for prostate cancer.  We had so much divine intervention along the way - mostly that we were able to catch it before it spread.  We're also thankful for good surgeons, a close hospital, and his good recovery (even with that resultant hernia!).  We will never take good health for granted and are so grateful that he's one year cancer free!

Our rugs look much better, but after drying our large entry mat flat, Jim hung it from the trusses to make sure it was completely dry...

Jim did more clean up and prep work in the auto bay before we headed to church!

High 75/Low 55.1

8.14.2026

Jim is continuing to put coats of polyurethane on the new shelf...

He spent most of the afternoon cleaning up in the auto bay, getting things organized and ready to take to the machine shop.

Then he brought up the power washer to clean our entry rugs.  These are the two shop floor ones before...

He started with the mat in the auto bay...

Cleaning off our stairwell entry mat...

He also wanted to do some parts clean up using his more aggressive cleaner.  He has some new cleaner coming for the parts washer soon.

High 76.7/Low 57.2

8.13.2026

This picture is from last evening.  There were six deer, including two bucks and the baby, just playing outside, with some turkeys wandering in their midst as well.  By the time I could get a picture, only four of them were in the same area, but still fun...

Jim was back at work, dismantling the other cylinder head...

Taking the seals out of the valve cover with his special tool - some of them just disintegrate as he works with them...

These parts are completely dismantled and ready to go to the engine shop...

We're going to head to The Local tonight for dinner.

High 77.5/Low 62.5