In an effort to encourage “more reading, less streaming”, I have balked at NordVPN’s price increase to $180/year. On Sunday I cancelled my account, with a bit of piss and vinegar when I was told that I’d lose VPN access immediately, and not on my annual plan’s renewal date next month. I used a VPN any time I logged into public internet access points, and without one I will no longer log into public WiFi, relying on 5G cellular instead. Since my iPad doesn’t have cellular I can either use my iPhone as a hotspot, or, use the iPad as a reading device instead of a streaming device when I travel.
I wanted to go for a bike ride today, and in essence I am. The M6 is due for an oil change and tire rotation, and in n effort to ween myself off the Mazda dealer in Morrow I’m taking it to a new-to-me mechanic recommended by my buddy Chip. Located on Piedmont near the I-85 overpass, I was instructed that I would have to plan to leave my car there all day. So, I’ve driven my car with my “mountain” bike, heretofore known as “Old Faithful”, on its back. I intend to, or am currently, out riding either the northern part of the Beltline, Path400, one of the other non-connected trails in that area, or home. My decision will be determined by how long I want to ride, and how long I believe the shop will be holding my car hostage. You know, everyone shits on dealerships for service, but I am not saving any money for this service, I’m simply trying something different.
Wordle: five, my starter was CLAIM
First…
73 de JG/HamWithCam
Now I remember why I don’t ride often, it’s fucking terrifying! Of course I was able to ride the Beltline from Plaster Road all the way to Ormewood Avenue, about six miles, which was fine. But all the road crossings were harrowing.
According to my phone my 8.29 mile ride took me 50 minutes. I don’t know what route I will take to get the car later as I’m sure the Beltline will be much more crowded then.
My main problem with dealerships (& I haven’t gone to those that often honestly, except Subaru when I had free oil changes for the 1st ____ miles /months) is they take forever – for a basic service. Honda has been the worst. Even Subaru would act like an oil change in 45-1 hour was almost crazy. I told them – I was going next door to Jason’s Deli & they better be done when I get back – or they will give me a loner car.
I’d personally rather take it to a local place. Now – the shop we use in East Cobb we always drop off the car, even for easy stuff – just because. Now – you being single, its harder to do that without a 2nd person.
I’m not sure when they will be done with my car. I have no idea what their workload is. I rode all the way home because it was too early to do anything else, and I wasn’t feeling all that adventurous.
Not having a second car/driver does make some errands much harder. Fortunately the weather is perfect, and I have the ability to ride a bike.
And there is a shop in East Atlanta, but people call it the soup kitchen because you have to get there early to line up just to drop off your car. I could walk home from it, but I wanted to get this oil change today and didn’t want to risk them being too busy.
the soup kitchen – that’s funny.
I used to take my old CRV to Peach Auto (Lam’s place) over in Doraville, and I would go get lunch then too – but that was with prior planning & he knew I was coming.
I would drop the Accord at Lam’s, and then make my way to Marta. I also used Uber for the first time back in the day to drive me from Lam’s to my office in Sandy Springs.
Wordle in 6- nothing but green.
I like having a mechanic nearby. He’s a talker and chain smoker, but otherwise trustworthy so far. Prices seem fair.
We took Walter to sleep away school and will let the trainer see if she can get the kinks out.
Last Games meeting was short. Basically everyone reported they were ready. I hope they all have rain gear for this weekend.
-FP
i saw that forecast – dry all week until the weekend, then dry again after that.
Yep, worst possible forecast for Porchfest too.
It’s got a name now: Hurricane Isaiah.
Correction: Tropical Strom Isaias.
Is it Catherine’s you are using? We used to go there before we got new cars with dealership warranties. They are GREAT.
We stayed in last night because game 3 of the NLDS kicked off (heh) at 6:00 pm. Braves lost and the series is now 2-1.
Anthem. It’s close to the Tower Package and Goodwill on Piedmont.
My first job in “DP” was there at Rollins. So many memories.
I’ve never had cell service on my iPad – I use it when there is Wi-Fi or very occasionally I use my hotspot.
Same. When I travel I make sure to download books and movies ahead of time.
About to get on Old Faithful and start migrating north.
Oil change and tire rotation are done, and of course there is another $1000 of recommended repairs… just like the dealer!
I may take the car back next Monday to have some of the recommended repairs done, because I think some are legit. I think I. The near future there may be a repair necessary that costs a lot more. The Mazda is almost getting to the point where it almost costs as much to maintain it as it would to be paying off a new car. Almost.
What were the recommendations and how many miles on the car?
142k miles
– I have to replace the serpentine belt, and belts for the alternator and water pump. That will be done on Monday.
– They want me to flush the transmission fluid. That will happen in the near future.
– They want me to replace the air filter and cabin air filter. I will do these myself.
The one that will cost real money is replacing the controller arms some day.
And the reason I am returning Monday is because the belts couldn’t be replaced today, and I need the car tomorrow and Friday. The shop is closed on the weekends.
in other news – Slim & Ceili (Not sure how to spell her name) got married this morning.
While I’ve never met her, I’m happy for them. I always thought Slim was a nice guy.