More About Jake's Parents' visit

Well after Christmas on Wednesday, I took the car over to Midas to get the mechanical inspection done. I waited there while they did it. After about an hour, the guy told me that there would be almost $700 in repairs needed, not including also needing a new tire. I felt sick. I called home and we decided I would just come home and we'd talk more about our options. Scott looked at the list of what needed to be done and said HE could do everything there! YAHOO!! Jake and Scott went to the parts store and paid about $150 for parts, went to Wal Mart and the Tool Store and got some tools, and Thursday spent the entire day working outside in the -1 degree weather. Scott said there were some parts that were listed as being broken but weren't, and brake pads that were listed as being worn, but were only worn about 10%, a very small amount. I called Midas Corporate to complain that I was being taken advantage of, and they said I'd get a call back within three business days. They didn't care. After Scott finished the work, we took it to another garage, and it still needed a few things, like the tire and new non-rusty lug nuts, but it was a much MUCH shorter list. We'll be getting that done this week so I can finally change the title over to myself. Friday afternoon we went over to see my parents, who'd made coffee and a great cookie and nut buffet. Jake's parents and mine both had a great time talking and discussing each of their cities and creative projects and leisure passtimes. They'd met once before at our wedding, so it was really nice they could reconnect. Saturday morning we left and were on the road by 7am in order to drive to Toronto to make their 1:45pm flight. Jake stayed home with the kids to make the drive quicker, and I went down with them as navigator and driver-backer. It was snowing, but the roads weren't bad. I was back before 4pm, a mere 9 hours later! I didn't even speed hardly much. The car drives great. It reminds me of Penny and Ron's old Dynasty, for those of you who knew that car. It's got power windows and POWER STEERING!! power locks and cruise control. There's loads of leg room because there's no centre console, so I had zero crampy leg, no awkward position ankle pain, which happens all the time on long trips with the Tracker. A real breeeeeeze to drive. We had lots of fun with Jake's parents here. It was great to host them, and for them to have some really good quality time with Jake, Hayden, Sage, and me (oh and Lacey and Kitty loved 'em too!). I got to have some great conversations with Linda and Scott, and I truly value our relationship. My dad is excited to have them back during summer months and take them on a hike up a mountain, or out in his canoe. I hope they come back real soon.