Lunch & Even MORE CAR INFO!

Mmmm.... My friend Sheri took me to lunch at the Brick Oven today! I'd not been there before, and it was FABULOUS!! Not only did I get to spend some time with my good friend that I don't see very often, but....... I absolutely LOVE baby back ribs, and they were very good! They also have that corn that mom makes with the cream cheese. Scrumptious! And to top it all off, Carrot Cake!!! Oh..... thank you Sheri!! That was terrific!

Now, for the news on the van. <Deep Sigh> I called the shop today to get a status report. Not good. They sent the radiator out to be cleaned, but whoever owned that P.O.S. before me put soooo much "Stop-Leak" or whatever in it, that the radiator was badly clogged, and could only be replaced. No charge. The man I talked to said that the two SAE certified mechanics were going to look it over and discuss what should be done next. They may need to open it up and do some work in the block. UGH! I'm thinking "how much is THAT going to cost??" So, I tell the guy that before we start racking up more charges, let me know what needs to be done and how much it will cost. No problem. I also told him that I needed to come by and get a few things out of the van after work.

After work, I go by and get the stuff from the van. I took the opportunity to chat with one of the five mechanics now on the case. This, apparently, has turned into a learning experience for everyone involved. They have absolutely NO idea what is wrong with the van, and they are just trying everything to get it fixed. While chatting, I learned that if they have to send parts to get "machined" (def: sanded smooth, removing buildup and/or uneven spots in the metal) that would also be no charge to me.

Here's my dilemma. When it comes to things like this, you have GOT to be fair. THEY said it was fixed when it wasn't AND they are putting waaaay more man hours into this than expected. Mom has already paid $1300 for the work. Is it fair for them to take the $1300 for the work and not charge more for other work? Is it fair for mom to refuse to pay more? This whole thing is such a weird and time-consuming ordeal.

On the bright side, I had baby-back ribs for lunch!! YUMMY!