5am is Early

Way too early. I am riding with Emily to Dixon this morning. My S2000 has been in the body shop for a week to repair the front fascia. It sits very low, close to the road, so it hits t try pad trash and parking barriers with ease. Not the first repair. Prob not the last.

I had to be up earlier than usual, usual being 530. I had to have all the usual things done – lunch, breakfasts, pets fed – and be ready for my workday. No workout and clean up later. Got the call at 5am.

Strangely, we were out the door timely and ready to go on time. I hardly believe it since Emily continuously complains about leaving late. Maybe she just wanted to show me up.

I am an improvement in Emily’s regular drive. Why? Because two people in a car qualifies her for the diamond lane. That’s right, high speed drive for 25 miles of the commute. Normally, she does not get that. She does cheat every day, a little, but not 25 miles worth.

With this improvement it is difficult to see what she complains about. The drive was fast, we made Dixon in under an hour. I slept for 30 minutes too. That was nice. Emily dropped me at the body shop, my car was out front waiting. I kissed her goodbye and went in. The regular crew was not in yet but owner Darren was. Nice guy. Talkative. We sat for a few, I paid up, we talked cars for awhile and solved the worlds problems. Best we could. A brief and friendly respite to start my day.

Said my goodbyes, and headed off. To work? No. To get a decaf Americano at my fave coffee spot in Dixon. I don’t live here anymore so I have to take my shots while I can. I did take the coffee to go since I have one more important stop. My fave bakery for an apple fritter. Solano Baking has been here in Dixon almost as long as I lived here. I did beat them to town by a couple years. I don’t miss many opportunities to come here. When Marika was little and traveling with me to work every day, we would stop for a donut 4 days a week. Or five. All the time. Today just me, but I love fritters and don’t need any help.

What now? I am going to the speed shop to drop off the S2000 to get a new clutch and pressure plate. I will be able to pick up both on Thursday and be done with all the car repairs. Till next time. Actually, Monday, Emily’s MBZ needs some body repair. But at least tomorrow I will have all mine home.

Time to go. Car awaits.

Made the shop in good time. Left Dixon late enough to miss the commute. Just like old times. Josh, the shop owner, tells me 6?hoirs on the new clutch. I tell him I will be back at 6 but will call at 4 to check progress. Plenty of time for them to do their thing. They have my Fit scheduled for the turbo tune this evening as well. Both should be ready later.

I got a Lyft to her to the office. So close, cost me $7. Not much.

Spent the day working. A shock, I know. Finished several tax returns. Had a new client come by. He needs last five years tax returns prepared. Good work if you can get it. Late meeting with the same client who was in yesterday and got his returns finished. Lovely day.

I did call the shop at 4 and they said I could have the car by 6 as promised. Cool. Between 4 and 530 I managed a few more work tasks. At 530 I called for a Lyft and was on my way by 545.

Well, trouble. I arrived at the shop about 6. The transmission was not reinstalled. Air intake not in. Exhaust manifold. Not in. Same for shifter and alternator. Uh oh. The tech spent the next 2 1/2 hours getting the car back together. And I got to stand around and watch. Not good.

in spite of all that, the car got done and I went home. Dinner was waiting for me. Saw the girls for 30 minutes before they went to bed. Not to thrilling.

I am in bed now and headed for slumberland.