Oct 31 - 4x4 / papayas

I finished up copying to the second hard drive and also setup the two RMA's for the failed drives -- one Seagate and one WD. I don't really need the replacement drives now, but of course that could change, and I might as well take advantage of the warranties.

I did some other puttering, including fixing my bicycle front wheel, troubleshooting a loose wiring connection for an outside light, taking down the rest of the hurricane shutters, replacing light bulbs at the front door ... that sort of thing.

I also did some telephone "work", checking with TW on some benefits changes and calling my doctor to get the prescription for the annual blood tests in preparation for the annual physical. I also have to call the dermatologist for that appointment, it's been two years (recommended for me vs one year for Sandy).

My next step was going to Tire Kingdom to have them do diagnostics on the humming and hit Home Depot and Publix along the way. I only got a hundred yards before the 4x4 light came on. Oh Oh. That light usually comes on when the battery isn't putting out enough voltage to run DSC (dynamic stability control). I pondered that and then drove around the block and back home. I didn't want to get somewhere and be stuck. Besides, I didn't even have my cell phone to call Sandy !

I put the battery charger on the car and it was clear that the battery was low. I was told when I replaced the alternator that my battery could be suspect due to abuse from the failing alternator. Perhaps that's come home to roost. I charged it for a while and then started the car -- 4x4 still on. Oh Oh. This is starting to look more serious. Usually once the alternator is doing its job the 4x4 warning light goes out.

So ... since Sandy had gone for a walk with Abby, I did not call the BMW dealer, not wanting to set an appointment that I couldn't keep. I did some research and it seems that this could be the result of a transfer case, transmission or ABS problem, or perhaps just communication between the respective modules. My code reader will deal with engine codes, not these.

So ... I decided to go to HD anyway, picked up a new timer for the fountain and a couple of other small things. I also did my grocery store shopping -- cereal and Halloween candies. Of course I did all this with the other car ...

Getting back home, I started the car and lo and behold, the light went out ! I moved the car over by the garage to put on the battery minder, which is better at topping up the charge and found that the "battery condition" light stayed off. Ok, we're just about dead here.

So ... tomorrow morning I'll go to Tire Kingdom and do that research. Once I deal with that issue I'll go to Advance Auto Parts so that they can get a read on the alternator -- I bought the new one there in June, so it's still on warranty ... hopefully. I'll have to deal with a new battery before going north, assuming, of course, that I can get any other issues addressed. I'm still thinking that the hum is one or more wheel bearings. I can feel the vibration.

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Anyone want some papayas ? We have more than 100 ripening right now. I've eaten a couple and they taste something like peaches but softer and not as tart. The price is certainly right, but there will be too many of them ripen too quickly for us to hope to eat very many. Sandy tried a bite and it didn't do anything for her, just like melon doesn't do anything for me, any kind of melon.

The bananas have also been very productive, but only in leaves so far. I'm not sure when the fruit appears.

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I had a conference call scheduled with the Ontario Randonneurs for 7:30 p.m. so we ate early. When was the last time that I was on a conference call lasting 1.5 hours ? I'd say in 2006 ... just before I retired. It all seems so long ago.

Speaking of which, I got an email from Ched Miller yesterday, from Raytheon, just a "hello, how are you doing" email, but also mentioning that he's interviewing someone who I knew once-upon-a-time. My memory is pretty dim on this individual, didn't work with him directly, so I don't have any input for Ched.

Before, during and after the conference call we had trick-or-treaters. We'd been told "expect less than a dozen" ... "expect none" ... but in spite of the on-and-off rain, we got 16 kids of various ages. It's lucky that I bought candy because otherwise we'd have been grinches or had to turn the lights off !

When we lived in Radnor we were in an awkward lot for kids to visit so at most we'd get a half-dozen kids. The last time we had this many kids was in Mississauga when Jeffrey was still going out. Jeffrey and Nathan would go out together with Terry Van Horne and I walking around and chatting as they collected their loot. Days long ago ... Life was simpler then. We only owned one house, for instance :).

Today ... not sure. It's very windy out there again but I think that the forecast is clear. I may or may not get out for a ride but really should since it's supposed to rain later in the week and tomorrow is "M" day.

"M" day is moving day. We're finally going to get the rest of our furniture over here.

Onward ... !!!