Ups and Downs

[hrj]

The car is back from the shop again, with a new battery. It turns out (after discussion with my Dad) that this was the original battery, so it isn't that surprising that it might need replacing. I still find it a bit odd that it took a dive quite this precipitously (and immediately after being in the shop). In the past when I've had batteries die of old age, they've spent a while getting slowly worse and half-heartedly charging up if coaxed. Further conversation with my Dad elicited the opinion (which is similar to my own) that the next time the car looks about to cost a chunk of money, I should just get a new one. So I'm thinking of beginning the shopping process in semi-earnest, at least in terms of trying things out, so that when the time comes to take the step, I'll already know what I want. (I hate having to make major decisions in a rush with pressure on.) I'd love to go back to a Toyota, and I'd love to go with a hybrid. But I'd need to check out whether the Prius carrying capacity would work with my needs. (Has to fit the big harp. Has to fit the camping gear, including tent poles that really only work on a roof rack. Needs to be capable of fitting a bike rack. Not all at the same time.) Well, let's hope I have plenty of time to think about it before I need to make the decision.

Mom is back in the hospital with a blood clot in her leg (the one with the new hip), which evidently is a possible side effect of the Thalidomide. Unfortunately it sounds like this means they need to take her off that and try one of the second-choice chemo plans.

Comments

[patsmor.livejournal.com]

I have loved my Hybrids, but the carrying capacity issue is why I still have the van.

[patsmor.livejournal.com]

Shoot, hit post too fast.

Thanks for the updates on your mom -- I'm sorry things are continuing to not be smooth, but I'm thinking good thoughts for her and you.

[msmemory.livejournal.com]

While you're shopping, look at Toyota's Matrix hatchback/small station wagon. It can accept a roof rack (I have a Thule one) but my 6' pavilion poles also fit right inside. You can fold down the front passenger's seat as well if you're traveling solo. I would've considered a Prius too, but when I bought the Matrix they were giving 4-6 months' lead time on the hybrids, and I couldn't wait.

[hrj.livejournal.com]

The problem isn't the 6' pavilion poles -- it's the 10' and 12' pavilion poles. My current tent has a post-and-ridge-pole system made from 2x4s. With a sleeve system I could shorten the maximum length at the cost of a weaker structure, but as long as I can put the long poles on the roof, I don't have to worry about that part. The non-hybrid Toyota wagons are also possible, but I lust after the mileage of a hybrid.

[loup_noir]

Is Thalidomide the gentlest solution? Chemo is so harsh.

[hrj.livejournal.com]

As chemo goes, evidently thalidomide is pretty gentle. No nausea or hair loss, for example. As of talking to her this morning, I guess they're leaning towards leaving her on it for now. Time to do more research on my own, I guess, so that I'm not working with 3rd hand medical interpretations.

[wulfsdottir.livejournal.com]

Sorry to hear about your mom's ongoing health woes, and hopefully she's well-mended soon.

For the car, Mikey-who-was-Polaris-Herald has a Prius, and he loves it. He's used it to haul off across the country to SCA events, so he might be a good one to ask how it holds up to heavy loads. I can put you in touch if you'd like to speak with him and don't have his contact information.

[hrj.livejournal.com]

I don't worry so much about heavy loads as simply awkward ones. I have, in the past, loaded all my gear into a hatchback (with roof rack). I try to keep the total volume down enough that I never find myself deciding not to go to events because I don't feel like loading the car. But this wars with my love of luxury and furniture.