Injectors and Freight Containers!

 Good morning sunny and WARM California.  Yessiree ... we are getting right into summer around here.  In a mere three days, the blossoms disappeared and the GREEN showed up.  This very short accounting day turned into a 7 hour marathon.  Luckily it wasn't ME that had to do all the work.  My replacement gal is a fast learner and doing a bang up job!!

On the other hand, having gone over all the tax prep with the accountant, she informed me of three more companies that needed attention.  Good grief ... this thing is multiplying like rabbits!!!  I got a lesson in LLC's and corporations like never before.

All the while, I'm thinking about my truck.  At long last, Benny called.  Benny is the MAN at the repair shop.  I seriously cannot believe what he said.

Here's the second lesson of the day.  Probably more than you or I ever wanted to know.  There is a bobbin wrapped in wire that serves as a magnetic field to lift the pintle when an electrical current passes through it, helping the injector spray fuel and shut OFF the fuel.  The electric wire going TO that had rubbed against a bracket for 21 years before cutting through the plastic coating and shorting out.  No fuel got to that injector, which is why I had no power and it made so much noise.  

That's it ... one lousy little wire!  They replaced it with a tougher one and wrapped it in insulation so it would not happen again.  Here's the BEST part.  $198.00.  That's it ... no $10,000 engine repair ... just $198.00.  I could have hugged him!!!

I was back on the road in five minutes, headed over to the new Veterans Housing project.  I'm sure this isn't new to everyone, but it was new to me.  Believe it or not, these are freight containers stacked up and made into small studio apartments to house homeless veterans.  There are 22 units here, all full.  The guy in the tan shirt is the contractor who built it.  

Of course this is a government project, so prevailing wage rates apply.  Good grief ... they could build TWO of these housing project for the same amount of money if they would just pay normal wages.  

At any rate, they have a laundry room, but no washing machine or dryer.  The Elks Lodge ponied up the cash to buy one of each.  I'm on the right pointing to the check.  Next to me is Mark, one of the best mechanics/handymen out there.  He is also one of the Knights of the Castle who has to work hard to keep me sane.  

The gals on the left are from the Daughters of the American Revolution who did all the footwork to find the appliances.  They have also provided towels, soap, clothing, utensils ... everything they need that you don't think about.

Surprisingly these are two stories tall.  Not a lot of windows, but a very nice roof over their head.  Better than sleeping out in the cold, that's for sure.  We met a couple of the guys who live there and keep up the grounds.  This contractor did a very good job.  He changed the plans quite a bit in order to save money so he could start a SECOND housing unit on the other side of town.  Several of the homeless vets refused the accommodations saying they would rather live outside, but at least now in our little town, they will have a choice.  

As I left, I told the contractor to let us know what else they needed.  As beds and old furniture need to be replaced, the Elks Lodge would be happy to purchase them for the Veterans Village.

How could I possibly have a better day.  GOT MY TRUCK BACK!!  Boy did I miss her ... and helped out our homeless Vets.  It was a GREAT day!!

Gee, that was like I had a job or something!  THIS is what I came home to at 6:00.  Miss Queeny here, thinking she now rules the house!!  She comes and goes through the doggie door like an actual dog.

Tonight is the Board of Trustees meeting at the Elks.  It will be a frustrating one I'm sure, trying to explain why gains in investment accounts are not REAL money that they can spend.  It's restricted.  Somehow they don't get that concept.  

Anyway ... I am going to spend the morning cleaning up my Truck.  She deserves a good vacuuming!!!