Happy late birthday Kermit.

I'm sure I said 'rib-it' sometime on the 17th in celebration!

Hubby is home now but his numbers have not improved yet. We see the doctor on Monday and hopefully that AM's test will be better.

I'm hoping to have time to give Bluebelle a quick bath tomorrow... CA duster doesn't help with all the bugs. She will have right around 25k on her.

I wouldn't say that she's been pampered - but she is definitely loved.

Oh and thanks RJ for the info...

 

Mini-Counter, glad to hear that hubby's home, but we need to get those counts back to the correct numbers! Sometimes you need to seek the council of others. Our thoughts continue to be with you both.

The CA duster does great when I am working in the garage with my power tools creating dust. Yesterday I made a mantle for the in-laws and I think I actually changed Frodo's exterior paint color. My wife commented on it and we both got out a duster and cleaned him in about a minute. NICE!

I got my first return call bid request AND it is for carpentry work. I don't mind the painting (it's kind of mind numbing), but building is where I want to be.

Actual rain falling today! Ahhhhh, the Northwest.

Oh, the Counting Crows, Maroon 5 and Augustana were GREAT last night in concert. It got cool towards the end, but that just cut down on the sweat created while jumping and bouncing around to the tunes. I LOVE MUSIC!

 

Good News Minicounter...keep us updated on things.

Mini2na you seem to be the "Do it All" kinda guy...I will certainly be giving you a call when we need something done around here!! I have a lot of things that need to get done, but I just can't seem to make our Money Tree grow!!

Weather certainly has changed, Molly will be getting pampered later today, hopefully by me giving her a bath I won't bring the Rain Monsters won't show up.

Enjoy what's left of your Sunday everyone!!

 

Had an interesting day yesterday. My wife and I went to drive a pre-owned Lexus IS250. Of course they sold all of them, but we drove a new one. It would be quite a step up from her Forrester both in Luxury and cost. (Makes my MINI look like a relative bargain.) IT felt like it floated over the road. It has no "feel". She liked the car. We need to drive a A4/A6 and possibly the small Infinity. The car purchase is a ways off, but my wife wants to know what car she wants. The A4 is the one that she loves on style appeal, but I remind her of the horrible reliability ratings. Knowing her love for driving Frodo fast, I think the A4 will win the test drive challenge. Time will tell.

The sales experience was pleasant, no pressure, but there was no option lists and the only cars to consider were what was on the lot or in the area. That was a strange feeling. I just don't think that new car would get a name. While the man was trying to get us to consider all our options, he gave me a trade-in amount on my MINI. (Not that I would actually consider it unless I could almost go out and get a new '09...) Well, let's just say that would be STUPID. He sheepishly brought in the figure of ~$21K. $7K for one year of driving? No way. And Frodo is my baby.

Whew, that's over for now.

 

Goodness, I've been missing everything. Not on purpose! Somehow I haven't been getting the e-mail prompts. Happy birthday to all. Kermit got his first waxing the other day. He looks grand. (I know, bad owner - but hubby said that I should wait until after stripes, so we did.) Lordie, I have to upgrade my signature soon with the new and improved look. Maybe this weekend. Still no oil change yet for the boy either. Rasmussen won't see me until I am under 1500 or 1000 on the computer prompt. I am already at 17K miles! and still my prompt is at 1900. Soon though. Then they can also fix the vibration under the dash; I am about to go daft!

Not too busy of late. Keeping track of sick pug. Liver issues. We think that she got into something toxic. I couldn't tell you what; pugs put anything into their mouths, just like a two year old would. Anyway, up and down days, back and forth to the vets, lots of blood work and now we are on our second round of antibiotics. Poor little girlie. No fun. Prognosis should be good though.

Minicounter, I do hope that hubby is feeling better. At least Minis make anyone, even sick ones, smile.

 

Kimberely, if you accidentally forget to go to the NAM site after you get an email reminder, they stop sending reminders. I did that a couple of times and missed quite a bit of excitement on our thread. Welcome back.

I was told that MINI would do a courtesy oil change after a year. I'll let you know. Frodo is at about 11K.

The weather is going to be great this weekend in the NW. Motoring and some kayaking are in my future.

 

Molly will be getting a 7500mi. Oil Change on her 6mo. Delivery Anniversary or there about...Yes, I'm picking up the tab...No biggie!!

I wish the weather looked more promising...Here's Hoping!!

TGIF everybody...Hope your Weekends are Dandy!!

 

Goodness, no posts in a while. Kermit is finally going to get his first oil change next Friday - plus some extra love and attention from Rasmussen Mini. He is almost at 18K miles. I had a co-worker in my car last week, and she announced that night to her spouse that she wanted a Mini some day. We are a contagious bunch.

Weather seems on and off dreadful, cold, and rainy of late. I was hoping for some good Indian Summer weather to drive around looking at the autumn leaves. Maybe I will luck out this weekend.

Happy Motoring all!!!!!

 

Kimberely are you talking about Friday the 17th?? Ms Molly and I (Hubby too) will be at Rasmussen getting Molly's Oil Changed, Tires Rotated and one more Rattle Fixed.

Would love to meet up with you if we happen to be there at the same time!!

Who is your SA?? Ours is Anne. It will be my first time meeting her as well. Hubby is the priviliged one to visit Rasmussen when Molly has had to have other work done as he works not to far away.

Not sure where everyone else is, I check everyday just to see if anything new is going on.

Let me know if and when it might be possible to meet up...PM me if you want.

Take Care

 

I'm still here guys. Work has dried up. I think it is the economic uncertinty. I'm spending the time trying to design a web site. That might help.

Frodo is doing well. No rattles (knock on wood). Today may be the day I put in my brake light flash unit. That could be fun.

Dry weather seems to be back for a few days. I'd better finish up the yard prep for the winter. Some caulking on the house is in order too.

Have some great motoring.

 

RJKimbell - Kermit's appointment is at 8am and then off to work I run. But, I will probably be picking him up that evening, so ....I don't know what time that will be. I am still up for meeting up though, depending on your schedule.

Supposed to be clear but cool this weekend. Might be a great time to check out autumn foliage on windy back roads. Hmm. We will see.

I am up to Hood River next weekend - wine is calling my name, and it is a great excuse to go across the Bridge of the Gods. Fun, Fun!

 

Scoopmama is missing of late. And what ever happened to Lil' A?

 

The beginning months of school can be a bear. Scoopmama might have some tough classes OR we can imagine her flying the coop and motoring all over the country in Scoop.

Lil A? Who knows. On to bigger and better things? I think NOT.

If you and RJ are getting together on the 17th and wouldn't mind a third wheel, PM me with details.

 

Kimberely and Mini2na, we will be at Rasmussen between 9-10, taking a long weekend as I have not had much time off since I started my new job almost a year ago. Anyway, sorry to say looks like we'll miss ya'!!

Anyone have the TPMS Sensor fun this Fall?? Well, we did and Hubby was NOT a Happy Camper!! He visited Rasmussen at about 5PM Thursday Night, Molly needed a bit more air in a couple of her tires. Since this was the second time the sensor had gone off since last Friday, he assumed the worst!! All is well and we'll be getting some TLC this weekend.

ENJOY!!

 

HI all! Whew! Just did some catch up reading, and everyone's MINIs sound great! Kimberely, Kermie is a different beastie altogether!
Had the tire pressure light go on just before a MINI breakfast. Since I didn't know what it was, I skipped the event and hunkered down with the owners manual. All Scoop needed was more pressure, and to have her computer reset. Did it all myself, and was so proud!

It has been a hectic start to school. New principal, VP, grade system, and 160 new kids to get to know. Had a great back to school night, and the mentoring is going well too. Thanks for wondering!!

Has anyone had a bonnet scoop melting issue? Mine is bubbling, and needs to be replaced. One more thing to add to the list. Sadly, I'll probably take care of that before the dental and medical annual visits! Spoiled car!

So. . . aside from the ghastly price of groceries, do you see any other effects of the economy up your way? In the neighborhood where my in-laws live, the foreclosures are numerous. We've had a few in our area as well, but not too many.

 

We have a ton of houses up for sale in our neighborhood. Not too big a surprise as we are one of the further outlying 'burbs if you work in Portland or Vancouver. Gas prices make it a bit spendy commuting. At least those are coming down some. Everything seems to be high priced lately. I need a raise!

 

Scoopmama it's funny how you said Groceries and NOT Gas!! Molly's last fill-up was $29.22...compared to the $75 it would have been had we had to fill-up the Durango!!

Weather changes and our MINIs get cranky??!! I'm not looking forward to Winter that's for sure!!

So far things are quite on the Foreclosure front, at least in the areas that we travel. There are quite a few homes for sale in our area, one right across the street in fact. Owned by an Elderly Lady and has been For Sale for quite awhile too!!

Started a Total Detail on Molly yesterday...Interior Detailing...Waxed the Door Panel Arches and Door Sills w/Carnuba, 303'd...Doors, Dash, Upper and Lower Plastic, Front/Rear Seats, all areas of the Boot, used Stoner Invisible Glass on inside Windows. Today, Vacuum...and later a nice bath and a Good Waxing afterwards.

Bought some Griot's Spray-On Car Wash for the Coldest part of Winter when I won't be able to wash her outside without it raining. Will let you know how it works when I get to use it for the 1st time.

Time to ge the day started...take care and hope everyone enjoys their Weekend!!

 

I met Ms Molly's parents on Friday morning. Always good to put faces to names. Not too much chatting, maybe next time. Lots of bustle at Rasmussen. They forgot that I needed a loaner, so I abbreviated some of the work to be done to get to work by 10:30 am. Upon reflection, this was better than my trying to leave Portland at 5pm on a Friday night. They gave me Kermit all clean in and out. What a treat.

Today, motoring up to Hood River. Must pick up my wine and check out all of the twisty roads and beautiful colors of autumn turned leaves. It should be fun. If anyone is a fan (and in the area), I recommend Phelps Creek wines. They have some lovely Pinot Noirs and Rosés - with consistantly excellent quality. And their tasting room is located on a golf course! What more could you ask for?

 

Kimberely it was a "whirlwind" of a trip that's for sure. Glad you got out of there pretty quickly, we had a 2.5hr. wait, not to bad. After we left you and entered the "secret" room, which remember I had not visited that side of the Dealership at all, so I had no clue that was how things worked. Anyway we jetted over to SB and had Breakfast, yummy!! But came back and 'poof' you were gone.

Molly's Parent's (Robert & Julie) BTW...I think I forgot to introduce ourselves!! Guess I was a bit excited!!

We had contractor's to meet when we got home, so not much fun hanging around in PDX on our Day Off...and after we got the bill today...even less fun!!

On the upside we had a Furniture Delivery today...a new Dining Room Set and a Corner TV Stand for the Family Room and Hubby's new 52" LCD HDTV.

Not sure how much I'll be doing with Molly this weekend, we have another contrator coming tomorrow and have errands to run in AM. Also have Old Kitchen Table and Chairs listed on Craigslist with people wanting to look at it in PM...whew...and it's going to be Sunday...our Last Day of Rest before that Dreaded 4-Letter Word...for those of us still having to begrudingly do it!!

 

PM sent to MINI2na...Re: Unfinished Front Door.

 

It was my great pleasure to meet J and R of RJKimbell and Ms Molly. Nice people and a GREAT car. Molly is immaculate!!!

Thanks for the mini MINI lesson on the way you detail and care for Molly. I learned a lot. I just have to dive into it. Frodo needs some wax! It looks like a nice weekend ahead. (Like I can believe the weatherman 4 days out in the NW.... what am I thinking??? )

 

It was indeed a pleasure to meet you as well Mini2na...glad I could be of some assitance on the detailing. Getting started was a challenge for me as well. But once I got into it...it was FUN!! And...I get to spend some quality time with Molly!!

We demand pics. once you've completed Frodo's Beauty Treatment!!

The weather does look promising for this week/weekend, hopefully it stays dry and I can "Immaculate" Molly a little more!! I may even try the Spray-on Car Wash I showed you. Will let you know how it works.

 

OK guys. I think I've gone to the dark (OCD) side. I purchased a PC and bad bundle along with DP products (Cut, Swirl, Finish, Amigo, Epic and Hydro).

Before anyone gasps in horror, I only used Clay, Finish, Amigo and Epic on Frodo. Hydro followed a couple of days later. IMHO, the PC is great for the "work" portion of the job (ie: Cut, Swirl, Finish). I used it for the Amigo and Epic, but do not feel it is worth the extra work of taping and VERY careful application around the badges, bra edge and stripes. The PC and Finish did a wonderful job of taking out some 'scuffs" and the water spots. (I used the PC and some glass scrub to take water spots off the windows too.) Take a look at the pics in my gallery.

I did my black Subaru next. It was full of swirls and scratches. I used Swirl and Epic on it. WOW! That was a huge change when in the sun. I was blown away by the brilliance of the black. I kinda makes me wish I had gotten a darker color MINI. (Don't tell Frodo that though.)

The last practice vehicle was my '97 Ranger. It sits outside all the time and hadn't gotten wax in three years. I had to scrub it down, then go at it with Cut and the PC. Talk about a difference. There was actual smooth paint under that crust. I followed up with Swirl and then used some cleaner/wax I had around. (Boy, can the bottles of product pile up!)

Finally I did my first paying job. (Anything Goes Services LLC) I did an '07 CTS (dark gray). I had to wash, clay, Finish and Epic. The owner was impressed! So was I.

The PC is a great tool. I need to get a firmer pad for using CUT. I was not able to get out all the weather related imperfections in the Ranger. It has a fairly easy learning curve and I'd recommend starting with cars that need the least work and then adding more agressive pads and products as you learn technique.

I put Black WOW on Frodo and like how long it lasts but have had trouble getting it to look uniform. I get lighter and darker splotches. Any suggestions?

Kimberely, what does your hubby say about liquid waxes like Epic vs liquid or paste Carnuba's?

So much for my detailing story. The fun is over now. The rain began last night. The forcaster said the rain will continue, on an off for the next 6 months!

 

Showing up Molly now are we Mini2na!! A PC...huh??
OCD is right!! I told you you would come over to the other side!!
OK...all teasing aside Frodo looks FANTASTIC and I'm very happy you've enjoyed your first PAID detailing job...Good Work!!

 

How could I NOT get a polisher. Molly looked so great when I saw her. I had to try to keep up with the Kimbell's.

It's been a fun Halloween night. I've been offering dried chicken bones and corks all evening before I bring out the candy. The kids don't know what to do with me.... Good!

Hope the night was fun for all of you and that everyone has a great weekend.