The COVID-19 Diary: Friday 10 July

OFL* commented on my car’s age and mileage. I should note that her car’s age isn’t far behind mine. I won’t say how how far because it’s impolite to discuss other people’s cars’ ages. Her mileage is a lot lower though, and I have nothing more to say about that.

I have a 2008 Volvo S60 2.5T that I bought used in 2011. It had about 50K miles on it and I think I bought it for about 18K. It was in great shape, and still is. I plan to drive it until it costs more to maintain than buying a different car. Based on a conversation with my Volvo service advisor last year, I think I’ll have this car for a while.

Service Advisor: “The break even point between repair and replace is about $7000 a year.”

Me: “What!”

SA: “Yeah, the average monthly car payment is close to $600 these days.”

Me: “Holy sh…cow.”

SA: “I know, right?”

And that’s AVERAGE, according to him. My monthly MORTGAGE payment isn’t much more than that.

Apparently I have a throttle problem which will cost about $1100 to fix. I’m still under the break even point.

Stay healthy and safe.

Martin on Reiner

Steve Martin wrote a nice tribute to Carl Reiner that you can find in The New York Times. Here’s the link.

Hey Clancy!

Gary Larson has published some new Far Side cartoons. They’re on his web site. Here’s the link.

My Spam Knows I’m Old

I remember the good old days when it was all about male performance enhancement.

Speaking of Which

Carl Reiner talking to Conan O’Brien about George Burns and growing old.

Lori’s Corner

Song of the Day

Remember when DJs would make a big deal about playing songs like this on Fridays? Maybe they still do. I wouldn’t know. I don’t listen to those kind radio stations anymore.

The entire Song of the Day playlist is available on YouTube.


*Our friend Lori.