This week, my little, tenacious car died. The timing chain broke while I was driving to the mechanic to investigate the rattling noise in the engine. So, as I understand it, the valves slammed into the pistons, essentially turning my engine into scrap metal. Things could be worse, of course. They could always be worse...

The move into the new studio is nearly complete, and now there may be a place for me in it. The new studio is close to my home than the old office, so if I have to ride my bike to work, I'll be less winded by the trip. Of course, motorists here in Waco are unaccustomed to bicycle traffic, and so biking to work might be my demise. I'll shop for an affordable used car to get me through the year, and by next year be in a position to buy a newer and better one. I just detest automobile salesmen so much! They are the primary reason that I resist the urge to buy new vehicles.