TO STRATFORD'S SUBARU DEALER AND BACK THIS AFTERNOON

Slightly hazy skies started our day off and with temps above 50F it was a pleasant morning for a quiet walk in the Bayfield Cemetery.  

 PAVING IN DOWNTOWN BAYFIELD THIS MORNING

The Stratford Subaru dealer had called a couple weeks ago saying our Subie was due for its oil change but with our crazy schedule lately, we were unable to pick a day that was suitable for me to bring it in.  Turns out they had a last-minute cancellation today and wondered if I could bring it in this afternoon.  So, without any further adieu, I was quickly on my way to Stratford.  Unlike many years ago when I would never bother with oil changes or maybe get one every two or three years or so I didn't want to get in that routine with the Subaru.  Subie's previous owner kept its maintenance checks up to date and it's my intention to do the same.  And, they don't just do the oil change, they do a host of other checks on the car as well.  And then they even wash the car before it goes out the door.  They tightened up an ill-fitting rear license plate and fixed a stuck vent in the dash free of charge too.  That all works for me so I intend to stick with those routine oil changes.  Plus, it's a nice quiet paved road drive from Bayfield to Stratford and back through the scenic countryside.  And soothing instrumental music all the way on SiriusXM Radio Channel 68 'Spa':))

 STORMY-LOOKING SKIES ON THE WAY TO STRATFORD

 IT LOOKS LIKE THIS POOR OLD BARN IS BEYOND SAVING

 FARMERS WERE BUSY IN THEIR DUSTY FIELDS TODAY

I reached Stratford on the early side of course so I took a quick swing down around the river and dashed off a few quick drive-by photos.  I enjoyed my time living in Stratford years ago between 1975 and 1995 but I'm sure glad I don't live there anymore.  Despite its lovely Park system, the city has become waaaay too big for me with all its bonkers traffic and people now.  No, I didn't say the people were bonkers, I meant the traffic was bonkers!!      

A QUICK DRIVE AROUND THE RIVER IN STRATFORD

Reaching the Subaru dealer at 2:20, they took me right in.  I think they had the oil change and check-up done within half an hour but they forgot to tell me it was done.  Sitting quietly in the waiting room reading I wasn't paying much attention to the time and it was just past 3:30 when a fellow walked over and wondered if I had been looked after yet.  What!!  Anyway, they were very apologetic and it was okay with me because I wasn't watching the clock anyway.  I had hoped to make it home before the rains came but I didn't make it so despite the Subaru being washed twice in the past 24 hours, it's all a mess again:((  After a great relaxing drive home, I rolled into our driveway at 4:45 p.m.  It was an 85-mile round trip.    

 HERE'S SUBIE REPORTING IN FOR HER OIL CHANGE THIS AFTERNOON

 A VIEW OF THE PARTS DEPARTMENT FROM THE WAITING AREA

 CLOSING IN ON OUR PARK'S ENTRANCE PRETTY WELL WRAPS UP ANOTHER DAY

Al's Music Box:)) Just A Song Before I Go by Crosby Stills and Nash from the album 'CSN'.  1977

GROANER'S CORNER:((  The room was full of pregnant women with their husbands.  The instructor said, "Ladies, remember that exercise is good for you.  Walking is especially beneficial. It strengthens the pelvic muscles and will make delivery that much easier. Just pace yourself, make plenty of stops and try to stay on a soft surface like grass or a path."  Gentlemen, -- you're in this together. It wouldn't hurt you to go walking with her. In fact, that shared experience would be good for you both."  The room became very quiet as the men absorbed and pondered this information. After a few moments a man at the back of the room, slowly raised his hand.  "Yes?" asked the instructor.   "I was just wondering if it would be all right if she carried a golf bag?"

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