Thanks, Margaret! It's true. The bad apples get lots of stories told about them. And believe me, I have some feelings about mechanic one in this story--especially now as it's Monday, and I'm at Ken's shopping and learning more about the transmission issues. But I wanted to tell a story about one of the good ones. They're out there too. Those people being human, looking out for another human. Ken's working on Vinnie as I type. And I'm super grateful to have found him. Just wish I'd have found him first!
Thank you much for the well wishes and for reading and commenting. What a pleasure to share the ride. 🚐♥️
Thank you, my friend. I'm glad you liked it. I put this one together, well, a lot more quickly than I do most posts. They typically take weeks and multiple drafts in the making. So I was hoping I wasn't shortchanging readers. But this is where my head and attention are focused at the moment.
So agree! Thank the stars?, their mamas?, their hearts?, the little moments in life that showed them who they want to be?, whatever it is for the Kens of the world. The Ken from this piece is currently standing below Vinnie, having a go at the transmission (which has had an entire leak for obviously a hot minute the first mechanic seems not to have seen).
Van Gogh rocks! And is well deserved. Ah, mechanics. Enough said. I'll currently degreasing and repainting our engine room on STEADFAST-- an inverted and sooty task. She's got a big ol' green Detroit Diesel that takes five gallons of oil. You'll love it once acquainted.
I do believe I'll submit a Kindness of Strangers story soon! I wrote a bit about peaks and valleys and hit the publish button just about the same time you did this morning. Great, great minds.... Sending good juju. J
And Vinnie/Vivian (she’s feeling more like a Vivian for me as I get to know her; she was Vinnie to her previous human) is running like a charm. Woot woot.
I think we all saw a bit of Ken in someone we know, or we've met: someone kind, generous with their time and convinced that doing good comes without charge. Good luck, and here's to many more journeys with Vinnie the van!
Thank goodness for the Kens in this world. I miss our old mechanic, Ed, who was 100% honest and practical. He’d take you back to see your car up on the lift and explain things. It was a real community place, with a big bulletin board with thank-you notes and pictures of kids.
Funny you should say. I literally just returned to the cozy waiting room (stocked with coffee and soda and snacks) from a tour of Vinnie's undercarriage. There are thank you cards and a caricature of Ken as a superhero in the windowsill.
Thank goodness for the Eds and the Kens and the Julies!! ♥️
I don't know how I made it this far in life without learning of a van called Vincent Van Gogh! And OMG Ken, what a dream. Fingers crossed. Finally, my favorite quip (that makes me quite annoying) whenever someone says "everything happens for a reason" is to reply with: Yes, physics. Sending love!
Hey! At home on my computer freecampsites.net was my favorite, but on the (van)go I resorted to using iover still. It still works, just doesn't seem to get updated as much anymore. And it's always been clunky. I haven't tried to figure out if freecampsites has an app yet. Thanks for the info!
Holly, I am so glad you found Ken and Vinnie. Vinnie looks like he'll keep you moving and give you a comfortable place to rest. All the best to you and Vinnie on the road. 💓
Holly, there are no finer folk than mechanics that can translate incomprehensible sounds into diagrams in their minds that identify said part floundering in it's job. I know your transmission's solution is in play! Hi to Vinnie, and thank Ken for keeping humanity moving! (Ps: I have a post, 'National Wheelbearing Week,' you may find comforting!
Greetings to you, Vince Van Go and to the current and future Kens. Sprinters are popular vehicles because they are generally reliable, durable and economical on driving hundreds of thousands of miles. Parts and repairs might cost a little more but often last longer. There’s a network of experienced, independent Ken’s out there. The trick is finding them when needed via a reliable recommendation. Talk to other Sprinter owners and drivers and start a directory.
Okay, I've skimmed the comments and don't yet see anyone else with a melodramatic reaction. So, I'm here for it: AH, SHIT!
Super relieved you have Ken in your life. We've landed a service person or two like him across our lives, and they are saints in greasy clothes for sure! How's Freckles taking this news? Or have you opted to not loop her in just yet?
Sending all kinds of positive mojo, Holly. Also, a Rolling Desk sticker? Brilliant!
Yes, soooooo grateful to Ken. I am, as I type right now, in his cozy customer waiting room, fingers and toes crossed. It's been a longer time than anticipated. Eeeeee.
Also thank you!!!! I needed the melodramatic reaction. 🤣 Believe me, I'm feeling it in my bones. (Also Ken just said, "What did he" (the pre-buy inspection mechanic) "tell you about this transmission leak?" When I said, "Nada," he said, "Did he LOOK underneath the vehicle?" 😬 Some more melodrama for you.
Yes, the Rolling Desk sticker is so much fun. It has a QR code that takes people straight to the RD. It's a vanlife thing. People hand out stickers at gatherings. So I had one made. Hit me up if you plan on doing one for Chicken Scratch. Not all QR code hander outers are the same.
(Oh and I've sort of been keeping the seller updated--mostly just to ask a couple questions.)
Thank the goddess for Ken and all who care enough to go out of their way! I'm so glad that you and Vinnie found him, and I hope that the "transmission service" takes care of the remaining issues. Blessings to you Holly--your voice is such a gift, especially now.
Thank you!! I so very much appreciate you and am honored to have you along for the ride. And I can't tell you how much of a boost it is to receive such a beautiful compliment about my voice.
Your piece is a great addition to that line-up of tools we can use to stay strong and connected in these times! The conversation in the comments has been thoughtful and nourishing too. https://practicingterraphilia.substack.com/p/tool-swap
Do remember Ken for sure. Or reach out to me, and I'll put you in touch. I can totally see you guys having a blast with a Sprinter van.
And what a fantastic offer. Whidbey is wonderful. And it would be even more wonderful to meet up in person. I'm looking across the water in your direction in a spot I frequent. Will for sure have to hop on a ferry and say hi one of these days.
The world would be a better place if we had more Kens in it. 🙂🙏🏼
Mechanics are notorious for the bad apples that treat women like they have no brain. 🫤
Looking forward to the new chapter with Vinnie. He seems like he could easily become a low-maintenance, most loyal, trusted companion. 😎🤞🏼
Thanks, Margaret! It's true. The bad apples get lots of stories told about them. And believe me, I have some feelings about mechanic one in this story--especially now as it's Monday, and I'm at Ken's shopping and learning more about the transmission issues. But I wanted to tell a story about one of the good ones. They're out there too. Those people being human, looking out for another human. Ken's working on Vinnie as I type. And I'm super grateful to have found him. Just wish I'd have found him first!
Thank you much for the well wishes and for reading and commenting. What a pleasure to share the ride. 🚐♥️
Love to Vinnie from me! And thank whatever deserves thanks for the Kens of this world. Great read as usual Holly, thanks :)
Thank you, my friend. I'm glad you liked it. I put this one together, well, a lot more quickly than I do most posts. They typically take weeks and multiple drafts in the making. So I was hoping I wasn't shortchanging readers. But this is where my head and attention are focused at the moment.
So agree! Thank the stars?, their mamas?, their hearts?, the little moments in life that showed them who they want to be?, whatever it is for the Kens of the world. The Ken from this piece is currently standing below Vinnie, having a go at the transmission (which has had an entire leak for obviously a hot minute the first mechanic seems not to have seen).
I appreciate you.
Van Gogh rocks! And is well deserved. Ah, mechanics. Enough said. I'll currently degreasing and repainting our engine room on STEADFAST-- an inverted and sooty task. She's got a big ol' green Detroit Diesel that takes five gallons of oil. You'll love it once acquainted.
I do believe I'll submit a Kindness of Strangers story soon! I wrote a bit about peaks and valleys and hit the publish button just about the same time you did this morning. Great, great minds.... Sending good juju. J
"Inverted and Sooty" - Post title? Hahaha. What a task indeed. I'm impressed!! And five gallons of oil? Dang. Go STEADFAST, you gorgeous guzzler you.
I'd love to hear about your kindness of strangers story. Hopping over soon to read about your peaks and valleys. Great minds indeed.
Juju and the read and comment much appreciated! 🚐 ⛵️ 🛢️♥️
YES! That may be the perfect title. I hope your new home is shaping up like the dream he is! And Ken came through yesterday.
You are so welcome, Miss Holly, our connection is cash in the bank.
J
Ken did come through indeed. ♥️
And Vinnie/Vivian (she’s feeling more like a Vivian for me as I get to know her; she was Vinnie to her previous human) is running like a charm. Woot woot.
I think we all saw a bit of Ken in someone we know, or we've met: someone kind, generous with their time and convinced that doing good comes without charge. Good luck, and here's to many more journeys with Vinnie the van!
"Convinced that doing good comes without charge"! I like the way you put that, Varun.
Thank you, thank you for the well wishes and for reading and commenting. Can't wait to get to adventuring and sharing the ride.
It’s true, it doesn’t. Goodwill is ALWAYS free! Best wishes and happy adventuring!
"I can’t think of anything the world needs more right about now than humans who look out for one another just because." A thousand times yes x
Right?! And we're in luck, because they are for sure out there.
Thanks, Jan. 🚐 ♥️♥️♥️
Thank goodness for the Kens in this world. I miss our old mechanic, Ed, who was 100% honest and practical. He’d take you back to see your car up on the lift and explain things. It was a real community place, with a big bulletin board with thank-you notes and pictures of kids.
Funny you should say. I literally just returned to the cozy waiting room (stocked with coffee and soda and snacks) from a tour of Vinnie's undercarriage. There are thank you cards and a caricature of Ken as a superhero in the windowsill.
Thank goodness for the Eds and the Kens and the Julies!! ♥️
and the Hollys!
I don't know how I made it this far in life without learning of a van called Vincent Van Gogh! And OMG Ken, what a dream. Fingers crossed. Finally, my favorite quip (that makes me quite annoying) whenever someone says "everything happens for a reason" is to reply with: Yes, physics. Sending love!
Yes, physics!!!! This is 100% it. 😆
I'm realizing I should have spelled in Van Go. 🤣 Not sure how the previous owner spelled it.
PS. I'll DM you too. But I'm curious. Did any of those campsite apps do you any good?
Hey! At home on my computer freecampsites.net was my favorite, but on the (van)go I resorted to using iover still. It still works, just doesn't seem to get updated as much anymore. And it's always been clunky. I haven't tried to figure out if freecampsites has an app yet. Thanks for the info!
Holly, I am so glad you found Ken and Vinnie. Vinnie looks like he'll keep you moving and give you a comfortable place to rest. All the best to you and Vinnie on the road. 💓
Thank you, Pamela!
Vinnie does have some lovely creature comforts--something high on my priority list these days.
🚐 ♥️🪽
Holly, there are no finer folk than mechanics that can translate incomprehensible sounds into diagrams in their minds that identify said part floundering in it's job. I know your transmission's solution is in play! Hi to Vinnie, and thank Ken for keeping humanity moving! (Ps: I have a post, 'National Wheelbearing Week,' you may find comforting!
The diagram in their minds bit is SOOOO true. I wish that were me. What a wonderful skill (gift?) to have (probably a little of both).
And I think "thank Ken for keeping humanity for moving" is a fantastic phrase.
Heading on over to check out "National Wheelbearing Week" soon. Thank you!!😁
I know we're in BIG trouble when he retires!
Vinnie looks like a beauty! Sending prayers and vibes that his insides match his outsides. Ken is also a beauty!
Ooooh. That's what it is, yes. To Vinnie's insides! Or maybe it's that his car parts match his house parts, which are pretty charming.
Yes, Ken is lovely!
Thank you, Donna. I appreciate you much!!
Greetings to you, Vince Van Go and to the current and future Kens. Sprinters are popular vehicles because they are generally reliable, durable and economical on driving hundreds of thousands of miles. Parts and repairs might cost a little more but often last longer. There’s a network of experienced, independent Ken’s out there. The trick is finding them when needed via a reliable recommendation. Talk to other Sprinter owners and drivers and start a directory.
Happy trails…..
Oh yes, that's a great idea. A network of Kens! I love it.
I'll pass the greetings from a fellow road connoisseur. ♥️
Thank you ever so much, for being part of my trails, Gary. I'm truly delighted to have you along.
Okay, I've skimmed the comments and don't yet see anyone else with a melodramatic reaction. So, I'm here for it: AH, SHIT!
Super relieved you have Ken in your life. We've landed a service person or two like him across our lives, and they are saints in greasy clothes for sure! How's Freckles taking this news? Or have you opted to not loop her in just yet?
Sending all kinds of positive mojo, Holly. Also, a Rolling Desk sticker? Brilliant!
Yes, soooooo grateful to Ken. I am, as I type right now, in his cozy customer waiting room, fingers and toes crossed. It's been a longer time than anticipated. Eeeeee.
Also thank you!!!! I needed the melodramatic reaction. 🤣 Believe me, I'm feeling it in my bones. (Also Ken just said, "What did he" (the pre-buy inspection mechanic) "tell you about this transmission leak?" When I said, "Nada," he said, "Did he LOOK underneath the vehicle?" 😬 Some more melodrama for you.
Yes, the Rolling Desk sticker is so much fun. It has a QR code that takes people straight to the RD. It's a vanlife thing. People hand out stickers at gatherings. So I had one made. Hit me up if you plan on doing one for Chicken Scratch. Not all QR code hander outers are the same.
(Oh and I've sort of been keeping the seller updated--mostly just to ask a couple questions.)
Thank the goddess for Ken and all who care enough to go out of their way! I'm so glad that you and Vinnie found him, and I hope that the "transmission service" takes care of the remaining issues. Blessings to you Holly--your voice is such a gift, especially now.
Thank you!! I so very much appreciate you and am honored to have you along for the ride. And I can't tell you how much of a boost it is to receive such a beautiful compliment about my voice.
Fingers crossed. Go, Ken!
As you said, "Keep having each other's backs. We're all we've got." I'm happy to have your back and give you a boost! Blessings.
Thanks, Susan. And thank you ever so much for including this piece in your wonderful roundup of tools. ♥️♥️♥️
Your piece is a great addition to that line-up of tools we can use to stay strong and connected in these times! The conversation in the comments has been thoughtful and nourishing too. https://practicingterraphilia.substack.com/p/tool-swap
I will light my candle for you tomorrow!
Thank you, Sue! I'll tell Vinnie. 🕯️🚐♥️
Good luck, Holly and Vinnie. A Sprlnter is on my wish list, and I shall remember Ken.
If you ever find yourself on Whidbay Island, a parking spot awaits!
Do remember Ken for sure. Or reach out to me, and I'll put you in touch. I can totally see you guys having a blast with a Sprinter van.
And what a fantastic offer. Whidbey is wonderful. And it would be even more wonderful to meet up in person. I'm looking across the water in your direction in a spot I frequent. Will for sure have to hop on a ferry and say hi one of these days.
What a guy, that Ken.
Right?! Yay for all the Kens of the world.
Thank you as always for reading and commenting, Stephanie. What a delight to have you along for the ride. 😉♥️
So glad to be aboard! 🚐