About this blog title

I cannot tell you how many times I have shown up at events with a couple of cameras around my neck, a gadget bag full of odds & ends and a lighting kit and have been asked that question. If it happened once every few years, that would be one thing. But it happens a LOT. It's like getting pulled over by the police and he's standing there with uniform, gun, flashing lights and asking him "Are you a cop?" I would love to come back with a witty reply, such as "No, I am Jesus. Don't you recognize my beard?" However, I cannot be that rude.


Tuesday, January 14, 2025

2019 Kia Sorento Rear Brake Job

Friday January 10, 2025 I replaced the rear brake pads and rotors on our 2019 Kia Sorento. Actually I only got the passenger side done. The next morning I did the driver side. There had been some pretty ugly sounds coming from the brakes which prompted me to get it done. Parts cost from Auto Zone totaled $194.58   As for weather it was sunny, no wind to speak of and temperatures from 17- 20 degrees. 

2019 Kia Sorento rear brake job. 


2019 Kia Sorento rear brake job. 

2019 Kia Sorento rear brake job. 

2019 Kia Sorento rear brake job. 


Thursday, January 9, 2025

Flat Tire, Broken Spring, New Tire, New Strut, 2011 Kia Sedona

Side wall damaged by broken spring reveals why tire went flat. 

So yesterday I took the flat tire wheel off my 2011 Kia Sedona and discovered a spring broke and the sharp end gouged through the sidewall of the tire. This was the passenger side front. This same situation occurred on the drivers side a year or so ago. I bought a replacement tire from Cheney Tire in Watertown. Price with tax & fees came to $247.66 

I then went to O'Reilly Auto Parts and bought a strut and spring assembly to the tune of $235.43    

Detail of reciept from Cheney Tire in Watertown for a Firestone all season radial tire, size 220 70R/16


 
Detail of receipt from O'Reilly Auto Parts for loaded strut assembly for 2011 Ki Sedona.
Today I removed the broken strut. It was 15 to 19 degrees outdoors today. I spent a good deal of time out there and was very combfortable. There was sun and no wind. I wore 2 shirts, a winter vest and a winter coat on top of all that. I also wore long johns and a knit hat, gloves. 

3/8 socket on brake line retainer bolt

17mm wrench on strut to steering knuckle bolt.

Strut and spring assembly removed.

View of broken spring on the strut.



Sunday, January 5, 2025

Flat Tire Today

Front passenger side flat tire on my 2011 Kia Sedona van

About 10:30 this morning I pulled out of the driveway and heard a grity, grating sort of sound. I thought it was probably some ice built up in fender well and rubbing on a tire. Got a couple hundred feet down the road and heard a loud noise, maybe a bang or a snap. Got back into the driveway and discovered a flat tire on passenger side front. My tire pressure warning light never came on to alert me of low pressure. If that is defective then it's possible I drove around yesterday on an under inflated tire. Then by this morning it was totally flat. I haven't bothered to take the wheel off today. I suspect there is more wrong than just a flat tire. 

Other than that it was rather a nice day. Sun all day with some snow fall and high of 26 degrees. The snow was the light, fluffy type. Last nights low was 14. 

Later in the day I found someone's debit bank card in the parking lot of the Coffeen St Kinney Drug Store. I took it inside and gave it to one of the pharmacists. She recognized the name as someone she waited on about an hour earlier.

Found a debit card at Kinney Drug Store, Watertown NY. I altered name & account number with photoshop for the image posted here.

About 5:00 today I started a charcoal fire and grilled some hamburgers. At this time the temperature was 15 degrees.



Saturday, January 4, 2025

Guitar at Flower Memorial Library 120th Anniversary

 

Inside the Flower Memorial Library in Watertown, NY.

Today, Saturday January 4, 2025, marks the120th year of the Flower Memorial Library in Watertown, NY. I played guitar at their 2 hour party.There was a good turnout for the event. Quite a few people I knew attended as well as city dignitaries and other politicians and friends of the library. This was my first gig for 2025. I received many compliments. It went well. BUT- I forgot once again to ask someone to snap a photo of me playing at the event. I usually hand my iPhone off to someone to take a photo. It's possible I might get a photo from one of the attendees. Also, the local TV station was on hand covering the event. I'm writing this at 10:45 or so as I wait for the 11:00pm news. Maybe I'll show up in the piece.