It's Not Easy Being Greasy

My 2005 Jeep Liberty recently began experiencing winder window problems. Rolling it up and down it would rumple and thump. Okkkkk, I knew something was going wrong. After a short internet search, I found a forum on what the problem was: the electric window regulator was going bad. A little more research revealed that when one electric window winder breaks, be assured that the other three will soon follow suit. I also learned from other Jeep owners that this was not a cheap fix! Yipes. So, did a little more searching and I found a PDF file on-line on how to fix this problem ourselves. The instructions are fairly precise and it looks like an 'easy' fix plus it would save us well over $700. One thing other owners stressed was do not go to a Jeep dealer and have this repaired. They replace the broken offender with the same el cheapo plastic part. Steiger Performance sells a better version of the product than Jeep. The ones we bought are made from heavy metal and not cheap plastic.

I could just have easily named this post "Regulator Nation", huh?! *lol*

So, here's our afternoon in pictures.

Before the teardown.
There are only two screws,
within easy reach, that hold
the plastic cover on the door.

Pulling the door apart is slow but easy.





Now, we disconnected the speaker,
the electric mirror, electric door locks and
the electric window winder.

The moisture barrier.
Pull this off gently, perserving the
gooey stuff for reuse between the barrier
and the metal door.

You're committed now!
Or should be ... ha ha
You're down to the metal
and everything is revealed.

With the regulator and other
devices removed, you have to make sure the
window stays in place. Tape works.
I recommend overdoing this part.
Don't want busted glass on
top of everything else!
Then it would get expensive.

Don't do what we did, though,
and work in the back of the Jeep.
Next time I'll put a table with
a strong light next too the truck
to work on. This is hubby attaching
the new part. There's a lot of
little piddly stuff to go through
to do this but it's not hard,
just time consuming.

The offending part! Grrr!
The replacement part is metal.
Do everything in reverse
to put it back together
and you're good to go.

Ta da! The window works fine! I'm tired but happy and still have that $700 in my pocket.

Now, only three more windows to go *sigh* ... I think we'll save that for another afternoon. :)

URGENT: Concerning The EPA And House Bill H.R. 3199

Today I received the e-mail from the American Motorcycle Association (AMA) below. I need every one's attention please. It's concerning House bill H.R. 3199.

This bill, H.R. 3199, would force the EPA to seek outside scientific opinion before mandating ethanol content in gasoline. If the EPA allows the content of ethanol to increase to 15% or more it will bring disastrous results in small motors (motorcycles, etc.) especially those that are air cooled. Anything over 10% will clog up the fuel systems of lawn mowers and other devices. Allowing 15% or more WILL BE RUINOUS! Please take the time to call your local US Representative. Please tell them to vote YES for this bill. This effects everyone!

House Committee passed bill to require EPA to seek independent scientific analysis on the effects of 15 percent ethanol Take Action!
Urge your Representative to support today!

On February 7, 2012, the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology reported H.R. 3199 favorably, as amended, with a vote of 19 - 7. The bill, introduced by Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI), would require the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to seek independent scientific analysis on the effects of 15 percent ethanol blend (E15) gasoline.

To watch an archive webcast of the markup, click here. To see how the Representatives voted, click here.

The bill now heads for consideration on the House floor. No date has been scheduled.
"The EPA's decision to allow E15 into the marketplace will impact every American who owns a car, lawnmower or boat," Sensenbrenner said. Automakers insist that using E15 will void warranties, lower fuel efficiency and cause premature engine failure. In off-road engines, the effects can even be dangerous for users.

"There are serious concerns that the EPA used only one Department of Energy test and rushed E15's introduction into the marketplace," Sensenbrenner said. "This test was limited in scope and ignored a plethora of evidence – albeit inconvenient evidence for the EPA – that shows E15 gasoline has a negative effect on engines."
The new E15 gasoline formulation may appear at a fueling station near you and you need to be careful where you use this new fuel blend. That is because the EPA, in October 2010, approved E15 for use in model year 2007 and newer light duty vehicles (cars, light-duty trucks, and medium-duty passenger vehicles). In January 2011, it added model year 2001-2006 light duty vehicles to the approved list.

Riders should pay attention to this list because no motorcycles or ATVs are currently listed.

The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) is concerned about E15 because it burns hotter than gasoline that contains a lesser amount of ethanol. In engines not designed to dissipate that extra heat, damage in the form of premature wear can result. Although this is a concern in all motorcycles, it's particularly problematic for air-cooled engines found in many bikes. Moreover, use of E15 may even void the manufacturer warranty.

Since the approved list includes many light-duty vehicles in use today, refineries, distributors, and fueling stations may choose to offer primarily E15 gasoline because of this action by the EPA. This should concern all motorcyclists and off-highway enthusiasts since this may affect the availability of gasoline with less or no ethanol (E10 or E0).

We need your help to pass H.R. 3199 when it reaches the House floor. You can find contact information for your Representative at AmericanMotorcyclist.com > Rights > Issues & Legislation, then enter your zip code in the "Find your Officials" box. A prewritten e-mail is available for you to send to your federal elected official immediately by following the "Take Action" option and entering your information.

In a previous AMA alert, Rep. Sensenbrenner also introduced H.R. 748. This bill would prohibit the Administrator of the EPA from authorizing the use of gasoline containing greater than 10 percent ethanol in certain vehicles. For more information on H.R. 748, click here.

Again, the AMA urges you to write your Representative today and ask them to support H.R. 748 and H.R. 3199.

For a detailed analysis of this issue, including access to related documents, please sign up to be an AMA Defender member at http://AmericanMotorcyclist.com/membership/join. If you are already an AMA member, please call us at (800) AMA - JOIN. Defender members who sign up to receive Action Alerts automatically receive the detailed analysis.

If you are an AMA member, thank you for your support. If you aren't a member, please consider joining. More members means more clout and your support helps the AMA fight for your rights – on the road, trail and in the halls of government. To join, go to AmericanMotorcyclist.com/membership/join.

Just remember, if the EPA is allowed to continue to run roughshod over us American citizens, they will help to bring more ruination to our country. They must be restricted in what they can and can not do ... for now. Then hopefully be defunded and thrown on the trash heap of history.

Thank you fellow Patriots!

Ron Paul And The Military

Amazing isn't it?! I continue to hear how this "unelectable isolationist" is going to destroy our military. Problem is, I keep hearing it from people with no military service, including the other Republican presidential candidates.

Just sayin' ...

[Find more about Ron Paul's military service here]

Oh Crap

Holy Crap! Can you believe what O'Blamo said the other day? The Narcissist And Cheat pretty much said that our Lord Jesus would tax us at the point of a gun to give to others [paraphrased but that's what he was essentially saying]?! If any of us do not pay our taxes, the Feds can threaten, jail, steal all our worldly goods, and kill everything you own all "legally". Just try not paying your taxes folks and see if I'm not right. When O'Bummer quoted our Lord from the Holy Bible I was completely, totally, and forevermore outraged. I'm sure any other Bible believing Christian was as well. I understand that even those that do not even profess Christ are outraged. Here's a good commentary on this subject: link . And be sure to take the time to read the comments below. They are priceless.

I'm staying home today, as I've done since after New Years. Yeah, yeah it's Sunday, some people's "holy day" but it's not mine. I believe that every day the Lord gives me is "holy". I'm quitting our local church that we've been attending for four Christmas'. Long story short, I think this church is quite literally dieing since our old members are dieing off and there is no one to replace them. "The Dragons" (the ones that decided to ignore & "defriend" Hubby and I on Facebook awhile back) control every aspect of the Church, there is very little community outreach and the Pastor, whom I used to admire, and I had 'words' over this subject recently on Facebook. So boring. I do not like Facebook now and have quitted it forever. Facebook makes it too hard for people to see the smile on my face or the gentle way I try to say things. It's too easy to be rude. I guess I've crapped in my mess kit. Oh well. I noticed the world is still spinning today and Jesus still loves me. So I'm not perfect like the churchy le femmes' think they are. I'm not the choir director, I don't print the weekly bulletins, I don't decorate the building, I don't donate the most ... yadda, yadda, yadda. What did we have 'words' over? Well the Pastor thinks that someone is "good" because they do all these things but still they can still support a communist, tyrannical, narcissistic baby killer for public office. Yeah, that's the 'gist of what it was about. I told him that was stupid. With specious thinking like that, I could do all those church things and be a serial killer but they would still defend me?! THAT'S IDIOTIC!! Well, whatever, on I go. I will still witness for Christ in my own small "non-good" way. I still love the Lord God but most importantly He loves me. I'm not perfect and don't pretend to be. May He use me with all my faults to help others come to Him. I will still have my fellowship with my Lord by praying and reading the Bible and any other publication that "rightly divides the Word of truth".

Russell Means Endorses Ron Paul

American Indian activist Russell Means discusses NDAA, O'Bummer's Presidential murder of an American citizen, and Ron Paul.



www.russellmeansfreedom.com

First Container Garden Crop

Remember the new container garden? Well, today, I've harvested my first winter crop from it! That's broccoli and one head of cauliflower. We planted too late for any more harvest this season too. I know, I know, we would have starved to death if this was a necessity. So much for 'shrugging'. Next season we'll start earlier, plant more and I might go back to planting in the ground. I may save the container gardening for tomatoes and green beans. We have so many wild rabbits and such that it's better to keep the beans out of mouth reach anyway.

Bon Appétit Y'all!

Another Nail In The Economic Coffin

Today the Federal Reserve, under the leadership of Ben "Money Is The Problem" Bernanke with the blessing from O'Bummer, announced their intent to keep interest rates at near zero until at least 2014. [link] Do you know what this means? Yeah, the continuing destruction of the middle class. Unreasonably low interest rates means that 'common folks', middle class, like us, will have an even more difficult time making money in the Stock Market. This is our retirement money. Diligently saved as all responsible people used to do. We now have all our savings in Annuities, Money Markets, and other investment areas. One lives off interest NOT the capital or you will go belly up fast! So, this means less money made and less money spent back into the economy. It's as simple as that. I predict there's even more inflation coming.

Hope you're out of debt and have enough money in savings in case of a rainy day.

That rainy day is getting closer and closer and it's going to be another deluge (ala Great Depression) if something doesn't 'change' soon.

Does anyone still think the Fed is a good thing? The Federal Reserve was created on December 23, 1913. Whadyya say we audit and defund it by 2013!!?? 100 years of this Progressive nonsense is enough. VOTE RON PAUL 2012 and economic stability can be a reality.

A Goofy Obamanation

"Gawrsh! Destroying America is EASY! Hyuk-yuk-yuk-yuk!"

The Primaries are getting intense, aren't they? Mitt or Newt or Santorum ... not much too choose from. Thank goodness there's Dr. Ron Paul speaking the truth and staying the course or I would stay home that day.

I'm getting tired of hearing the "anyone but Obama" thought. It's almost become a chant from the Republicans. That is NOT the right attitude to have! As depressingly awful as Obama is, I'm still not sold on this mentality and I'm hearing it from the strangest corners. Look at the history of George W. Bush. Despite some conservative leanings and ultimately forced to pick some good SCOTUS justices, he was a big-government progressive who expanded government greatly then chipped away at our constitutional freedoms. GW was not as bad as Hussein but sure set us up for the current Progressive Messiah. Just imagine what an even more progressive, big-government Romney/Gingrich/Santorum will set the stage for. Once one of those neo-con's are done, the reincarnated Josef Stalin could be elected President as a Democrat because he will seem a "reasonable" alternative as pushed (and unvetted) by the socialist media. Think it can't happen? Before 2008, who thought Obama could happen? We should be trying to learn from history here. Why are we rushing to repeat it just because some say Ron Paul "is unelectable". I say B.S.!! So out of desperation we are to replace Obama with anything?! Kinda short-sighted, don't ya think?

Cafe Racer Project Bike

Our New Cafe Racer
by Hubby and Sparky

For quite some time now, we have had a hankerin' to build or restore our own motorcycle. So early in 2011, we traveled to Destination Honda in a far off land called South Carolina. There for a mere pitance we purchased a nice little Suzuki cruiser. It is a 2002 S40 Savage with about 18,000 original miles on the clock.

Let's go home guys!
We've got work to do!
This ugly duckling was to be the beginning of a metamorphosis from frumpy cruiser to a dashing cafe racer. The cafe racer style bike was an English idea that took root in the Sixties era. Performance bike enthusiasts would strip away everything on their bikes that added weight without function. They would mount the latest high performance tires, brakes and exhaust in order to get as much speed as possible out of their rides. Groups of these riders would meet in London area hangouts, like the Ace Cafe, where they would argue over whose ride was the best and settle the disputes with impromptu races starting from one cafe and ending there or at another.

Our project is something we have been wanting to do for a long time but felt that without a shop equipped with a welder and other metal working tools, would be beyond our limitations. Enter Ryca Motors of California and their Cafe Racer kit made expressly for the Suzuki Savage. With this kit you get everything needed to build a cafe racer with little more than a set of wrenches and an angle grinder (30 bucks at Lowes).

After getting the Suzuki I spent some time riding it on the local roads just to be sure there were no mechanical issues that needed to be addressed. The only "issue" found was a small oil leak at the shift shaft seal but other than that the bike seemed quite sound.

Does anyone else feel a draft?
Next came stripping the bike down to the frame. This meant removing the seat, fenders, gas tank, battery box, air box and the wiring loom. It looked a bit naked now with everything stripped off the frame except the motor and wheels. While the bike was thus "undressed" was a good time to fix the oil leak and clean the road grime from the frame and motor. With this done, I contacted Ryca and ordered our kit. They would later contact us when they were ready for us to send them the gas tank and rear wheel hub for modifications that they perform as part of the kit price. The mods included cutting and welding the gas tank to change it to a more "sporting" shape and fitting a new 18" rear wheel to the wheel hub so that a proper sport type tire could be mounted, the tire also being part of the kit.

It's still drafty in here ...
After a while we received our kit with the modified tank and were ready to start the build. I had requested that the painted parts be prepared with just a primer coat as we had already contacted a local custom painter to give our project some added bling. Our painter, Eddie Bedgood of Alma, Georgia, was recommended to us by a local bike shop. He is a true artist. One can find him on Facebook if interested. Eddie discussed various paint themes and colors with us based upon the ideas we had decided on. We settled on a bright metal flake Yellow with a Black racing stripe and outlined with White pin stripes.

Look! Up in the sky!
Is it a bird? A plane? Nah it's just Superbike.
Eddie finished the tank with a hand air brushed Suzuki "S" on each side, beautiful. As can be seen from the pictures, Eddie does great work and I would highly recommend him to anyone wanting custom paint work.

After receiving the painted parts from Eddie it was simply a matter of installing the parts from the kit using the video directions provided at YouTube by Ryca. They're very through. Since my shoulder disability, the most difficult job was modifying the front forks. It takes amazing strength to hold them down and then turn so they'll stay in place. It required me and two friends from church to hold the springs down and install the fork caps. The rest of the build was simple, reinstall the modified wiring loom, install the new battery box, new seat and modified tank and the clip-on bars with controls.

After completion, the bike was rolled out of the workshop and we crossed our fingers that the bike would start and run after so many weeks of sitting up and all the modifications to the wiring. Tank petcock was turned on, choke set, push the starter button and within a few seconds after the float bowl filled it fired up then settled into a nice idle. What a relief! Now for the fun part: a test ride. The clip-on bars and racing crouch posture took some getting used to and this bike is not for long distance rides unless you're a contortionist but it is fun, fast and handles great, just like a proper cafe racer.

I look pretty cool now, huh?!
At least I don't feel a draft anymore ...
There are many more photos of the project at this link. Be sure to click on the photos above to view full size.

What A World: South Carolina Primary Results

% Reporting: 99
Gingrich: 40.4
Romney: 27.9
Santorum: 17
Paul: 13

Live results pages: SC Election Comm., Politico, Google, Associated Press.
h/t: Legal Insurrection

My comment? South Carolina Conservatives pull the lever for Obama. Neo-con's will help be the further death of this country. Whether 'tis Mitt or Newt or Santorum or some other neo-Con, it'll be the same 'ol, same 'ol with big government, undeclared wars, higher taxes, less liberty. I guess people really do enjoy their tyranny, as my husband delights in sharing.

Funny Friday ~ SMBC Cartoon

I guess everyone has heard that Obamanation denied the Keystone pipeline approval? That flushing sound you hear is our country going down the toilet with the Obamanation at the helm. Well, I think Americans should start building the pipeline WITHOUT the Federal government's "approval". Our POTUS obviously hates America, hates us, and hates prosperity! So, I say let's tell the Fed's to go screw themselves and let's also DRILL HERE, DRILL NOW!

House Architecture Style Question

For all my wonderful followers out there, I have a quick question please. Does anyone recognize this diamond style? Most of the decoration had deteriorated and disappeared. It appears that it was used to decorate all around the house. Just curious as to what it's called.



The abandoned farm house is located in Bacon County, Georgia. Very unusual looking, I thought. It's quite old.

I hope everyone is having a good Sunday.

Thanks! :))

Happy New Year Fellow Travelers

For Senior Travel
I also did not know this ...

When you drink vodka over ice, it can give you kidney failure.
When you drink rum over ice, it can give you liver failure.
When you drink whiskey over ice, it can give you heart problems.
When you drink gin over ice, it can give you brain problems.

Apparently, ice is really bad for you.

Warn all your friends.

---

And one more from the blog Hope And Change Cartoons:


Oh, yeah, I'd love to stick that on a certain black bus too ...

Christmas Day Doings

Hark! There's A Sparky In The Kitchen
This year we where suppose to be in south Florida staying with family but the trip was suddenly cancelled because Hubby is laid up with a bad back. Poor man! At least I did get to attend Christmas Eve service but without Hubby along it wasn't as much fun. This afternoon, thanks to so many prayers, bed rest, and proper medication he is now much improved.

It's been literally years since I've had to cook Christmas dinner. Usually Hubby does all the food preparations. I customarily decorate the cave and clean up any messes made. So Hubby very kindly gave specific directions as to how to prepare the chickens in the new electric smoker. This is my first time using the smoker but it was so easy. The chickens were cooked to perfection. I also cooked fresh spinach in Extra Virgin Olive Oil with melted Parmesan cheese on top. Oh, and I enjoyed my glass of Sutter Home White Zinfandel wine with the meal, of course. It was all wonderfully delicious and homey. Earlier in the day I prepared the desert: Sugar Free - Fat Free Jell-O Instant Chocolate Pudding. I use deluded Half & Half instead of milk. Makes it richer. After a good long chill, we put real whipped cream on top and it's so yummy. We'll have that later this evening when the hunger pains start again.

After the meal we opened the presents from friends [since we had earlier gifted each other], and lo and behold, looky what my good friend Marydon at Blushing Rose sent:


A drinking glass from Flying Dog Breweries. She knows how much I enjoy their beer. Way cool! Can't wait to have a beer in it Marydon. [drool] Thank you!


She also gave us a specially hand painted ornament for the tree. Isn't it the most loveliest thing you ever saw? I can tell it so delicate. I will rewrap it oh so very carefully and keep it in a special place to adorn our tree every year. What a sweet friend I have.


It has a cute little bee on it too. Thank you Marydon and family! You are so generous and kind! Thank you, thank you, thank you! I know this lovely ornament will grace our tree for years to come.

Also, thank you everyone who sent cards and other well wishes. Believe me, I can feel the love. I appreciate y'alls friendship so very much. You are all always in my prayers.

I hope everyone had a very Merry CHRISTmas with loads of loving family, good friends and delectable food. Onward together we will fight for our freedoms in the New Year. May the Lord have mercy on us that good will prevail that our Nation be restored once more to it's former glory in His name.

God bless and,

Merry Christmas!

Even though many of us are seperated by hundreds of miles, and sometimes cultures or ideals, I feel like we are all friends. I know I consider you my friend! Thank you for following my blog. I appreciate you all VERY much.

Here's hoping that you and yours have a very safe and happy holiday season.

May the Lord bless you and keep you.
May the Lord make his face to shine upon you,
and be gracious to you.
May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you,
and give you peace.

Merry CHRISTmas Y'all!

A Brief Poll-aday Comment

I am SO happy to hear this:
Paul Moves Into Lead in Iowa Forecast

Every day I pray most fervently, "Please Lord Jesus ... may it please You that Dr. Ron Paul be our next President and other good people be elected to office too. We sure don't deserve Your mercy but our country needs help!" Dr. Paul is a true Libertarian. There have been a lot of lies and half-truths said about the man. Please take the time to learn all the facts. He professes the Lord Jesus Christ and practices good Constitutional values. He will help de-fund the EPA, the Fed, and other unconstitutional creations that are dragging our country into total devastation. He seems to be a very principled man.

Dr. Paul, with the help of (hopefully) RIGHT minded Congressmen and Senators, will help set this country back on the RIGHT path again.

I know everyone on this blog prays for our country daily too. That is such a comforting, uplifting thought. Thank you for that. :)

Santa Baby

I mailed my letter to Santa and doggone if he didn't fill my stocking early! He took the Kawasaki KLX250SF (I dubed it "the peanut") and the old golf cart, then traded it for a 2012 Kawasaki 650 Mule. He was so kind that he even had a roof and windshield installed.

Santa is such a doll! :)


Sparky and the Mule
Can you tell I like it!? (Duh) Got any ideas what would be a good nickname for my new toy?

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree

The tree is up, it's decorated, everything is ordered on-line and I don't have to do another blasted thing. So, I'm ready!!

Whew. My work is done for the day. :)

In case y'all are wondering: I plan to be back to talking about politics again real soon. I'm only on a brief hiatus. So to the gummit I say, "keep honking, I'm reloading" ...