On Thursday, Feb.7, Grasshopper No.3 turns “umpty umpt”. He has one last year to enjoy the “forties”. No.3 was born in West Allis, Wis. on a Friday (early in the afternoon). We left home to go to the hospital before Nana and Grandpa George could pick up the two older Grasshoppers for a couple of days. When Nana and Grandpa stopped at the house they found hot water that had been boiling on the stove signaling that we had left in a hurry. Grasshopper No.3 was not covered by insurance. As we came in the front door of the hospital, your Mom as taken one direction for maternity care and I was escourted to the hospital office to arrange financial payments (accompanied by Grasshopper No.1 and No.2). I think the cost in 1964 for a normal delivery was around $1,500. We didn’t have $1,500. Somehow, we found a way to pay. Happy Birthday Grasshopper No.3.
My “used” BMW, the ultimate driving machine, should serve me trouble free for many years. It is supposed to be a technological marvel. I have this little yellow light that appears on the dashboard “service engine soon”. I have less than 2000 miles on the car since the last service. I hate when that happens. Grasshopper No.3 has told me to check the gas cap. Sometimes when the gas cap is not tight, it will activate the dash warning. I guess it has something to do with back pressure. I tried to tighten the cap but it didn’t work. I’ve had the light problem in the past. In frustration, I’ve filled the gas tank to the top and sealed the gas cap. The warning light went off. What the hell? All I can think of is I had some “bad gas” and my technilogical marvel went ballistic on me. I never had these kinds of problems on my 1947 “straight 8”, hydramatic Oldsmobile.
Just a note. When Grasshopper No.3 had a engine warning light appear on his truck dashboard, he covered it with black electrical tape. Why didn’t I think of that?
The ground hog did not see his shadaw. We get an early Spring.
Love,
Dad