Fucking Car Troubles

Wife's car had some serious troubles this weekend . . . . which caused us to get back late from a trip out of town. Ended up dropping it off last night and JUST got a call from the mechanic (who we have used for years and whom my wife's family has been friends with his family for even longer) and he has bad news for us.

Some emissions and valve problems: He's gonna cut us a deal on the labor (thats what friends are for, I guess) but parts are gonna run $1500 or so. Even with the reduced labor, we are still looking at a $1700 bill . . . . and to think I was this || close to purchasing one of the great all time hunting rifles as well as a new scary so called assault weapon.

Fuck. Now nothing.