I'd read so many threads and discussions about snapped studs, bolts on the WBX, that I assumed I'd encounter at least one during todays foray into cooling system re-hab. So far, so good. Lucky, yes, in that this engine may truly have low miles and likely hasn't been exposed to harsh environments like one sees back east, but I took my time and used lots of penetrating fluid. Ironically, the parts really aren't in that bad of condition. Like the pump doesn't appear to have interfered with the block much if at all. But. I want piece of mind for however long I run this engine and would like to make the engine more sale-able when it's time for an engine conversion.

All in all, a good day. Rad is out, fan housing is painted, coolant is mostly drained, pump is out. I'm still torn on whether or not to replace 2 metal pipes at engine but we'll see. And since the thermostat housing is still on, am crossing my fingers that the fasteners on that part won't snap!

And so the adventure begins. Recently landed $1200+ USD of parts from my buddies at van-cafe. Had hoped for two cookies with this large order, but given the excellent tight packing they did, maybe there was only room for one cookie.    ;)

New rad, hoses, stainless long pipes, heater hoses + new metal "T's", possible fuel tank reseal, (it's ok but will do sooner than later) coolant pump (not shown), etc. The engine runs ok as-is but am doing preemptive maintenance "strikes" along with needed maintenance. All this will help should I sell this rig or keep it and swap in a Mk3/4 2.0 engine. The WBX would then be more easily sold .... I think. Selling Jaco my '81 may be an option, we'll see. Speaking of Jaco....

Went for my usual walk at Spanish Banks area. Spied another Assuan Brown bus so just HAD to park near it. Shortly after, another one showed up! What are the chances!  (oh, pretty good around Vancouver). I protected the innocent by copy-pasting their dogs face on them. Just 'splaining in case they look weird.

Apartment living is turning out "ok" for the most part. One learns patterns of folks in neighbouring units, (noise) and does what they can to adapt. My goal was to find a place and garage that fell within a reasonable monthly amount. I've done this. But it's all a "give and take" right? "no free lunch!".    ;)   The apartment is decent value but the location is noisier than some.

Part of my "madness and method" was to force myself to get out more. I've always worked from my home. But now, with gigs on the back burner (or in the compost really), I'm leading a more normal lifestyle. A smaller, potentially noisy space forces me to be outside more and this is what I'm doing. When I have both Westies up to snuff (it seems every repair is a restoration of sorts), I'll be away on weekends as often as possible.

Apartment living. Oh, how I'd forgotten you! Well, I had not actually lived in an apartment prior to this but did live in a basement suite and townhome suite in like 1985. Nothing has changed? Sold the home, moved, now am on a small learning curve about apartment life. Simple things that one took for granted living in a house, are no longer. Or at the very least, they've changed.

Moving day(s). Except for the "junk", moved everything by myself, in my Westy. I had the time, and vehicle, so figured I'd save a few bucks but more importantly, gauge just how much is involved in doing this and determine what stuff I'd keep or unload. eg as much as I like my grandparents dining room table and eight #@*% chairs, they may have to go; I want to be as mobile as possible.

Yes. A sousaphone and case will fit.  (it too needs to go)

Felt only a little bad dumping the nice door skin wood, lawnmower etc. but this company prides itself on donating what it can to charity. Besides. I'd donated a LOT of stuff to my favourite local charity and given away nearly as much via craigs list.

The bottom line with apartment living it seems, and something that's always bugged me, is noise. So far, I'm experiencing what is likely a normal amount of noise; low hum of voices in suite above me, clunks, clanks, foot steps. But thankfully, people seem respectful of quiet time. But the traffic. Shit. I had no idea. I knew there was a bus stop out front, that the street was fairly busy, anticipated potential noise as much as possible, but stupid people with loud exhausts or motorcycles with same, (or just smelly 2 cycles), make things un-fun. I now sleep with one ear plugged. Am hoping I get used to the noise but waking up 6 times a night is not cool. The new Ikea arm chair bed may not be helping but it may be temporary.

On the plus side of life, things seem to be according to plan. I rented a garage (shop space. More stuff has been added, including the slate blue Westy)

then found this apartment not too far from it. It's about 1.5 miles or less so within walking distance. One of my first projects is to rehab my bicycle. The apartment is good value overall. Decent sq. ft. for dollar, has elevator, I'm much closer to the US border, there's suitable shops and businesses not far away and street parking is fairly easy with no posted limits. This bodes well for the man owning 2 Westies and Honda DD.  ;)

I'm happy I sold and have little to no "sellers remorse". At this point in my life, I can pretty much choose any path I want. But as ridiculous as this may sound, (and to misquote a good family friend), the current goal is to learn how to "spend" the rest of my life.