The Friday frustrations continued today, but all will be OK in the end.

My car ended up needing both an alternator and a battery. The battery was in stock, but unfortunately they were unable to find an alternator today. They put in a lot of work trying to find one for me, and I was even there when they were trying one of their last hopes. My car just needs a unique alternator that is not available anywhere close.

So, Plan B.

Old Blue gets to stay at the car spa for two weeks getting fixed up and rejuvenated. Getting the fluids changed, a good washing, new alternator and battery instead of parking in the BART garage for two weeks. I will work out all the details via e-mail.

Friends will drop me off at BART tomorrow morning and I will be off to the airport.

Luckily, I had done most of my errands on Thursday when I took a day off of work. But, I still needed to take care of one last thing about a mile from my house. Therefore, I got to take a Saturday Evening Walk.

Even though it was starting to get dark, I was able to get this nice picture of Magnolia liliiflora or Tulip Magnolias in Zanusi Park near my house. They look really nice in front of the small gazebo.

I then turned around and took this picture.

The trees are in full blossom and they stand out even though it is starting to get dark. It also reminds me of a drive that I took last Sunday afternoon where I could look out over acres and acres of blossoming orchards. Unfortunately, I was in a hurry and didn’t want to take pictures while driving at highway speed :-).

After taking care of my last errand, I headed back home taking a different route as I wanted to take a few pictures.

The first was to take one of the fire station near my house. I really like the way that the garage doors give out the warm glow of light at dusk. I always enjoy driving past it and seeing this and decided that it was time to attempt a picture. It is nice that it is was not yet too dark and that I was able to get some silhouettes of the trees.

I then continued on down to take a picture of a new outdoor display.

I do need to get back in the daylight and take a better picture of this, but I really like this old tractor that they now have displayed outside of our local Perko’s. Also the windmill adds a nice touch. The lighting on the restaurant signs and building are pretty cool though and really make this picture.

I am now finishing up my last bit of packing and chores and am about ready to wander after a good night of sleep.

Steven