A super clean engine

I had cleaning and detailing under the hood of my truck today. I'd have had the entire truck washed and detailed except that it would not stay that way for very long on a cross country trip. Ever since I volunteered at Lassen Volcanic National Park a couple of years ago I have had problems with rodents getting under the hood. I believe I blogged once before about mice or chipmunks chewing insulation and they are at it wherever I go. Someone told me that I need to have that area detailed to get rid of the odor as well as droppings, so today I did just that. I think I will go to a Ford dealer and see what it would cost to have the insulation replaced - it's just a cover for something, and I'm not sure what, but you can see where something chewed away at it for nesting material. I know everything in the universe has a place and is necessary, but I can't stand any kind of rodent, and I'd happily see them all be carried off in a space ship.

Now I'm looking for a new sheepskin cover for the driver's seat. My old one got really tired ad dingy looking so I took it off, but I miss having it. I believe the prices have jumped since I last bought one, but I might as well be comfortable.

I won't be getting rid of my old dog, although I admit the idea sounds tempting sometimes. I love having a pet and it is company and consolation for me, but as an astute reader commented, she adds to my stress level. That is an understatement - she causes a lot of my stress level. She doesn't mean to though, and as far as being a good dog, she is just about all an older person alone could ask for. She doesn't need a lot of exercise or play, and is large enough to be a sort of protection - not that she is a guard dog by any means, but just looking at her makes a lot of people nervous. Hopefully anyone thinking to do me harm will be nervous.

I still don't have a clue where I'll be staying on the east coast or for how long i'll be in any one place. It sometimes bothers me to not know, but that's the way I've always done things and it has always worked out for me. Doesn't make me any less nervous in the "just before" stage though. I don't mind having a general idea of where I would like to go, but couldn't stand being tied down to a plan. I won't even know the route I'm taking until I leave. I was thinking today about should I go up I-80 through Reno, or take US 50 to Lake Tahoe/Carson City/Fernley and reach I-80 that way. I favor the US 50 route, although I don't look forward to the traffic around Lake Tahoe, but the stunning view of the lake when it comes into sight is breathtaking, and it may be the last time I'll get to see it. I never liked Reno anyway.