I finally got back to Idaho on 12/13, having left it on 10/29 - let me only list some high(low)lites - some of which I've mentioned in previous threads

start of trip delayed due to heart arrhythmia - really have to lose some weight where it won't find me again - will work harder on this

left the snow tires off - 1) last 3 yrs no snow this time of year - 2) wore out 2 sets of snow tires in last 4yrs on x-country driving

visit Charleston,SC - Jacksonville - Charleston( Happy Birthday 2 me ) - Atlanta - cell phone "emergency calls only" 90% of the time

Got to meet Juan - he really loves his new steering wheel - great idea, guys!

by this time I have replaced 2 frt directional bulbs, 1 foglight bulb and the license plate light assy, plus 2 sockets - $500

had a great time visiting NJ and my brother and Dad - a great Thanksgiving holiday in Conn with my youngest sister - it snowed - luckily only one day - did I mentioned I did not have snow tires? - cell phone not working

Back to NJ - cell phone 50%

trip to Poconos to visit cousin canceled due to approaching snow - storms stacking up like planes coming in to land - it looks like I'll need snow tires to get home - 12/2 I beat the snow out of town and head for Charleston

but before I do, did I mention I did not have snow tires? - Well, I do now - ordered rims to be delivered to Charleston stealer, but had to get the tires in NJ ( in stk,$150@ - Chas, special order, $200@ ) - cell phone not working

I get to Charleston, 75 deg, sunny - NJ,Conn 8"+ snow and cold

12/5 I'm now driving the only vehicle in the Low Country with 4 snow tires - the Diamaris stored at my oldest sister's townhouse - new Verizon cell phone! - I can now communicate! - salesman gives me tip on a townhouse with a garage

12/7 starting back home - but stop to check out townhouse tip with my realtor ( I've been looking for one in the Charleston area for awhile )

12/8 I buy townhouse in Goose Creek,SC ( pre-construction, closing in May/June ) (1600 sqft 3 bdrm, 2/1 bath, 1 car garage, screened back patio) (after options $160K)

12/9 starting back home - "check brake & tail light" - back to stealer - I tell them to replace them all - stealer acts like dealer and replaces 4 bulbs and 1 socket for only material costs, <$19 - on the road again

12/13 - catch snow storm on last leg home - glad I had snow tires

recap
1) X5 bulbs burn out at 5 yr and/or +50K miles
2) Murphy's Law still in effect
3) I have a townhouse because my original cell phone did not work
4) you can't buy snow tires in Charleston
5) there's no place like home..., except now I'll have 2 homes
6) 2 homes mean 2 X5's - ordering new X5 in Feb for Spartanburg p/u

Merry Christmas, everyone! May you all have a Happy, Healthy, Safe Holiday Season!

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Mark _______________________________
2001 X5 4.4i topaz blue/sand Sport, complete Dinan S2 , hitch, V1, tint, BSW Stage 1, Alpine INA-W910BT
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Life is not fair!
You can't protect people from their own stupidity!
Laughter makes life worth living