BLHTAZ

:agree: There aren't many good-hearted people left it seems, but stories like this help keep my faith in society. Ya'll are too kind...thank you. Thanks :thumbsup: We currently have 6 rescues in the house--along with the three that we own. I built a website for all the bunnies that you can see here -- www.hugabunny.net -- if you wish.

Thanks again guys :oops: Bob, I was coming to the end of a 6 mile ride when all of this happened, so I was already sweaty and tired, but all that just seemed to disappear until a couple hours later when things calmed and I felt it. My throat is a little sore tonight from the smoke I took in, but the headache is gone and the smell is finally gone.

Here is the link to the TV coverage of the house fire today... http://www.wftv.com/news/19835260/detail.html

Thanks :D Be sure to still use the guys at wholesalemopar.com . They are great guys and willing to help. Yes, the weather is rough down here this time of year, and only gets worse through September. It was 99.4* yesterday :ack: . We're having a thunderstorm right now.

:oops: Thanks...I don't feel that way, as I like to think that most anyone would have done the same.

You ain't kidn'... You can put all kinds of thing in them. One of my favorites is Peanut Butter-Marshmallow-Chocolate, but I have done PBJ, Bologna, Pizza, etc, etc... :thumbsup: The iron we got does two at a time :yes:

That's exactly it! The other guy and I just looked at each other with some indecision, but it seemed that we both came to the same conclusion together...we have to get this guy out. Valiant...yes; Stupid...yes, but sometimes you put your faith in God and believe that he is the one making the decision. My angel was there...no doubt. The more I have thought about it in the last two hours...the more scared I feel now, but I didn't feel it then. :dunno:

I'll have a YouTube version ready in a few minutes. A Mountain Pie Iron, aka; Pie Iron, Camp Pie Iron, is a tool used to make these really good toasted sandwiches in a campfire. Check them our here... http://www.pieiron.com/what.htm EDIT: I have repalced the link in my original post with a YouTube link.

I was out for a ride getting my exercise when I came around a corner in my neighborhood and smelled what I knew was a house burning. I saw the smoke, and then another neighbor running out to the house yelling FIRE, FIRE... I dropped my bike, pulled my cell phone out and called 911. We discovered that the owner (a man in his 70's) was still inside trying to fight it with a garden hose, and he would not listen to us and get out. We made the decision to go in and get him...just as the windows blew out and flames went up through the tree in front. We grabbed him, feeling like out skin was burning, and dragged him out of harms way. Here is a short video of the scene after things settled down a bit...

My next step would be taking the alternator to be tested. I am agreeing with the thoughts that it is the problem.

I'll be happy to work on that ASAP :yes:

He went over the plans for the new dealership that will be staking the place of Chevrolet when it happens. They have a comprehensive plan in place that "should" not cause anyone to lose their jobs. I know I am taking a risk, but something about it just feels like the right thing to do. I am not such a big believer in "fate", but more so in faith. Although I am not one to spend time in a church on Sundays, I do believe in God and that he has a will, reason, and plan for my life, and what happens in it is what he intends to happen :thumbsup: . I should be working by June 30th, as the red-tape--drug test, background check--stuff takes 3-4 days to process.

OK...just got back from Chevy. Looks like I am going with them. I have to go at 1:00 p.m. to do my drug test and fill out the papers for a background check, so pending those, which will be no problem, I should be starting on June 30th.

I am going to talk to them in the morning to get a better feel for it. I will be asking some very direct questions about the situation, and if there is any hesitation at all in the responses, I will likely move on and take the long drive for now.

Wildman hit it on the edge ;) . The 2.5L uses the same timing chain set-up as the 4.0L, but the 2.5L has a chain tensioner that the 4.0 does not have. When the tensioner wears out, you get the exact problem described.

$2.59 gas for the Jeeps $2.59 diesel for the Ram

I will still be in parts, but it will be more like working aftermarket as we will deal with all makes instead of just one. I just need somethingthat pays decent to get me through the next 17-18 months until graduation, then I can move on in to a field where there should be little worry about job security.

The Chevy dealership is one of the ones on the list to loose the Chevrolet franchise. I have been assured by them that they have alternate plans already being put in place to convert the dealership in to a Carmax type place, and that my employemnt there will be secure, if I choose them. We'll know better in about 17-18 hours. :cheers:

I looked in to Snap On about 15 years ago. At that time, it was $65K to start, which bought you a small truck with a complete inventory. I was in the process of going through with it when my brother-in-law at the time back out on me as a partner. I don't know about the other companies, but with Snap On, it is your business, your baby, win or loose.

We'll see if that scenario comes about. The thing about that is, I have already pushed the Mopar place for more money than they were offering and got them to move up by $5000 a year, so I don't know if htey would be willing to play any more or not. Their contention is, they are an independant, not in the big city, and they can't afford to pay what the bigger guys do. The other thing is, I can't push to hard, or I may lose both of them, as there are a lot of people out there looking for work right now and they could just move on to another.

Yes, that is definitely a concern/consideration as well.

Well...I have a dilema now... :doh: I just received a call from a local dealership that I interviewed at on Wednesday. It is only a 19 mile / 35 minute trip, which is great, but it is a Chevrolet dealership. It would save me $300 a month in expenses to go with Chevrolet, and likely would pay $5000 more (or better) a year. I have to go talk details with him, but so far--the pros for Chevy are outweighing the pros for Mopar... I am going to talk to Chevy at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow, so I'll update you with more after that. I knew this would happen...I couldn't beg a job out of anyone for a while, and now this :shake: :dunno: :rotf:

OK...only about 2.5 - 3 hours away from me. 8)

Thanks guys :D That was fast becoming a heavy load of stress on me. September 5th is coming fast...

Congrats Jim :cheers: Where did you visit in FL?