What to do Christmas Day when everyone is sleeping or working...

I know, I could reassemble a 2000 VW Jetta that I tore apart Christmas Eve and at 1PM started to look for parts. Luckily a little Import Parts Shop in Kelowna called AVR Imports had the required plastic cooling pipe and gaskets and where willing to leave the parts outside for me to rip down to Kelowna and pick up from behind their shop. I decided to take some pictures of the project as one would not beleive what extent you must dig into a Jetta to repair such a broken pipe. First simply remove bumper cover, grill, bumper assembly and with it hang all rads and fans. Some wires and upper/ lower rad hoses had to be taken off.

Yes, there is the broken pipe, just below the green electrical connection. Just remove a few more hoses and several sensors, brackets and air pumps and it will be easy....

Old pipe out with a little heat and back and forth wiggle and pull/ pry. Clean all surfaces and prepair for the new cooling pipe. I had been advised to be very careful with the thermostat housing as 3 long bolts. Had to take battery box apart and remove air filter box for access.

I replaced the housing to block rubber gasket and lubed the O rings on the new tube for easy assembly.New Pipe in place and I can start putting car back together. Start Time 12:30 PM. Dad came by in afternoon and helped with fender adjustments and re-assembly of engine. Essau arrived at 7:30 PM to help clean up shop and finish all the plastic under covers and front bumper cover. 

"Every time a bell rings, its probably another part falling off your VW Jetta. MERRY CHRISTMAS !"

Happy Anniversary To Us

We made it 25 years !
December 21, 1985 - 2010

December 20, 2010 was spent at the cabin having a BIG fire and was surprisingly warm (Notice the T shirt) and we burnt a trailer load of pallets.We had pizza and Chinese food and salad and lots of red wine and even a few beer.

Inside the cabin was warmed up by the propane fireplace and we were able to watch a couple of movies before/ during supper.

Phoebie phoned from Thailand !

In the morning, Anniversary Day, we exchanged a few silver gifts and had greetings and well wished from many friends and family

We later came into town and had supper with the boys at Phoenix Steak House and then for tid bits and wine at Mom, Dad, Gpa and Gma Bartas.

Thanks to all who shared our day through calls, cards, emails and messages. !

More boring news from home for Phoebie

Hello Phoebs, our only follower,

Your trip sounds amazing and you are certainly carpe diem ing the hell out of it.

Nice to talk to you the other morning although you cought me off guard at 4:30 AM and I probably did not make any sense.

Lola and the cat say

HI !

They are looking for you on the couch.

I'm going to add some winter pictures because I'm sure that you miss the snow. It was snowman weather the other morning, but did not get one built. Mom has started with the Christmas Tree and decorations and the tree tour is scheduled for the 18th. Your car is all good and not being used. I will have to get the snow tires on it if you plan on coming home.

This is our new boat...can't remember if you seen it. Its a dive boat !

Gotta go to work Now,

Will talk to you again soon I hope. Check your email for ongoing argument as to where you are...