Wanted: Gift Suggestions for Shade Tree Mechanics

Dear Dr. Jim

I am writing you for some suggestions for Christmas and birthday presents.

What I have in mind would be items that shade tree mechanics might be needing to keep the family car in good shape.

They fix my car too, Ima Goode, Indiana resident

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Dear Ima,

There are over ten thousand nice items in various auto parts stores and catalogs.  I would recommend without blushing NAPA Auto Parts stores.  There probably is one near you, we have three close by located in three different towns in three directions from our home.

You can do mail order or shop on line from most of these companies as well.  NAPA provides me with a calendar every year.  Check these of mine (link).

What to buy?

1.  Shop around at the stores

2.  Go on the Internet

3.  Try from this list I got from eMail.  They may laugh at the idea of some too  (I won't vouch for every item on this list):

"Automotive Gift Suggestions... Just in Time for Last Minute Christmas Shopping!

If you have an "automotive minded" person in your life, these gift suggestions should be considered.

1. Tire Air Change Kit. This kit comes with everything you need to change the air in your tires. This highly recommended but often overlooked maintenance item is much easier now. Remember to change your air every 3000 miles or twice a year. $25

2. Blinker Fluid. You knew it existed but, WOW, is this stuff hard to find. 4oz bottle. $12

3. Synthetic Blinker Fluid. Better yet! 4oz bottle. $24

4. Light Bulb Filaments. Why throw away a perfectly good turn signal or stop light bulb when you can just install a new filament? Premium Filaments, made in the USA! $1 each.

5. Manifold Heat. Yes, your exhaust manifold should be HOT. If it's not, you may need this item. Sold by the pound. $3.50

6. Steering Wheel Gaskets. All SIZES available! Email for specific application. From $9.99

7. Tie Rod Tensioner. Is your tie rod limp? Tension it with T-50! $14.99

8. Alternator Batteries. (4 required, replace them all!) From $2.99

9. Fan Belt Buckles. Specify brass or chrome. Gold available special order. $14.99

10. Muffler Bearing Manual. Print version $59.95

11. Muffler Bearing Manual. CD version $49.99

12. Universal Muffler Bearing Tool Kit $105.59

13. Muffler Bearing Hi Temp Synthetic Lube (the only kind we sell!) $40.24

14. Muffler Bearings From $19.95

15. Muffler Bearing Gasket Kits From $9.99

16. Momentum (required for tackling some off road obstacles). Sold by the lb-ft/sec $0.50

17. Microsoft Windows Eliminator. If your car or truck begins to run poorly, (long time to start, frequent crashes, etc.), it's computer, (ecm, ecu, black box, etc.), may have become infected with this nasty computer virus. This product will safely remove the virus. $199

18. Mirror Image Flipper Film. Did you know that the image you see in your rear view mirrors are reversed! This is a manufacturing flaw that the auto companies have kept secret for years as the recall would cost BILLIONS! This film can be cut and placed over any mirror to correct the image. Now you'll be able to read signs in the rear view mirror! $5 per square ft."

Some of our readers may have suggestions of their own too.  Caveat, I will not vouch or check donated suggestions out.  As with all donated and Internet help, I would ask your regular certified mechanic about all suggestions, even mine.

Ima, I hope this helps,
as usual, Dr. JIM

So, keep on keep'n on, and till then, "Please ask your question or leave your comment now!" (Just ask me and you will remain anonymous)

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Her feet hurt when wearing shoes

Dear Dr. Jim

I'm writing this in hopes that you can help me out. 

My feet are killing me!  Seems none of the shoes I ever can buy really fit me.  At least that is what my son tells me.

What can I do with this if the shoes don't seem to be helping my feet?

Ms. Tenderfoot in Basking Land

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Dear Ms. Tenderfoot

Your shoe story is great!  My uncle used to say that 'if the shoe didn't fit then don't wear it.'  That is the gist of your problem, I like that you've figured that much out!  Beware of your son's not-so-helpful advice.

My foot doctor has me wear athletic shoes all the time with an arch support, the green generic kind that sporting goods stores sell.  Mine are NIKE runing shoes.  My church and dress shoes are a pair of black walking shoes also fitted with arch supports.

Without the arch supports my feet get to hurting pretty fast.  You might like to try that with the arch supports.

Hope this helps, Dr. Jim

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Dear Dr. Jim
.
I am having a BIG problem. When I peel boiled eggs big hunks of the whites come off with the shells. Obviously if I peel them I want the resulting bare egg to look nice. This doesn't happen and I wind up with ugly deviled eggs.
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If you could help me I would really appreciate it. People tease me when I bring a dish having hard boiled eggs to church.
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I'm watching for your answer,
Boiled Billie of Baxter, Wyoming
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Dear B'd Billie 
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Mrs. Jim was having this problem just a few days ago. Here is our account: 
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"Mrs. Jim asked me why her four hard boiled eggs weren't peeling good when the rest of them all peeled so good two days before.

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Jim to the resuce. "They are cold, sweetheart. Warm the shells and they will peel fine."

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No sooner said than done. Voilà!—problem solved (pronounced "vwallah"). She ran the other three eggs in their shells under our hot water faucet and they all peeled fine.
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Was this a coincidence? Try it yourself next time you are having trouble. Warm eggs just peel easier than cold ones, take it from Dr. Jim."
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So what do you say?

Hope this helps, Dr. Jim

So, keep on keep'n on, and till then, "Please ask your question or leave your comment now!" (Just ask me and you will remain anonymous)

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Finding a companion helps

Dear Dr. Jim

I am writing to you in hopes of finding myself a companion.  For six years now I have been seeing this doldrums older man.  Now I have realized that there is no hope for a lasting and God blessed relationship to develop from any more of living like this.

I am thirty-seven years old, female, and a Christian with blue eyes and blond hair.  My height is five foot five inches and I weigh 115 pounds.  I graduated in my high school in the top ten percent of my class and have attended college a year and a half studying English for a major.

I am sending you my picture but please do not post it on the Internet with this letter.

Thank you, Dr. Jim.  I hope very much that you can help me.

Bea (for Beatrice) in Butlerville, Nebraska

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Dear Ms. Bea

As you have been reading my posts of the past you will not find any matchmaking posts.  I do not wish to start finding people dates now or ever.  Your picture is fine but please don't go passing it around.  Looks alone doesn't go much beyond opening a door.

However I will try to give you a few hints.  First off, yes by all means ditch the old man.  That may be hard as you two have been knowing each other for several years now.  But after that time if he had thought very much of you he would have asked for your hand in marriage. 

That is the gentleman thing to do and you haven't mentioned that this has happened.  After a proposal then it is up to you as to what will follow.  Marriage I recommend as it helps cement this relationship by giving it a sense of permanency.

So assuming you two split, then consider yourself 'in the market' for a new companion.  Where to look?  My mother always told me that I would not find a nice girl in a bar.  Per her recommendation I suggest that you not let yourself be found in a bar.  For a Christian to be found in a bar it will always make you feel a little ashamed and demeaning to yourself.  Heaven only knows what the fellow will be thinking.

I would recommend that you find a church with a nice singles program and start visiting church and its activities frequently.  If they don't suit you look for another.

Another thing to do is to enroll in a college class at night.  It wouldn't hurt to finish your degree if you still want this training.  Or you could explore fields of study by taking the corresponding introductory classes.  If it fits your plan, then choose areas of study where there will be at least as many men in class as women, or more.

I always told my students to get a dog if their landlord would allow.  While it might be forward or hard because of timidness for someone to walk up and chat with one of the other sex there really aren't many problems with admiring a dog.  Of course he has to chit chat with you, the owner, about the pet as the pet can't return your comments in conversation. 

After a few times of this meeting with the pet it will be time for one of you to ask for a meeting in a different setting.  Like a coffee shop or a cozy, not-too-fancy, restaurant.  Or go to church or visit your class if the prof would concur.

It wouldn't have to be exactly like this but you get the drift.  Meet and get acquainted.  Then evaluate each other in light of each of your objectives and goals for a mate.  Who knows?  If love steps in then this will all come more naturally.  But give it a chance.

Amazon.com has self help dating books, as does your library.  Find one that seems to fit your situation. Amazon has these, and see if your library does: Dating for thirties (three titles); Dating for middle age (thirty-five titles, one works because I know some one who used one of these techniques).  Also Google can help try asking your librarian.

Hope this helped a little,  Dr. Jim

So, keep on keep'n on, and till then, "Please ask your question or leave your comment now!" (Just ask me and you will remain anonymous)

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Reader will soon be 70 and wants to drown himself!

Dear Dr. Jim

About a dear reader, Mr. Buzzy Munso, drowning himself in a sea of 7-UP.

That was all because of him going to have his 70th birthday.

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♪♪Happy Birthday to you,♪♪
♪♪Happy Birthday to you,♪♪
♪♪Happy Birthday Dear Mr. Munso,♪♪
♪♪Happy Birthday to you.♪♪

I agree, the 70th BDay is pee-poor!
On my 70th I was going to run away. Well I did, but I ended up running with Mrs. Jim and Karen to NYC. Not literally running but Karen did run the NYC Marathon that year. She invited Mrs. and me to come with her. Otherwise I would have gone by myself.

Same for the 75th, it is worse. Again I was going to run away but Mrs. Jim wanted me to go with her to the WorstFest in NewBraunfels, TX, so WE did that instead. I blogged about it which I think you read.

But the nastiest BDay of all is 78. I was like you, really down. No parties, no one comes near, and the like! That is the age when you SOUND OLD! 68 SOUNDS OLD too, but 78 IS OLD!

So for your sake, SHOULD I hope you never make it to be that old? Or SHOULD I be praying for you that you will make it?

Love you, Mr. Buzzy! <3 You do fine!

So, keep on keep'n on, and till then,
"Please ask your question or leave your comment now!"(Just ask me and you will remain anonymous)
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.
Advice from Dr. Jim (previously posted here) today:

You and your sweetheart go see a romantic movie tonight. It's okay to rent one although the popular Red Box may be running low by evening. There will be a run on the 'chick flicks'.

Do I mind my own advice?

No, Mrs. Jim and I will go to dinner and watch a dinner play.

This one is a mystery dinner theatre with audience participation.

I am hoping to can figure out whodunit (for "Who done [did] it?) before the play detective does!

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Health Tip Of The Week from the Mayo Clinic newsletter:

"Craving chocolate? Go dark

Dark chocolate can be high in calories, but it may be a good choice if you're craving something sweet. Flavanols in dark chocolate appear to reduce risk factors for heart disease. Choose dark chocolate with cocoa content of 65 percent or higher. Limit yourself to no more than 3 ounces (85 grams) a day, which is the amount shown in studies to be helpful. Cut calories in other areas or step up the exercise to compensate for the extra calories.

Need practical advice on diet and exercise? Want creative solutions for stress and other lifestyle issues? Try a daily dose of healthy lifestyle tips from MayoClinic.com. "

Today there isn't much blue in the world, at least I'm hoping. I did write a blue poem today. Sorry 'bout that. Once again, HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

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So, keep on keep'n on, and till then,"Please ask your question or leave your comment now!"(Just ask me and you will remain anonymous)

Submit question or comment in privacy now

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TV football watching -- Wife wants to deprive husband

Dear Dr. Jim

I am asking you to give your opinion about a problem my husband has.

He loves to watch football on TV. That leaves me and the kids alone in the kitchen without any TV to watch.

Please tell him how selfish he is.

Thanking you, TV Deprived Woman, Gloriad in Garland, Texas

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Dear Texas Gloriad

This something I hear a lot.

But woman, what is the problem with you getting off your kitchen duff and joining your husband? Give him some company watching his games. If you learned more about football you might even get to like it.

I see so many families who let the little children take over the TV. This makes no sense at all to me. Father works hard to buy it, when he is around and there is something decent for him to watch by all means let him watch.

Family time can be around the TV but all should submit the remote to Dad.

Sorry about this one, I hope it helps you. Dr. Jim

So, keep on keep'n on, and till then,"Please ask your question or leave your comment now!"(Just ask me and you will remain anonymous)

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