I like keeping old things running.
The AC unit is old. Don't know exactly how many years it has on it, but enough that every summer I wonder if this is the year it finally gives up. I mentioned before that had the HVAC guy come out recently to check it before the heat wave hits. He said it's fine for now. We'll see.
The push mower came from my brother in law. It's seen better days. Told you about how a while back it started surging. Ended up replacing the carburetor, spark plug, air filter, and fuel line. Added a fuel filter. Runs like new now.
The truck just sits in the driveway most of the time. I don't drive anymore. Battery went dead from not being used. Replaced it. Need to start running it more so it doesn't happen again.
Why do I bother? It gives me something to do. Occupies my time. At least when the maintenance is simple. If it's beyond my skill, I take it to someone more qualified. I know my limits. But when I can handle it myself, there's a satisfaction in it. Diagnosing the problem. Finding the parts. Getting my hands dirty. Making something work again that was about to be written off. I'm too stubborn to give up on them.
Got me thinking about how I used to maintain my body and mind. I was religious about it. Almost fanatical. Physical training and mental discipline. Taking care of myself like my life depended on it. Because in the military, it did. Then after leaving the Corps, it kind of fell to the wayside. Life got busy and priorities shifted. I stopped doing the maintenance. Then shit went sideways. Physically. Mentally. Things broke down that I didn't see coming.
Now I'm rebuilding my body and mind again. Neither will ever work like they used to. I know that. The mileage is too high. The parts are worn. Some damage is permanent. But like with the old machines, I'm too stubborn to give up on them. I do what I can. Rest when I need to. Take my medication. Move when I'm able. Work on the mind through reading and writing and staying engaged.
It's maintenance. Ongoing. Never finished. The goal isn't to make them new again. The goal is to keep them running as long as possible. That's all any of us can do.
You have something old you refuse to give up on?
Thanks for reading,
Joe
Notes:
-All content is mine unless otherwise annotated.
-Images are my own unless otherwise noted.
-Photos edited using Linux photo editor and drawing and/or iPhone SE.
-Page Dividers from The Terminal Discord.
