Thanks! It is nice to be back, really nice. I will begin a slow build up because I don't have much dough (grad school) and even less time (grad schoo). But she'll get there. Now I can do all of the "if had to do again I would...." type things.

It was weird the second time my 89 was stolen. I wasn't really mad, just bummed but not like before. I had insurance this time so that helped. I wish I could have at least recovered it for parts but it's all good.

I was lucky that my dad bought my mom a really nice new benz right around that time. It was so nice that she straight gave me her '94 Explorer which is loaded and in excellent condition. I have had it for about 14 months. However, it is not a yota and worse, not 4wd so I kept my eyes out for quite a long time for a good deal to come by. When this one did I pounced.

Funny thing, 3 French exchange students showed up tonight to join our hybrid design team this semester and they need a car like right now. I'm going to "rent" them the Explorer for the semester then sell it this summer. It's kinda nice because I have this sort of irrational sentimental view of the Explorer due to it being in the family for so long. Now it's not quite gone and actually paying me money while it's here. Also, it's a good towing vehicle for its size (have done a fair bit of that for the team) so it will still be around a bit longer for that type of thing.

Frank