It Takes Two

Recently I've reminded a number of people in my life of a sturdy ole saying. It takes two. Typically in the context of relationships. Not that I'm an expert. The hilarity of that thought practically brought tears to my eyes from painful belly laughs. Nope.

I have developed listening skills though. Chalk it up to years of being the quiet, thoughtful guy in the room. Mostly I just stayed out of the fray. Not competing with those dominating. Taking that bait often just jacked me up unnecessarily. Which wore me down faster. So I listened.

What I learned, and discovered I was pretty good at actually, was

Service Manuals

I have some fond memories of doing my first mechanic work on my own vehicle. Back in the day it was a thing. One could check her fluids. Or rebuild his engine. It helped to have a good place to work. And the right tools. As for the knowledge to tackle such a job? One could usually rely on the good folks at Chilton to save the day. Chilton Manuals were generally known for step by step directions. Good photos and illustrations. Key tech data. From wrench selection to torque specs. It was all there for the curious minded doityourselfer or wannabe.

Do people even work on their own vehicles anymore? Are Chilton Manuals still alive and well? I was pleasantly surprised to recently find some public library shelves packed with a large selection of Chilton Manuals.

Scanning their spines they're more relics (er, vintage) than late models represented. I'm not sure what it says about the community of Craig CO. But on a cold winter day. With frozen white stuff outside. And the brain chilling task of income taxes to battle. It warmed my heart a little just looking at them.