We Zureks have been having quite a week.  New, old, up, and down. 

Rich started out Saturday with a visit to the Nissan dealer to look at a new truck.  After doing his research, it came down to the Nissan Frontier and the Toyota Tacoma.  It was time for the test drive to check out the real thing.

We got to the dealer and met Mike Sosnowski.  Did I spell that correctly, Sarah?  Yep, he shares your last name.  We took that as a good sign.  No, he didn’t have relatives in the Detroit area.  We asked.  Mike was knowledgeable and not pushy.  We got the facts and he showed us the truck. 

Wow, trucks have become more like cars now.  It’s not at all like the truck I learned to drive in.  The features were great and the ride was comfortable. 

Rich had decided upon the king cab, which is just a little bigger than the normal cab.  We reasoned that we only needed to haul us and Sascha.  We shouldn’t have to worry about what to do with Rick anymore.  We planned to put Sascha in the back so she can look out the back window.  I think she gets car sick when she looks forward.  She loves to put her head on the back of the seat and watch the world pass her by.

We left and Mike had the understanding that we were trying out the Toyota next.  We’d be back if the Nissan fit what Rich was looking for better.  We then went to the Toyota dealer in Crystal Lake.  After 30 minutes and little discussion, there wasn’t even a truck on the lot to test drive.  Forget them.  On Monday, we went to lunch and swung by the Toyota dealer there for a test drive.  Nice truck, but not sure it fit the bill.

Rich went home and went back through the facts and figures.  The Nissan and Toyota were comparable, but the Nissan was a little cheaper.  There were some extra on the Nissan that he definitely like.  On Friday, Rich called Mike to make an appointment to buy a truck on Saturday.  We returned on Saturday and did the preliminary paperwork on the truck. 

Turned out, a truck that fit Rich’s requirements was available in Wisconsin.  This meant someone had to drive up and bring the truck down to us.  On Monday, we got the call on the logistic and the truck would be available on the lot Tuesday for the final paperwork.  After work on Tuesday, we drove over to take possession of the metallic blue Nissan Frontier.

Yaseen Ali was the financial guy on this day and shift.  What an experience.  I felt like I had been on a game show by the time we were done.  Yaseen talked very fast and with a showman type of rhythm to his speech.  There were a lot of papers and a lot of last minute sales pitches to get through before we were done.  Finally, that moment came when we had keys in hand and we could drive off the lot. 

 

On Wednesday, Rich and I packed up a picnic dinner and headed to Ravinia for the Tedeschi-Trucks Band concert.  For those not from around these parts, Ravinia is the big outdoor venue that plays something different every night of the summer season.  There is an amphitheater with seats.  But by far, the best seat in the house is the lawn spread out through a wooded lot.  We set up our chairs, unpacked the chicken, salsa and chips, and pate with crackers.  Wine is the drink of the night with most of the patrons. 

 

 

 

 

 

Tedeschi Trucks Band is Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks.  Susan is a blues singer who made good.  Derek is a lead guitar player for the Allman Brothers Band and several other groups.  This band is collaboration so they can tour as a family.  Yep, they are married to each other.  I’ve heard Susan on radio and TV, but she is definitely heard best in person.  She has quite the voice.  Being an Allman Brothers fan, I already knew all about Derek’s guitar playing. 

The night started off with a threat of rain.  Susan and Derek finally took the stage about 8:45 PM after the opening act.  About 9:15, Susan fulfilled a life long dream of being the weather girl and read out the posted weather announcement for the incoming storm.  Right on schedule at 9:30, the rain hit big.  Since the lightening was pretty threatening, we packed it up and headed for the car.  At the front of the venue, there are buildings with water spouts that overhang the roof.  Water was flowing so fast it shot out about a foot from each one. 

We stopped at the gate to get our breath and wait for it to lighten up a little.  Our chance came and we continued out to the parking lot in the downpour.  At the car, we got out our wet jackets.  Too late, we were totally soaked through and through. 

The rain started up heavier as we drove from Highland Park out to Holiday Hills.  See, Rose, there is a park in there somewhere.  The rain lessened as we got closer to home.  With the new truck in the garage, I’m reduced to parking in the driveway.  But the rain was a lot lighter now.  We unloaded wet chairs and cooler.  Warm jammies and a warm bed awaited. 

While we were gone, Sascha apparently had a hard time with the weather.  Loud noises bother her.  Firecrackers and thunder are the worst things to her.  When the storm came in, she was all frantic and paced the house trying to find a way to get away from the nose.  Rick couldn’t calm her down.  But as the storm moved through, she grew quieter.  However, she still looked worried when we got home.  She was definitely glad to see Dad, who was going to protect her.

Mentioning Sascha.  Today was her 1 year Chosen Day anniversary.  One year ago, Sascha came to live with us.  Lance from the rescue dropped her off and gave us the spiel about how to take care of a husky.  Our little Siberian Collie has grown into quite the family member.  She has a nice bed to sleep under, a nice yard to protect from the squirrels, and usually gets a walk during the day.  Her favorite time is still feedings and a daily toothbrush (biscuit) for which she can generally steer you in the direction of the bag.  Happy Chosen Day, Sascha!