After much debate and number crunching, I came to the realization a couple of weeks ago that I had to sell the old truck. My earlier enthusiasm to restore it got doused by reality. It simply needs too much time and money, both of which will be in short supply for the next few years, to keep it running. I realized that unless it got some TLC soon, it would spiral into junk condition – a cruel fate for such a great truck. So a guy who’s a mechanic saw the ad and came to have a look this past week. He offered me considerably less than I was asking because of all the work it needs, but because he seems willing to do it and truly appreciate the old beast, I’m letting him have it for close to his offer.

The transaction happens today. Goodbye, Big Blue.