Is my car trying to kill me? Probably not. However, I took it for inspection last week. The check engine light came on (again) a few days before the inspection. So it had to be diagnosed before inspection was done. A little over $500 later, it had a new solenoid. I was told to drive it for a while, then bring it back so the inspection could be finished.

So I drove it home. Picked up my older son, did a three-errand jaunt. On the way back from errand number three, the light came on again. The mechanic said to bring it back when I could. Which was going to be the following Monday when I planned to bring it back anyway.

I took my younger son to the Books on the Hill to read to a dog. This is a wonderful program offered by the Bethlehem Area Public Library. Reading to dogs can give kids confidence at reading out loud, a skill they need for school. My family loves dogs, and the programs have been great for my son.

If you don’t know Books on the Hill, you should check it out. It’s a repurposed bookmobile that provides books and programs. We were delighted to see a familiar dog handler, and his dog, Izzy.

After the program, as we were on our way home, I realized the check engine light was off again. I had to laugh.

I love my car. It’s a good thing, too, because right now the loan is worth more than the car. Welcome to my world. I tried refinancing it, but the terms were too long, so I gave up. Crossing my fingers the car will pass inspection.

Unfortunately, any amount of stress triggers my primary biliary cholangitis symptoms. So for the past few days, I didn’t feel well either. My older son suggested therapy. As in, tell someone else your problems, please. I remind myself constantly that things will work out. Sometimes though, I have trouble believing it.