Getting Sierra Prepped For Travel

Above, Sierra in her new harness. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Now that Sierra is about seven months old, I felt it was time to start preparing her for travel in The Beast.

Yesterday, I picked up a cat harness and leash for her so that she can begin getting used to both for when we are out camping.

Above, initially she squirmed around after I put it on her. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I put on the harness after getting back home and she squirmed a bit, but in no time (which was a little surprising), she got used to it. I kept it on her for several hours. I tried out the leash and that will take a little more getting used to.

Above, after she got used to it. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I am debating if I am taking her with me to Yosemite National Park next month.

Possible Plan Change

The plan was to go this coming weekend out to the Gen. George S. Patton Memorial Museum out in Chiriaco Summit in the desert to look for my dad's memorial brick and do some camping.

But, since we are about to acquire a new family member the day after tomorrow, I think I may postpone the trip a week or two so she can get used to her new environment.

Since I plan to take Sierra on RV trips, I am going to pick her up in The Beast to see how she takes to it. Since she is being spayed tomorrow, she will probably sleep in her carrier. We'll see. As such, I ordered a 12-volt fan from Camping World for the RV so that when we travel and she has to be left inside, she will have good air circulation and cooling during summer months.

I did pick up a few things at Pet Smart yesterday. First, I got her a "cat tree" (pictured above) to climb on and sharpen her claws. Then, I got her a watering pagoda that will supply her with constant filtered water. I put it together last night and have been running it. I like the sound of it.

Lastly, I got her some more toys. As I told Amber yesterday, this cat is going to be spoiled rotten (since I can afford to do so). 

H & R Auto Paint & Body Repair

Having your car damaged in an accident is not fun. It is stressful, aggravating, time-consuming (giving statements, etc.) and costly (you have to pay a deductible).

However, all that washes away a little when the damaged car is repaired and the job comes out beautifully.

I picked up the 2000 Mustang my daughter got in an accident in last month. The H & R Auto Paint & Body Repair shop did a fantastic job on the repairs. The Mustang looks better than when we bought it!

Here's a couple of "before" shots of the Mustang after the accident:





Here's the Mustang today after I picked it up from the shop:





H & R's flier states, "Turning the unpleasant misfortune of an accident into a pleasant experience is our goal." They aren't kidding! I have used H & R previously and have always been pleased with their work. I plan to enlist their services again next month for the repairs to the 1989 Mustang that was hit by a hit & run driver in Petco's parking lot last month.



Owner Ray Toosi (above) bends over backwards to give his customers the best repair work in the San Fernando Valley. His shop is an authorized repair shop for several insurers including AIG Insurance, Coast National Insurance, ANPAC, Western United and CSAA Insurance. He works with carriers to obtain a fair price and they "proudly stamp with our lifetime guarantee." When calling the shop, you will usually reach wife Lena (yes, this is a family business) on the phone.

Services include Frame & Unibody Repair (below), Refinishing, Towing and Car Rental.



H & R Auto Paint & Body Repair is located at 18539 Topham Street, Reseda, California 91335. Telephone 818-342-4999. Fax 818-342-5093.

I heartily recommend H & R Paint & Body Repair for your automotive body repair needs.

Above, the 2000 Mustang in front of H & R Auto Paint & Body Repair ready to be driven home.

Encino Drivers Suck!

Above, my poor Mustang this morning.

This week is starting out lovely.

I had to buy some pet supplies at Petco in Encino this morning and was only in the store for about ten minutes. Upon leaving the store, I immediately noticed some damage to my 89 Mustang. Some "nice person" decided to back their vehicle into mine while I was in the store.

No note was left. A classic hit & run.

Being an experienced adjuster, I took photos of the damage and notified the LAPD of the incident. I noticed that the store has a security camera aimed at the parking lot. I contacted the store and notified them of the incident. Their manager will review the security tape tomorrow. I informed my insurer, State Farm, and the LAPD of this possible security video of the accident. Hopefully, they can get a plate number and reach the responsible party. If so, hopefully they have insurance. If there's no tape of the incident, I could make a uninsured motorist property damage claim and avoid paying a $500 deductible.

Regardless, I have to wait a bit to get the repairs started as the other car, a 2000 Mustang, and driven by my daughter, was involved in an accident last Thursday night.

When it rains, it pours!