Territorial Bloggings

I learned two things today (other than the fact that I don’t know how to pick winners in the NFL…).

First, I learned that I get to report for jury duty tomorrow.

Of course, you know that by this time tomorrow I’ll be sequestered in an episode of Law & Order: Valpo …
Now, I don’t really have a problem with having to show up, although it would’ve been nicer/easier if I would’ve been told that I didn’t have to report when I called the courthouse this afternoon. All the other times I’ve gotten a summons in the past, when I called the day before, I was told that I didn’t have to report. Anyway, it’ll be what it’ll be — I don’t mind having to perform this part of my vocation as a citizen of the left-hand Kingdom.

Second, I learned that the 12V auxiliary/accessory battery in a Prius is not to be trifled with. The Territorial Family was loaded up in the Prius last night, ready to head over to Target, and the silly thing wouldn’t start. A quick check of the manual showed that this battery was the offending party.

Unfortunately, this battery is also the key factor in actually getting the hybrid engine to start…
This battery also is the power source for things like the dome light, trunk light, the power locks — you know, the accessories… And, a little investigation showed, it seems that someone (I’m guessing someone smaller than me & with red hair) moved the dome light switch from ‘door’ to ‘on’, thus draining the battery…
Anywhoo, this all necessitated a little Google-inspired web research, followed by a trip to the local AutoZone to pick up a battery charger, with the hopes that this 12V occupant of my trunk could be recharged & rejuvenated such that my car would actually, you know, start. So, after dropping the $39.99 +tax, I got the bad boy home & commenced getting it hooked up so that it could work its 2AMP magic on the junk in my trunk.

The instructions indicated that it could take anywhere from 3 to 8 hours. Fortunately, the Bears were getting their rout on with the 49ers, dropping a team record 24 1st quarter & 41 1st half points en route to a 41-0 halftime lead & a 41-10 victory. There was also some yard work, basketball, & weekly-report-avoidance to pass the time.

6 hours later, it was done.

And the car… started! w00t!
Now, at least, I have something to drive to jury duty…
More on that tomorrow.

-ghp