Welcome to the Island

August 2006
Awaiting the shipment of one of our cars, which we were told could take anywhere up to 3 months(ish), depending on fate, we headed out and purchased a simple, straight forward, budget minivan. A tri-tone variation of light blues, it's boxy physique and cutting edge design likely wooed many a middle American family in the 1980's. There was no warranty, but it was a steal of a deal at $2,500 (first clue of our mistake)! We cruised off the lot with lofty imaginings playing in our heads of road trips and family togetherness in the years to come.

DAY 1: Bought new car.
DAY 1 1/2: Car dies in parking lot 5 miles from the dealer, 15 from home.
DAY 2: Miracle! The car comes back to life! Apparently a trick of the key.
DAY 2 1/2: Not so fast! Van catches on fire, apropos of nothing. No water so we, in a panic, put out the fire by throwing handfuls of dirt into the engine.

Overall, off to a good start.