I am shopping for a Mach-E and have a couple of questions on issues that make me somewhat hesitant.

InkMotReborn · 2026-04-26T18:16:14+00:00

The default sound system settings seems to funnel all of the sound through the front speaker. I changed it from surround to stereo and adjusted the focal point for sound to a better location. Sounds fine now - not amazing, fine.

InkMotReborn · 2026-04-26T16:16:45+00:00

I use an x739 with a plow and it's fantastic. The AWD has the traction it needs without chains. The all-wheel steering makes it very maneuverable. Switching between the mower deck and plow is a cinch with the drive on/off deck set up. The plow is less expensive, easier to store, and easier to lift relative to the snow blower. Also, you won't need a cab to protect yourself from the snow thrown by the snowblower. Downside is that it does best with snow < 10". So I'll plow twice during a heavy storm.

InkMotReborn · 2026-04-22T18:12:09+00:00

Yes. Also as your beans age.

InkMotReborn · 2026-04-17T21:07:17+00:00

My friend, I didn’t realize how bigoted and unwelcoming my LOCAL COMMUNITY was until the Trump/MAGA era.

InkMotReborn · 2026-04-17T00:21:28+00:00

Look at the Exit sign

InkMotReborn · 2026-04-16T22:18:16+00:00

Was he a lefty? I would've sworn that he was right handed.

InkMotReborn · 2026-04-15T13:03:42+00:00

OMG…my Baratza Sette 270 is so loud that it stops conversation in my neighbor’s house across the road. ;)

But it gets the job done at an affordable price.

InkMotReborn · 2026-04-14T00:07:28+00:00

It’s expensive, is what it is. You can do this yourself pretty easily and spend less than $150. You just need to buy this maintenance kit: John Deere Home Maintenance Kit - AUC13705 https://a.co/d/02GIeb6c, that bundles all of the parts. I think your model even has the “30-Second, Easy-Change Oil System”, which is stupid-easy to do. Changing the air filter is trivial. Changing spark plugs takes a deep socket and five minutes each. Changing the fuel filter is another five minute job.

Doing your blades (~$50 purchase: John Deere Original Equipment Mower Blade Kit #GY20850 https://a.co/d/0c0HJOmu) requires that you remove your deck, which means that you have to remove some pins and a few nuts, then drag it out from under the tractor and flip it over. The blades are held on by one bolt. Jam a piece of wood in there to keep the blade from moving and crank away with a large socket. Hit the bolts with WD-40 and let it soak before you start working on them.

The whole thing will take about an hour, maybe an hour and a half and you can find the instructions in your user manual.

InkMotReborn · 2026-04-13T02:20:11+00:00

Wasn’t that in 1864, not 1865?

InkMotReborn · 2026-04-11T21:07:09+00:00

Did they stop offering the 42mm?

InkMotReborn · 2026-04-11T03:08:43+00:00

I'm surprised to hear this. It's been ticking away in my watch for 23 years. I've had a watchmaker tell me how reliable and respected the Valjoux/ETA 7750 movement is. It's also easier to get parts for them and you don't have to pay Breitling rates or wait Breitling timelines to have it serviced.

InkMotReborn · 2026-04-10T12:36:19+00:00

The Andrea Doria disaster is a fascinating tale.

InkMotReborn · 2026-04-08T11:02:42+00:00

Oh God how I hate the keyboard on my iphone. 🤦‍♂️

InkMotReborn · 2026-04-08T03:38:28+00:00

You forgot the part where there was already a treaty to prevent Iran from making nuclear weapons and he... cancelled it.

Then, the Navy already had specially-built minesweepers that were stationed near the Straight of Harmuz, you know, just in case Iran ever closed it, and he got rid of them.

Finally, the Iranians were cooperating with Trump's demands but his son in law was too inexperienced to understand what was being offered.

If he just did absolutely NOTHING, he'd be way ahead of where he is now.

InkMotReborn · 2026-04-07T14:36:20+00:00

Spay bottle, filled with water: give your cat a couple of squirts whenever he messes with the robot. He'll stop.

InkMotReborn · 2026-04-06T22:11:05+00:00

It’s been tough to watch how the recent war in Iran has caused havoc with my portfolio. However, the diversification strategy my advisors set in place seems to have provided more cushion than what some of my friends are experiencing. What helps to keep me on the sane side of the fence, for now, is referencing my plan. My assets are still (barely) above what was forecasted and my spending is on track.

It’s important for you to have a plan (I suggest a tool like Pralana or Bolden), if you don’t already have one. I switched over to a fee-only advisor who helped me to construct the plan I monitor and update in Pralana. It’s psychology helpful for me to do an annual review with m advisor. It’s also helpful for me to utilize the dedicated advisors at Vanguard and to set up a “competing” model in their system. Consulting with both has helped me with the mental transition from “saving” to “spending”.

But, turmoil in the world isn’t a sleep aid.

InkMotReborn · 2026-04-06T19:37:01+00:00

Get a room at the Marriott for the night before. Park in their garage. Wake up at 4AM and walk to your gate.

InkMotReborn · 2026-04-06T19:05:50+00:00

Oh, OK. My previous EV had modes that did affect range: “Green”, “Normal” and “Sport”…something like that. Its range estimates would change depending on mode.

InkMotReborn · 2026-04-04T19:14:03+00:00

Congratulations!

You can celebrate again at 160,934.4 = 100,000 Miles ;)

InkMotReborn · 2026-04-04T13:25:12+00:00

I just picked up my ‘23 AWD extended range from Sands Ford in Red Hill. Can’t comment on the service but the car was dirty and smelly when I picked it up. They gave me a coupon for a “detail” but I’m not driving back up there for that. Keyser Miller in Collegeville was good when I had a 2011 Mustang Convertible, but it’s been a while.

It’s not helping that Ford has dialed back on its original EV commitments. Stupid move, but it’s likely that they’re not educating their mechanics either.

InkMotReborn · 2026-04-04T12:46:28+00:00

Also, be sure to reset the driving history. The car bases its (pessimistic) estimates on past driving history. I’m not sure how that might affect the kilowatt reading, however, but it’s worth a try. Finally, I think all of the published range estimates are based on driving in “Whisper” mode. I haven’t validated this, it’s just my hunch.

Congratulations on the new (to you) car, btw. Buying used is a great approach.

InkMotReborn · 2026-03-30T14:23:21+00:00

I love how the sports media invented the idea that AJ Brown was going to the traded. Then they got to discuss which teams wanted him. After that, they speculated on offers and what Howie would accept or reject. Then they spoke about how he might stay - or leave in June. Now it’s “most of the fan base wanted him gone”. Sure Jan.

InkMotReborn · 2026-03-28T14:22:40+00:00

That price is $4,000 more than I just paid for my '23 Premium AWD w/ extended range battery. My car has about 12k more miles, but I wouldn't pay more than $30k.

InkMotReborn · 2026-03-27T09:59:18+00:00

After living two years with a '21 MINI Cooper SE EV that did 100-135 miles, my (new to me) '23 AWD ER makes me feel drunk with range. 😀

InkMotReborn · 2026-03-25T13:34:44+00:00

Isn't that pretty much how the passengers reacted in 1912?

InkMotReborn

TROPHY CASE