We're fortunate to have a very good car repair place in our main town. They're right on the price and quick to respond, even out in the middle of nowhere, with a wrecker when one of our vehicles busted a gas line. You don't need to make an appointment, either - they'll get right on it.

Just last week we took one of our SUVs in for a fix to the idle control motor. Darn thing wouldn't run without keeping your foot on the gas. We own two Explorer Sports of the same vintage and, amazingly enough, the other one had the same problem last year. (Yes, we've done the math. And, yes, we're thinking this is a "Faulty Ford" sort of thing.) Anyway, while waiting my husband had a chance to peruse the pile of magazines, all the typical stuff about ATVs and hunting. Digging down, he spotted a bright and shiny edition of Food & Wine. This in a town where all-you-can-eat places are the only ones to survive. None of the pages were thumbprinted or worn. That spoke volumes about the owner, who obviously enjoys a few finer things. It also speaks to the clientele - who definitely prefer to catch up on ATV and hunting news. No surprises there.