FRESH OIL

Something so simple as an oil change and yet so important to the longevity of a car. I often compare oil to the lifeblood of the vehicle; important for the function of the car. Without oil, there would be no travel from place to place.

Stu prepares to change the oil and check tire and fluid levels on our 2009 Chevy Cobalt.

Draining all the old oil out of the pan and the old filter. There's a sermon illustration here. All the old must come out and be replaced by the new. Ephesians 4:22-24  "Put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and be renewed in the spirit of your minds to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."

Marv is the front desk man. And while he also does oil changes and repair work, he takes care of the customers. Over the years, I have come to appreciate Marv and Stu, and the other two mechanics at Second Street Auto Repair, Curt and Don. Lots of good conversation about all sorts of things (including politics).

Stu and Marv are both members of ELCA congregations - so, on occasion, there is some good theological discussion. Since the beginning (back in 2000 when Karol and I returned to Point), Marv has extended a gracious 10% "church discount" to me.

Downtown Stevens Point boasts of several "building size" murals. This mural recalling the lumbering days along the Wisconsin river is located on Water St. and faces the Wisconsin River.

The towspeople were primarily Polish and German with a minority of Jewish settlers in the mix (there once was a synagogue in Stevens Point, but when the number of males was less than 10, it had to close. The synagogue now houses a museum). This mural is located near the farmers market on the downtown square, painted on the wall of one of the numerous downtown drinking establishments. 

This mural is located on the east side of the post office (note the mailbox on the left side of the mural). Townspeople gather by a "styleized" courthouse.

Finally, a picture of one of the three gardens that Andrew tends. This garden has spaghetti squash, summer zucchini, sweet corn, some onions and a few tomato plants. It's irrigated with water from Lake Jacqueline.