“Whirr, whirr, kachunk! Whirr, whirr, kachunk!” These are the dreadful sounds that greet me as I try to start the mighty Tacoma. In the 11 years we have been together, she has never failed to start instantaneously. The symptoms are unmistakeable – flat battery.

My extraordinary good luck holds, as the engine grunts into life on the last death-rattle attempt. Phew!

I immediately drive to O’Reilly https://www.oreillyauto.com/?srsltid=AfmBOooUVnrZhD1t3unI0zBjuJ1hWpK75bCNV8tvnpKs9eIbE_pSjAbj the best auto part store in San Francisco. It is not far away on Geary. https://www.google.com/maps/search/O’Reilly+Auto+Parts/@37.7808825,-122.5370085,13z?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDgxOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

The bartenders a short, very happy guy who with great skill guides me through the different possibilities for a 2010 Tacoma battery. This may sound dullish – not so. I learned so much about batteries.

” Would you like me to fit it for you sir?”

“Why, sure.”

He fills up my washer fluid and generally makes sure everything is OK. All this while exuding a magical aura of happiness and joy.

“No charge, sir.” What a great man. Thank you O Reilly.

James makes it back from Geneva after adventures!