Well life has been good. I need to update my thread but the Benz is purring like a kitten. I've been working a ton, and picked up a new commuter car as I've been out the hills some and 65 horsepower isn't cutting it. As well, I don't want to put the miles on my Benz (1970 220D).

I bought a Nissan Versa. Renault and Nissan went together on a new motor design and a new builder in Japan. Aluminum block. DOHC with variable valve timing. Manual trans. Fun little car. With the valve timing it advances over 4k rpm. Gets on the freeway nice but gets 40 mpg. And most importantly, the cheapest car in the US market. I got a 2014 with 12k miles for $11k, $12.2k out the door.

However, it has hydraulic lifters, and I'm having a problem already. No big deal. It happens. But the dealership says its normal for the motor to have all that tapping...

I was upset. I don't want to be running it with out 100% valve lift. I don't want to break down in the middle of nowhere with no service.

I thought the world was ending. Stressed and loosing sleep over it. Trying to figure out how to make them fix it.

Sunday night was the worst. Preparing to call the dealership again the next morning.

I wake up in the morning to a field worker from the farm at my house. He saw a guy leaving the ranch and noticed the main house on the property was open.

We go in, and it was crazy. It looked like he played dress up cowboy and read the encyclopedia. TV on, dirty pan on the stove.

We checked the property. Someone stayed in the motorhome and went in the barn. With trying three different places out, we assumed it was goldilocks on meth.

Fast foreword to the end of the day after the field workers left. Obviously we had sheriffs out all day. Sitting on my porch when I see a guy pop up behind our barn. He sees me, doesn't run, and stares. I go for the shotgun, and he walks off.

Cops everywhere. We couldn't find him. He was wearing camo. However, we found his truck across the highway. We have a cattle crossing underneath. We hide waiting for him to come through. After a few hours we give up, but also figured out the truck is registered to a neighbor. So they will get him eventually anyways.

Cops leave. I go over to the truck to snap a photo to show the worker who saw it, confirm its the same.

Right when I get there, he walks up. Wearing one of our company shirts...

I try to block the truck, while on the phone with 911 (called 7 times that day). He has a crazy annoyed look, like who am I to call him out for trespassing. Well, I'm the ranch security guard, cause I'm not good at much else around here.

He walks right up. Looks in and a gigantic dog in the car, and a shotgun on the seat. I tried to cover it but couldn't.

Decides to walk away, gets in his truck, and drives through bushes to get out. I tailed him from a distance, straight to his house. By the time sheriffs get there he is behind a locked gate. Couldn't get a warrant or right to enter the property. I track down his parents to get permission to enter, and we accidentally talk to his brother.

We give up, everyone leaves, and I went home. Within 45 minutes, I see someone walking up to my house, with a gas can in hand. I assume the worst, he's here to burn the place down. Decision time. Do I go outside to stop him and possibly have to shoot him if he draws, or hide in my house. I decided if the house lights on fire I have time to get out, and that his life is worth more than this house ($10 million +, it's not mine).

He gets all the way back out to our gate (locked). I drive out and bait him back in. I wanted this over, and sheriffs were close. Someone is with him, couldn't see a face.

The moment those cop cars roll in was a gigantic relief. I thanked the 911 operator repeatedly. He's probably used to that.

The parents found out the cops were looking for him. He told them he stole a gas can. He came back to return the can and $20. I didn't recognize the can.

Cops put the pressure on, and he spills the beans. Relief, less of a chance of future problems.

I feel bad for the parents. Although I had a massive anxiety attack after it was over, they probably have it worse.

At first we thought drugs. But after being close up, I saw clear eyes and kormal pupils, and a wild crazy attitude.

Hopefully he doesn't come back. I'm moving houses temporarily as I'm here alone and he came to my door.

But today, I'm buying a pistol, as it's difficult to sprint with a shotgun.

After it all, I felt I need to make up with anyone I have problems with. I need to pursue the girl I like. I need to expand my company asap.

You never know when you will no longer have the chance. Don't miss it.