How can Monday morning get any worse? Turning the key in the ignition and only getting a clicking noise. Try again. Wait a bit. Try again. Nothing. Pop the hood. Yeah. I’ve no clue what’s going on under there, but that’s what you’re supposed to do. Just stare at the engine for a bit. After consulting with my #1 Car Guy (Dad), it was just a dead battery. Whew!

To the auto parts store! Advanced Auto Parts determined we did need a new battery, although I’m not sure the youngster that helped us was adept at the battery checking machine. Advanced Auto Parts did have the $125 (pre-tax) battery in stock. All we needed to do was drive an hour into Milwaukee and pick it up because they couldn’t transfer it to our local store. Forget that!

We rushed down the road to NAPA which was on the verge of closing for the evening. Luckily, they not only had the battery in stock, it also was equipped with a handle which you will find your battery could really use if you ever find yourself in this situation. The best news was it was only $92 with tax. Thank you, NAPA!

And for those of you counting, Bessie was at 104,000 miles or so and was about a week shy of her 7th birthday. Not a bad lifespan for a battery.

Fate nearly wiped Bessie out today at 99,998 miles. A flock of turkeys decided to take flight just as Bessie passed. They, of course, decided to cross the road. Luckily, we didn’t find out why, they all made it safely across and Bessie traveled on for another 2 miles to hit…

100,000 miles! Yeah!

So, in preparation for this momentous occasion, the camera was in hand and on at 99,998 miles. Unfortunately, in my efforts to avoid the turkeys, the camera was forgotten. Or perhaps it was fortunate since I’m still here to talk about it and bring you a photo and video of the 100,000 mile mark. Also available, Bessie’s “anniversary” gift of a car wash video. It’s not thrilling. Don’t watch it. You’ve been warned.

Bessie traveled to International Autos, Milwaukee, to visit the youngest member of the new MINI line, the MINI Clubman. We didn’t get a chance to take a spin in the new Clubman. However, we did get a chance to trample through the spacious backseat. No one I know walked purchased a Clubman, but our curiosity was satiated. My aesthetic sense is still not quite happy with the back contrast. Here’s to hoping they make those body colored next year. Bessie was thankful she wasn’t being replaced by the younger, roomier model. View photos…