Sunday morning, at 55 mph on Nicholasville Road, the engine turned off. Just turned off. Wouldn’t turn back on. So we waited for a tow truck.

Today, we have been told that the engine is dead, and needs to be replaced. There’s nothing that can be done to fix it.

So, we’re now trying to decide whether to repair, replace, or do without. Each has its advantages. Each has enormous inconveniences. And it’s deeply frustrating to have this happen so soon after the completion of the work of art that was painted on it.

We could certainly replace it with something hugely more fuel efficient, and that in itself might save money in the long run. But, of course, I’m very fond of my Jeep, and very sad to see it go. Anybody know how I might go about locating a replacement engine that won’t cost me a fortune? Meanwhile, I guess I’ll be biking more often.