Heisenberg had some thoughts on that.  You will have all the tools to fix
whatever broke last time.  You will have all but one essential bit to fix
what broke this time.  (12pt triplesquare f'rinstance.  However under the
mysterious good graces of that rubber frog on the dash you will be able to
limp miserably home rather than bleach by the side of the forgotten byway
you so adventureously set out to explore.

Learn to change a tire by yourself, in the rain, in your driveway.  Learn to
replace the headlight switch by flashlight in deep fog and 30 degrees, in
your driveway.  Replace the alternator belt with the new one you bought.  In
the dark...etc etc.

Then,according to Robert Pirsig, you may be worthy of true vanagon
enjoyment.

Cane Rattler

On Fri, Jan 9, 2009 at 1:17 PM, joel walker <uncajoel@bellsouth.net> wrote:

> just so all you newbies don't forget what you may not have learned
> already ....
>
>   Tales of the Workshop
>   by Robert W. Service-Advisor   :)
>
>           The Rules
>
>  When they step up inside, as you go for a ride,
>  And the first thing they see are the tools,
>  Then they'll ask with a smirk if you do your own work,
>  Cause they have no idea of The Rules.
>
>  For it's Tried and it's True: What you carry with you
>  Will help you get back; and it's certain
>  What you leave back at home, as the country you roam,
>  Will not help on the road when you're hurtin'.
>
>  As you go through the years, you will learn from your tears
>  All the tools you will need on the road,
>  And you increase the weight, in attempts to cheat fate,
>  Adding more and more tools to your load.
>
>  Now, it's sad, but in trucks, fuel economy sucks,
>  And gets worse with all that piled aboard,
>  But the point we make here is that gas ain't so dear;
>  Don't let tools and spare parts be ignored.
>
>  So the bus weighs a lot. Even more when you've got
>  All the spare parts your money can buy
>  Hidden under the seat, stacked so careful and neat,
>  In the hope Murphy's Law won't apply.
>
>  But since Murphy still lives, and he seldom forgives,
>  No matter how much you have pleaded,
>  The Rules make it plain, but we'll state it again:
>  Carry with you whatever is needed.
>