I have friends here in Northern Canada that have Honda Accords and they have no problems at all, and they just use All Season tires! And we get a pile of snow! Parents have an AWD Toyota Venza that is great as well. Not too be rude or anything, many times its the driver and not the car! I know some cars that are extra wide can be a bit troublesome as the "tracks" in the snow are a bit narrower, but that shouldn't be a problem for the Accord. You stated your husband has a SUV, how does he like it? I love the Venza, as I stated my parents have 1---they liked it so much, my inlaws bought 1 as well--but they reside in Florida, so snow is not an issue,lol

Coolmama, As long as I can remember, pets have filled a 'void' in my life. They are so loyal, trusting & make no judgements. They love you unconditionally regardless of your age, status, beliefs, faults etc. I don't recall ever being without a cat & since I've had a house, a dog also. Many years ago, when I was 18 & living in a fourplex apt. in the country, I had a cat Shamu. One fall day, while visiting a farm, the workers found an infant bunny in a bale. I recall them saying that is was unusual for the time of year & bunny had no chance. So, I said I'd take it home, which I did. I fed Buffy with a doll's bottle with Shamu sitting at my feet, awaiting his turn. Yes, I fed that cat, too, so he didn't feel left out. Later, when Buffy ate potato peels, when I prepared a meal, Shamu ate raw potato peels. I think Buffy thought it was a cat, & loved to snuggle with Shamu even trying to nurse. Buffy thrived & even knew it's name, coming when I called. He & Shamu were the best of friends. I loved that bunny & had a stong bond - bottle feeding is so special. As usual, Shamu slept in bed with me, while Buffy slept in a box, with a screen on top, nearby. One morning Buffy wasn't in the box. Much to my horror, I found Buffy dead under the bed. I was devastated. I had a difficult time coping, as did Shamu. At the time, it really bothered me that it had died alone, without a sound. The slightest sound from a critter, awakes me. I learned very quickly that mourning a pet isn't socially accepted, generally. No one understood the grief I was experiencing. Basically, the attitude was it was "just" a wild rabbit. Oh well, big deal. This forum is wonderful as here there are people who understand, share your pain, & offer comfort. You do need to give yourself time to grieve. It's not easy. I've lost beloved pets since, & always have a hard time coping, more with some than others. My heart goes out to you. A gerbil, isn't JUST a gerbil, it's a piece of your heart. Summer

Well belts are usually thrown off from misalignment, moisture, tension issues, or pulley failures. It may have been a bearing failed again causing excessive out of round motion, water leaking out on it, cracked pulley on the drum, motor bearings, motor mount bushings. Just too many possibilities without seeing it while it spins with the belt on. You could pull the rear panel off and watch it while spinning and get some ideas. That belt doesnt have a lot of adjustment and there were 2 different belts released for it over the years it was manufactured. I remember one on my 4000 model was so darned tight even adjusted all the way out. Had I known at the time there were two different belts I would have tried a different one. I ended up buying the 7500 and giving the 4000 away though. I rebuilt the 7500 when it hit 10 years of use and have had no issues at all with it before and after the rebuild except some hard water deposits on the first drum. Dont sweat the motor too much. I have a few of them. LOL

This is an interesting thread! To keep or not to keep! Hard decisions to make. When I first started quilting 35 years ago, the intent was for all children and grandchildren to get a quilt. That got done and then I did about 5 or 6 for myself. And some of those first giftees have received seconds. And if someone asks, they will get another. But... I am retired, unable to be really physically active, don't travel, so spend a lot of time at the machine. My sister told me about her group that makes lap sized quilts for chemo patients. So that has become my project as well. Now I don't make art quilts or show quilts but I try to make something that I think will be appreciated by someone in need of comfort., and not just done slapdash but with thought and care. I have personally given about 10 to people I know, have taken well over a dozen to the Cancer Clinic and many have gone to the Save the Children Bazaar to be taken by anyone who needs one. I feel that I have been blessed with 'so much' that it is my privelege to be able to share. I understand the desire to keep what we have put heart and soul into making. No disrespect intended for anyone who feels this way. But for me, I would rather try to give comfort to someone who needs a hug, than fill a shelf in a closet. Off the soap box! And as Lois and I agree, quilting keeps us out of the bars. Theresa