The last few days has been very humid in Chicago and for the first time ever I heard water in the condensate drain tray for the evaporator.

Went out to get my double espresso this afternoon and realized that the water was up to the fan.....so I took the side panel off to drain it....it's easiest to have a compressor hose ready (if you have one), disconnect the orange tit, plug the drain with your thumb and use the other hand to blow out the drain. Then hook the drain back up and let it drain. Hard to catch the water otherwise...

That's done.

<b>Replacement S8</b>
So I've been obsessed with looking at S8's lately and how I would modify it...found an Andora Red 02 in Denver with black interior with alcantara including seats.

I sent skiracer and ohbw over there today.....it sold between the time I talked to the guy yesterday and today.

Oh well, guess it wasn't for me.

Isn't the best part looking?

My objectives today were three: (1) macro photo documentation of the prospect car for Paul; (2) take skiracer to a restaurant I love for lunch; (3) get a good look at and long ride in ski's new S8.

I wanted the last one so bad I put off going to look at the car for Paul yesterday until Doug could get up here today and we could go together. Naturally they sold the car last night. Mea culpa, Paul!

The lunch was moderate to bad -- the chef only cooks at night, I guess. I'm pretty sure they let the dishwasher cook our lunch. Doug's either on his way back to Denver or headed to the ER, I can't safely guess which.

And the '03 S8 with 25K on the odo that skiracer just bought? What a mess! On the right side, somewhere, a nick almost the size of a 1/4" piece of pencil lead! On the left side, a little blur in the paint -- might rub out, I dunno -- damn near as big as your little fingernail! And also...and also...

Well, besides that, it's perfect. What a gorgeous, gorgeous ride. Black with caramel leather and sycamore, and boy does that sycamore tie the caramel leather and the black carpets and dash together. Very beautiful car. Just a smidge peppier off the line than my A8 (okay, two smidges and some burnt rubber). Very nice Recaros. Simply an immaculate buggy. (Note to S8 shoppers: Doug said he put 3-4 months into the search.)

I'd tell you how much he paid for it but it isn't my business to do so, and it would startle you all -- less than I thought for what was an $85K car on a showroom floor just a few moons ago.

Couldn't have happened to a nicer guy. Ski has a good life, and does fascinating work, and I enjoyed the long visit. Keep your antennae out, Paul, there seems to be some very cherry S8 iron (aluminum!) out there if you look hard enough.

I almost forgot to illustrate my post. See this woman? See that freckle in the center of her chest?! That's what ski's S8 is like -- a complete fiasco!

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/84266/lp0431.jpg">

Just don't send me the ER bill.....

Just got some pictures of the 02 I was telling you about....black with alcantara.....I like it because it's unique.

<img src="http://www.audipages.com/images/sm_02_1.jpg">
<img src="http://www.audipages.com/images/sm_02_2.jpg">
<img src="http://www.audipages.com/images/sm_02_3.jpg">
<img src="http://www.audipages.com/images/sm_02_4.jpg">
<img src="http://www.audipages.com/images/sm_02_5.jpg">

It was great to run into you @ Costco in Alpharetta, Ga. yesterday. Who'd have thunk it?? Let's get together @ Taco Mac for a beer next week and discuss the merits of A8's vs Toyota hybrids.... And drink a few beers!
Phil C

I really enjoyed talking with ohbw and learning about some of the things he's had to overcome in his life- amazing story! Although we were abject failures on our primary mission (looking at an S8 for Paul), overall the afternoon was quite enjoyable. Nice weather, good company, and a great car to haul us around. Paul- let me know if you find another S8 in Colorado you need to have inspected, and I'll try to get there a little quicker! Keep up the hunt!

Is that 02 black on beige with beige alcantara on the seats? I thought the alcantara was always dark gray/black, and only found on rare black or silver 01s