Where have I been? Taking a decidedly lengthy detour

Mark Glover’s AutoGlo car reviews can be seen here and in the Cruisin’ News, "Oregon, Nevada and California's classic auto news & marketplace."

Sacramento, California -- Those who follow me closely know that I have been out of the lineup for the past couple of weeks or so.

There's a reason for that.  Here it is:

On Dec. 22, I came home from a 3.5-mile jog and was feeling fine as I changed out of my sweats in my garage.  Suddenly, I experienced an overwhelming wave of vertigo ... something that has occasionally happened to me over more than 20 years.

Only this time, I woke up on the concrete floor of my garage with a golf ball-size knot on the left side of my forehead.  My son, Charles, transported me to the emergency room at nearby Mercy San Juan Medical Center in Carmichael.  Tests followed.  Conclusion: Nasty fall, probable concussion but, otherwise, no lasting damage. I went home that night.

On Jan. 7, I was overcome with intense pain and pressure in my head and was again rushed to the hospital.  Conclusion this time around: a brain bleed.  In technical terms, a stroke.  What followed was two weeks in the hospital, with more than half that time in intensive care.

After countless tests, readings and meds, I was finally cleared to go home on Monday, Jan. 22. The primary concern has been stabilizing my blood pressure, although the long-standing causes of my medical situation are likely more complex than just that.  Happily, I have no physical or mental handicaps as a result of all this.  For this, I'm most grateful.  And needless to say, the healing powers of being home have already made a difference as I baby step my way back to something like normal.

Some of you sent messages of encouragement my way during this ordeal.  For those, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart.  Just knowing that people care is a big deal.

And so, the immediate plan is to rebuild my strength -- I lost 20 pounds between Jan. 7 and Jan. 23 -- and get back out on the road again, although my initial car testing likely will be closer to home in the first quarter of the year.

Otherwise, thanks to all who read my words.  It's good to be on the comeback trail....MHG

Set to indulge yourself? Ultra Luxury Toyota is for you

This review first appeared in the November 2023 edition of the Cruisin' News, "Oregon, Nevada and California's classic auto news & marketplace."

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Sacramento, California -- Sometimes, you want to indulge yourself ... You've earned it, right?

Few vehicles fill this need better than the tested 2023 Lexus LX 600 Ultra Luxury sport-utility vehicle. When you have a full-size, three-row Lexus SUV that has "Ultra Luxury" in the model name, well, you know you're in for some all-star pampering ... and state-of-the-art technology.

Let's start with the radar-based pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. Intelligent cruise control is there, of course. Plus intelligent high beams. And you have a panoramic view monitor to go with your multi-terrain monitor.

Nearly a dozen multimedia/connectivity systems can entertain a platoon and keep you connected to up-to-the-minute data as you cruise along.

Driver and passengers are treated to exquisite leather-stitched seating with embossed headrests.  The second-row seats are captain's chair recliners with massage function.  There's four-zone climate control and a handy cool box in the center console to keep your beverages chilled on your journey.  Thematic ambient lighting is part of the deal, as is a Mark Levinson surround-sound system.

Yes, it's staggering.  And I've only scratched the surface.  Any buyer will need to devote serious time to the owner's manual to make sure he/she masters the myriad functions of the vehicle.

How does it drive?  Rock-solid smooth and surprisingly peppy off the line, thanks to a 3.4-liter, twin-turbo V-6 rated at 409 horsepower.  Accelerations are quick; no need to wait for the revs to load up to feel the SUV's muscle.

I will say that the LX 600 Ultra Luxury looks very much like a shoulder-square SUV, although it rides high on 22-inch forged alloy wheels.

There's a price to pay for the power curve: fuel mileage is only 17 miles per gallon in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.

So, what's the bottom line on this rolling wonder?  On my tester, the sticker was $130,995. Yes, we're talking about a certain income bracket here.

But if you have the coin, this LX has the goods to make you happy, and then some.  So, set about indulging.