Yeah, the "nervous not a jerk" thing really hit me, I used to think no one could misread a date that badly, but that cat story changed my mind.

Totally get this. I took the Greyhound from Portland to Seattle once instead of the train and honestly the slower pace made it feel like a road trip, plus I saved enough to grab a decent meal when I got there.

Honestly that hour meter is doing more than just counting time. That 7,015 hours tells you the real story, which is that this motor has been through way more heat cycles and dust loading than most units see in twice the hours. The fact the bearings are still tight means youve been consistent with that oiling, so the motor itself is probably fine for another few thousand. But if you want a reason to swap it early, check the insulation on the windings, not the bearings. If the varnish is brittle or flaking near the connection block, that motor will die suddenly on a 105 degree day, not gradually. That hour meter is your warning system, so I say let it ride but inspect the wiring and capacitor every spring.