What a wonderful weekend we just had! As I travel nurse, my husband team ropes, and the kids are grown and in different places -It becomes increasingly difficult for us to all be together. Our son came home to visit from the military (Army MP) and I was able to manage a trip home from my assignment. Our daughter had to work most of the time, but we managed to all get together to spend an entire day with friends and family. Of course, there are no pictures or evidence that this took place (which is ironic considering that we spent time digging through old photos). I always forget to take pictures! I laid in bed last night with regret since I know these times are fewer and fewer right now, and we never know what the future holds.
The trip back home was eventful as well. It is a long day when it goes well. It is even longer when it doesn’t. It always starts out a little emotional, which can be exhausting, but then I usually find my groove. Today, about 300 miles into the trip, I found myself being pulled over by a state trooper in southern Kansas for speeding (11 miles over). The officer was incredibly friendly, and I wished him well on his way (I thought this would be the “hiccup” for the day/trip). But, then, somewhere in the middle of Kansas, my car broke down, and I found myself stranded. I was on a two lane highway with no shoulder when the car just stopped (this is the second time that it has happened since I purchased it 4 months ago). I managed to get it to the side of the road on a sloping grass embankment. It would not start back up. Road side assistance reported an ETA of 2.5 hours, and it was hot. I had to unload Wookie and Mary to sit with me on the side of the road. I am well aware that I looked like a vagabond (and a victim waiting to happen). But, take note here: people in Kansas do not stop to offer help (at least not for a red head with a race car, a poodle, and a kitten).
My husband came in clutch (like he always does). He made a phone call from Texas and had someone on the way to help us within 20 minutes. We were all tired, hungry, thirsty, hot, and incredibly grateful (thank goodness Wookie and Mary are such great travelers).
Wookie, Mary, and I now sit comfortably in the camper (all in one chair) watching DVD’s, (Dish network has no signal here, internet is limited, and there are no local channels -a topic for another time) and relaxing. I expect that we will go to bed early and sleep well tonight (and try to figure out what to do with my car tomorrow).
Leave a Reply