8/16/07

There’s nothing like being a damsel in distress. I’ve just realized that I’m not very good at it. I was merrily on my way home from a farmer’s market when the unexpected happened. My truck started losing momentum, almost like I was running out of gas. But I had more than half a tank, so I was befuddled. Downshifting, I realized I had better get off the highway, for I was seriously losing power. I pulled onto the side of the highway, barely off the road, and better yet, on a bridge. Thank goodness for AAA and cell phones. It did not feel nice to sit there, helpless, with trucks and cars whizzing by, waiting and wondering how the rest of this day was going to go. And as I waited, of course the mind wanders and I began thinking about all the stories of just such a scenario where someone rams into the parked, broken down vehicle and- oh, don’t think about this anymore… Is it safer in the truck or out on the bridge itself? And it doesn’t hurt to note that every time the big rigs flew by, the entire bridge shook. This happened at least every second or two.

Tonto

AAA shows up in very respectful time and tows me into Vallejo to a “car clinic”. Meanwhile, I’ve tried to call my husband a half a dozen times. This will be a difficult task because I know he’s out working in the orchard, and won’t likely listen to the messages for some time. I begin plan B and call a friend to prepare them to drive to my house and tell Gene what’s going on. They were not near the phone either, but did get back to me quickly. If I had AAA Plus, the tow truck driver informs me, he could drive me all the way home. Not the case… We arrive at the “car clinic” at approximately 3:15 PM and they won’t even look at my truck until the morning. Great, and I am two hours from home, loaded with my week’s worth of precious veggies, fruits, cheese, etc… And to think, it had been SUCH a good day, WHY? After a few more tries to contact my husband, he finally answers. His first response was “You’re kidding?” Well, naturally, I wish I were… What to do? Thankfully he calls a friend who has a friend with a car trailer and they will be down to get me and my truck full of goodies. And MAYBE we’ll be home before dark. I’m doing my best to remain calm (in an uncomfortable situation) and patient, but one cannot avoid the unbelievable frustration. I know my faithful truck well enough to know it’s probably nothing major, but that does me no good sitting here in this dismal parking lot, waiting for how long. But the real picture isn’t so bleak. I am not stuck on the bridge, nor flattened by a haphazard driver. I will be rescued and I have plenty of wonderful produce to eat while I wait. It’s not too hot or too cold and it’s daytime. In a situation such as this it is difficult to find the positive, but what are ya gonna do? Plus I get to sit and reflect and write- all is not lost! And before too long, I will be headed home, safely, and this temporary setback will be behind me. Heavy sigh…