Oops, I missed a day. Oh well. I suppose that will happen from time to time. Nerve-racking experiences have a way of interrupting our routines.
I have developed this fear in my old age....... 2 years ago we moved to the country. Wayyy out in the country. You can drive for 8 miles and not see much more than a few houses and farms. And worse yet?? No cell phone service.
Yesterday I ran some errands. I was about 5 miles from home and steam started flying out of my hood. I figured I blew a hose on my radiator, but the temp light wasn't on. I drive a dinosaur and so the light would be my only indication that something was wrong, other than the steam.
I really know a lot about cars, for a woman that is...I married two mechanics and my brothers were grease monkey's when we were growing up. I knew the damage I might cause if I continued to drive. But I did it anyway.... It was 97 degrees in the shade... not one other car on the road, and I wore flip flops. No way was I stopping. I just kept driving and praying, and checking my cell, for those beloved bars telling me I had a signal. ( A person can really get themselves worked up in a situation like this.) Scared even.......
The road winded and twisted, each turn bringing me closer and closer to a nervous breakdown, while I pushed on to the safety of my home. About 2 miles from my destination the dash temp light started to blink, spurring me to get home even faster....(unconcerned to the damage I may be causing to my engine) . Then the blinking changed to a solid glow, followed by the larger, even more ominous "check engine " light. I was petrified!
By now the steam was rolling out from under the hood like the smoke stacks at a steam plant. I imagine it was quite a site. The look of terror on my face as I gripped the steering wheel and floored the gas pedal, praying like a mad woman "Oh Lord, please get me home, Oh Lord please get me home".....
I careened around a curve startling a front porch farmer that never looks up but always waves... I promise you, he looked up, and for the first time, he didn't wave. My car must have looked like an old, runaway steam freight, wide open coming round the bend!
I was coasting down the hill right around the curve from my driveway when I heard the whistling....I guess I actually sounded like an old steamfreight too. I made it up the long driveway and coasted to a stop. I gotta tell ya, I have never been so happy to be in my own driveway in my life. I thanked the good Lord before I ever got out of my car.
When my husband got home he took a look at that poor old car and reducing my mini nightmare in one felt swoop he said, "Oh it's nothing. You just have a little pin hole in the radiator. I'll fix it this weekend. Just keep water in it till then"
Keep water in it till then?? I got news for him.... if he wants groceries, or anything else that requires me to drive that car, he will fix it today! As far as I'm concerned, I just had one of the most harrowing experience's I have had in years. And believe me, I don't plan to repeat it anytime soon!
Today, I give relevance to the automobile.... That which I have always tended to take for granted.. I will no more.....
xxxooo, Tammy
