The odd thing about obstacles is that they often occur with time to deal with them. Occasionally they wait to wreak havoc at the last moment. I went by Big John's for last minute provisions for my drive to Palm Springs. The plan was to leave at 3 or 4AM and drive through with a pit stop at Harris Ranch. They have superb and gigantic breakfasts. I waltz out with my stuff and hop in my trusty vehicle turn the key and NOTHING!!! AAA arrived in 15 minutes [that's a record!] and jump started the car. The delightful gentleman informed me that I most likely needed a new battery. He did not have the type I needed and suggested I high-tail it to Les Schwab as they would be open until 8PM. I called and got no answer. He also told me that Walmart would be open on New Year's Day. I called and they had closed the automotive dept. at 6 but would be open at 6:AM tomorrow. I slept fitfully but got to Walmart at 6:10. There was no one in the automotive department and they would not be in until 8:30. Sensing my anger and grief an elderly shelf-stocker said he would see if we could find the correct battery. We did! I bought it and brought it out to the car. No tools! No phone! In my hysteria my mind had shut down. I ran into Walmart once again and bought an inexpensive crescent wrench and went to work. It wasn't easy; I should have had a socket set. I did at home. I gerry-rigged it and turned the key. Viola! I soon discovered that my socket set was not metric and therefore completely useless. Lucky for me my roomie had the necessary sockets and I put it all back in order. I ran around stuffing the car with everything I had previously packed, hopped in and I was off. I made it to Harris Ranch in time for lunch and relaxed for the first time in 24 hours. Then I started to remember what i forgot. That's all I have been doing since.
I did make it down here in remarkable time and had a lovely evening with friends. Today I see more friends and tomorrow The Palm Springs International Film Festival.
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