Search This Blog

Thursday, January 2, 2014

Obstacles and Observations

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.

No comments:

Total Pageviews