Off The Beaten Path

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Georgia, United States
Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some people move our souls to dance. They awaken us to new understanding with the passing whisper of their wisdom. Some people make the sky more beautiful to gaze upon. They stay in our lives for awhile, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never ever the same.

Wednesday, July 16

Broke Down In Mississippi

Utica, Mississippi (truly, out in the sticks)


I made one to many trips with the ole Van. So she decided to leave me setting late at night in Mississippi. All things considered I guess it was actually a good thing the water pump went out. I had it towed into Clinton from Utica, about 28 miles. Then spent the night at a Days Inn, the next morning they had the car ready to put back on the road. But they informed me I might give some thought to a new tire for the front. I took a look and low and behold that left front tire was down to wires on the inside edge. Where you really couldn't see it. That was some really funny tire wear, because on the outside it looked fine. I had two new tires put on the front.

On my way from Texas to Effie a big truck, BIGGGGGGGGG TRUCK, tossed a BIGGGGGG ROCK up and it shattered my side window. It is the little window shaped kind of like a diamond that doesn't open. This is on a van, and there are two smalled curved windows along side the passenger and drivers windows that actually open. I had to put tape over it because every time I would open or close the door, the glass would fall out. It broke into a million tiny pieces. I lost about 20 of them right in the center. The rock hit the corner, but it shattered upon impact, and then continued to make popping, cracking sounds for the next hour. Finally I stopped at a Wal Mart and bought some packaging tape and taped it good. That piece of glass is going to cost me.....they don't come cheap, unless I can find one in a wrecking yard. Which I am going to try to do. I am putting a lot of money onto this old Van, and truthfully I don't think I would trust it to make another long trip. I am going to have to buy either a new van or a car. I guess that will be my project for this next few weeks. To research and find a new car.

I have to say one thing about the people of Utica Mississippi, they are the bomb!! I couldn't have found nicer people. Two people stayed with me until the tow truck came. The lady who came by right after I drove in to the gas station, called the tow truck for me. And the old man who was there stayed right up until the tow truck took the car and us away. I wouldn't have tried to drive it another mile, by the time I got to the gas station I had driven without a working water pump for about 10 miles. My car was as hot as a pistol. It is a wonder I didn't burn up my head gasket.


10 comments:

Charlene Amsden said...

I am glad that you are safe and sound at home. All problems are more easily faced from home.

Neoma said...

Yeh, we were very glad to pull into our driveway......if your car breaks down close to home it isn't nearly as traumatic....

Lo Kelween said...

find a new car? Em, i am trying to get a cheap old car here so i don't have to cycle 20 minutes everyday just to go to school...it's tiring.

Kind people are everywhere, huh? you are bless to meet these people :)

Queenie said...

Gosh Nea I'm just so glad your OK. Your poor old Brumm, brum, do you think its time for it to go to the great scrap yard in the sky, or would you like me to send Dr Gorgeous over???

Neoma said...

Hi elween, well when I say new car, it might not be a brand new car, but it will be new to us, and not a junker, can't do that anymore.

The problem I have with getting rid of this car, I am attached to it emotionally. I bought it new on Mother's Day 1993, and I drove it clear across the country....in 2000. I have gone camping in it, hauled rocks with it, taken Lou in it and the cat in it with me. For some reason it is hard for me to let go.....of it.

Neoma said...

Hi Queenie, I wish like everything I had a Dr. Gorgeous car mechanic "live in" that could keep it running it tip top shape for me, I would never sell it. haha.

We are fine, it wasn't even that traumatic, everything worked out, everyone was so nice, and we just used it as an adventure. What else can you do?

Bill ~ {The Old Fart} said...

Nea ~ Glad you are safe and home in one piece. When a vehicle gets old, one has to decide if they want to put more money into it or retire it and get something new.

A Blessed day is wished for you.

Avus said...

Just wasn't your day was it? However, I have always found that the upside to adversity is the caring, friendly folk who help you out. If it had not been for the breakdown you would never have known them.

Neoma said...

Hi Bill, definitely decided to get something new. It is almost 15 years old, actually it was 15 in May. Going on 16 years I have had this van. I think I am extitled to a new vehicle.....hha

Neoma said...

HI Avus, yeh, by the time the water pump went, I was feeling like it was a trip that should not have been made. but I knew before I left it was risky in the ole van. But our other car is almost as old. We really need a new one. going shopping this month for one, our problem is we don't know what to get. I want a Volkswagon Passat.