Bon Voyage

I'll be heading off to Block Island in two hours! Hopefully, that is. As usual, something has gone wrong that may keep me from leaving on schedule and completely screw up my plans for getting on island. What else is new.

I had to bring in "Little Red", my beautiful Ford Escort, for inspection this week. I brought it in Monday but, of course, we were missing proper documentation and had to bring it in the next day. It was there bright and early but, when I went to pick it up at 5 o'clock, I was told she needed new tires.

I bit my nails as the mechanic explained what he needed to do. He asked me questions about what kind of tires I wanted which of course I couldn't answer because I know jackcrap about cars. "Just put on whatever will get it done fastest" I told him, and he assured me he'd have it ready by ten today at the latest. It was slightly later than I would like but still do-able.

I woke up this morning bright and early at 7 am, had a cup of coffee, and gathered some last minute belongings. As my Dad left for work, I asked him to swing by the gas station and check on the status of the car. As I feared, he called 15 minutes later to tell me it wouldn't be ready until noon. I was screwed. It takes six hours to get to Rhode Island which means I would miss my ferry, the last one available for the next four days. So I did what anyone would do and turned to Marie "Balls of Steel" Lachat to call and bitch at him, something she's very good at.

Luckily, bitching wasn't necessary, and she was able to get me the car by 11, making it possible, though difficult, to make it on time. She has to shell out a few extra dollars for more expensive tires, God bless her, but I at least now I have a shot of reaching my destination.

So I'll be waiting at the gas station at 10:30 staring down the mechanic in hopes that he'll get it done a little early. Then I'm off for a six hour drive. By Myself. For six hours. Alone. I'm betting by hour 4 I start talking to myself and by 5 I may attempt suicide. But if not, I'll be in Block Island by 7 tonight. Cross your fingers for me!