Ok. I was holding back information in last night's post. The reason we spent the night in Omaha is because of car troubles. I didn't want to say anything on yesterday's blog because we both didn't want our parents to worry. (Yep, we're both adults, but we still let mom & dad control our actions, even when we're hundreds of miles from home! Crazy.)
Anyway, yesterday, we noticed that the automatic transmition felt strange as we drove the rolling hills in eastern Missouri. First, we thought it might be the extra weight from all that pizza we ate at Shakeapeare's. Ha! Then, somewhere a little north of Kansas City, an indicator light came on and we feared it was getting worse. Nevertheless, we drove the rest of the afternoon thinking positive thoughts while keeping our fingers crossed. Eventually, the positive thoughts faded and our finger got tired. So, as we arrived in Council Bluffs, Iowa, we gave in to the warning signs and pulled off the interstate in search of help. Fortunately, someone was looking out for us (Thanks for all the extra prayers, Mom!) because the place we stopped was a God-send. That's why I've gotta say: the next time anyone's looking for a car near Council Bluffs, Iowa, be sure to check out McMullen Ford. We arrived there at 5:53 p.m. They close at 6 p.m. Anyway, their guy at the front desk, Glenn Smith, helped us find a Honda dealer (We're driving Ann's Honda CR-V.) and a hotel near that dealer so we could get to the dealer bright & early in the morning. As a matter of fact, the Ford guy called the Honda dealer and talked to some people that he knows to try to pull some strings to get us in as early as possible. Wasn't that nice?!?! He even downloaded and printed out a map for us to find the Honda dealer and hotel. Can you believe it?!?! I've never bought a Ford before, but I tell you what, Glenn Smith (the Service Advisor at McMullen Ford) is making me think twice. I just might have to check out a Ford the next time I'm in the market for a car. Glenn was real patient and helpful, and offered us assistance well past the 6 p.m. closing time.
Anyway, yesterday, we noticed that the automatic transmition felt strange as we drove the rolling hills in eastern Missouri. First, we thought it might be the extra weight from all that pizza we ate at Shakeapeare's. Ha! Then, somewhere a little north of Kansas City, an indicator light came on and we feared it was getting worse. Nevertheless, we drove the rest of the afternoon thinking positive thoughts while keeping our fingers crossed. Eventually, the positive thoughts faded and our finger got tired. So, as we arrived in Council Bluffs, Iowa, we gave in to the warning signs and pulled off the interstate in search of help. Fortunately, someone was looking out for us (Thanks for all the extra prayers, Mom!) because the place we stopped was a God-send. That's why I've gotta say: the next time anyone's looking for a car near Council Bluffs, Iowa, be sure to check out McMullen Ford. We arrived there at 5:53 p.m. They close at 6 p.m. Anyway, their guy at the front desk, Glenn Smith, helped us find a Honda dealer (We're driving Ann's Honda CR-V.) and a hotel near that dealer so we could get to the dealer bright & early in the morning. As a matter of fact, the Ford guy called the Honda dealer and talked to some people that he knows to try to pull some strings to get us in as early as possible. Wasn't that nice?!?! He even downloaded and printed out a map for us to find the Honda dealer and hotel. Can you believe it?!?! I've never bought a Ford before, but I tell you what, Glenn Smith (the Service Advisor at McMullen Ford) is making me think twice. I just might have to check out a Ford the next time I'm in the market for a car. Glenn was real patient and helpful, and offered us assistance well past the 6 p.m. closing time.
Anyway, this morning, we got to the Honda dealer as they were opening at 7:30. (I was impressed that Ann was coherent. I'm the morning person, not her. So, I was the one jabbering for the first few minutes of the day.) In the photo, you can see Ann checking in her CR-V at the dealer. Little did we know that it was soon to be her car's final resting place.
Found out the car needed a new transmission, which would cost way too much!!! So, we've spent an interesting day at the two Honda dealers in town shopping for a car. We also talked to the car rental people as we considered all our options. It's been crazy! After weighing the pros and cons, Ann decided to buy a used CR-V, which will be ready tomorrow. It's red (Ann's family's favorite car color!), has a sun roof (thought you'd be impressed Betty) and is roomier than the old one. On one hand, we'll be more comfortable. On the other hand, we probably aren't going to Brookings or the Race for Beef & Eggs Saturday morning. Oh well, things could be worse.
Another bright point (Or should I say bright points?) is that I got to return to Chalco Hills Recreation Area and get in a 7-mile run around Wehrspahn Lake. I went for a run there last night (not the entire 7-mile loop) and had to stop in my tracks to take in its stunning beauty. As I ran, I saw lots of lightning bugs along the path around the lake. But one area, about the size of a volleyball court, was simply amazing. It had grass about a foot tall and was just swarming with lightning bugs. Instead of a few random blinking specks, like in my back yard, this area was sparkling because there were so many lightening bugs and they were all going crazy! When I
went back this afternoon, I brought my camera. The first picture is a view of the lake's concrete running path, wildflowers and the lake. The second one shows a grassy field that "sparkled" at night because of the massive number of lightning bugs.
Another bright point (Or should I say bright points?) is that I got to return to Chalco Hills Recreation Area and get in a 7-mile run around Wehrspahn Lake. I went for a run there last night (not the entire 7-mile loop) and had to stop in my tracks to take in its stunning beauty. As I ran, I saw lots of lightning bugs along the path around the lake. But one area, about the size of a volleyball court, was simply amazing. It had grass about a foot tall and was just swarming with lightning bugs. Instead of a few random blinking specks, like in my back yard, this area was sparkling because there were so many lightening bugs and they were all going crazy! When I
went back this afternoon, I brought my camera. The first picture is a view of the lake's concrete running path, wildflowers and the lake. The second one shows a grassy field that "sparkled" at night because of the massive number of lightning bugs.
4 comments:
OMG you guys!!! What a way to start the trip. Keep looking at the positive side of things. Our Ford Crown Vic was really a great car and Ben always had good luck with his Taurus. The field of lightening bugs sounds awesome. Al, you should be a travel writer. May St. Christopher continue to travel with you and protect you. (You might want to stop and get a medal or statue.)
You guys just have to one-up everyone! At least it happended at the beginning of the trip, when you're still rested, pumped, and talking to each other (unlike a certain Florida trip, right Ann?!?). Joan is sounding more and more like Grandma Seyer every day. Since it's Ann's car, maybe she should get a medal or statue of a Lutheran saint. :)
Holy Cow!!! Hopefully you all have the bad Karma done with and now you can just enjoy the rest of the trip! I'm loving this blog. In case you don't get to the Corn Palace, maybe you can watch the re-run on Channel 9 I saw it the other day it was amazing!
It's 11:03pm MST. Sitting here at my computer just waiting for the next entry. I'll set my alarm for 3:00am so I can get the latest. If nothing then, I'll check at 6:00am. Worried I might miss some excitement from the Midwest. Don't know if I'll get any sleep. LOL!! Hope we can meet up in Denver! Tim Millar p.s. Hello to all the 'Frinks!
Post a Comment